The Denim Trends Celebrities Are Ditching and What They're Wearing Instead for 2025
Some have officially moved on from some of the denim styles that once defined their off-duty looks.
If there’s one thing that’s become clear over the past few years, it’s that celebrities have seriously leveled up their denim game. The jeans they were wearing way back when feel almost unrecognizable compared to their current looks. It’s less about chasing fleeting trends now and more about finding silhouettes that actually flatter them—and I’m so here for it. Our girls are all grown up!
Take Kendall Jenner, for example. She’s traded in the distressed jeans that defined her off-duty style in the mid-2010s for baggy, cuffed pairs that feel infinitely cooler (and frankly, way cuter). She’s not alone either—other celebrities have followed suit, quietly retiring their 2016-era denim favorites in favor of styles that align with today’s more refined aesthetic. Obviously, trends have evolved, as have we, but it’s fun to look back at the pairs they’ve left behind and see what’s replaced them. Feel free to let this article inspire your next closet cleanout. We have recapped it all below.

Then: Distressed Jeans
Now: Baggy Cuffed Jeans
Kendall Jenner was once synonymous with distressed denim. I remember trying to copy her in my younger years despite my parents' complaints. Jenner’s distressed jeans were no joke; they were the kind of heavily ripped styles that defined the late 2010s off-duty model look. These days, she’s swapped them out for baggy, cuffed jeans that feel intentionally styled and far more elevated. The loose fit gives her outfits a laid-back polish, proving that she’s fully evolved past the “festival-ready” denim phase.
Shop Kendall Jenner–approved jeans:

Then: High RIse Jeans
Now: Low Rise Jeans
Rihanna has always done things her own way, but lately, her denim choices have reflected a new kind of ease. Throughout her consecutive pregnancies, she’s leaned into low-rise jeans that sit comfortably below the bump, often pairing them with crop tops or oversize jackets. It’s the perfect mix of cool and practical, and it feels like the most “her” she’s ever looked in denim.
Shop Rihanna-approved jeans:

Then: Skinny Jeans
Now: Straight Jeans
Zoë Kravitz has always had a knack for making even the simplest outfit look impossibly chic, and her denim evolution is no exception. She’s moved away from the skintight skinny jeans of the early 2010s and now favors sleek straight-leg styles that complement her effortlessly elegant aesthetic. The shift feels subtle but impactful—exactly what you’d expect from her.
Shop Zoë Kravitz–approved jeans:

Then: Skinny Flares
Now: Wide-Leg Jeans
Julia Roberts may be best known these days for her glamorous red carpet appearances, but her off-duty denim has had a glow-up, too. She’s traded in the skinny flares she once wore for dramatic wide-leg jeans, a look that’s been heavily influenced by Celine’s modern take on timeless silhouettes. It’s a chic update that feels sophisticated yet relaxed, and we love to see it.
Shop Julia Roberts–approved jeans:

Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of industry experience to the editorial team. Since joining in 2021, she has made her mark by blending luxury and accessible fashion, decoding runway trends, and curating must-have shopping lists. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra translates editorial expertise into viral social content, making fashion engaging for a new generation. Her unique perspective is rooted in her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.
-
If Parisians Walked Around in Leggings Like It Girls in NYC and L.A. Do, They'd Choose This Expensive-Looking Color TrendHint: It's not black or brown.
-
Winter's Just Around the Corner—13 Standout Zara Finds I Predict Will Sell Out Before the End of the MonthAffordable funnel-neck jackets, argyle knits, and rich-looking flats inside.
-
*Not* Black—6 Legging Color Trends Everyone Everywhere Will Be Wearing in 2026Everything you need to know about wearing leggings next year, all in one place.
-
From Luxe to Unexpected: I Speculate Celebs Will Ask for These Holiday GiftsYou heard it here first.
-
Suddenly, This Revealing Dress Trend Is Popular Again—These Are the Shoes That Make It Look TastefulJ.Lo knows how to dress both sophisticated and sultry.
-
My Stylish 56-Year-Old Mom Is a Picky Shopper—31 Chic Under-$100 Nordstrom Finds She Approves OfFunnel-neck coats, Fair Isle knits, and Levi's jeans inside.
-
The Trend That Will Make Denim Look Very 2026 Instead of 2025It's time to update your denim.
-
Jennifer Aniston Just Wore Wide-Leg Jeans With the Only Sneakers That Are Never at Risk of Going OutA forever style that fits in every wardrobe.

