Not Skinny, Not Barrel-Leg: The Denim Trend That Makes Every Outfit Look Effortlessly Chic
Not skinny, not barrel-leg—this is the denim trend Gen Z It girls are reaching for in 2026. Below, find five chic bootcut-jeans outfits to wear in 2026.
Skinny jeans are back, but if you're not on board just yet, let me introduce you to the 2026 denim trend Gen Z's It girls are reaching for instead. Bootcut jeans are the Gen Z answer to effortlessly chic outfits in 2026. The slim-flare cut instantly upgrades a boring white T-shirt and jeans into an indie-chic look that's ready to grace the cover of Charli XCX's next album.
Fashion people, such as Bella Hadid and Margot Robbie, have embraced the dated denim trend, styling it with fellow indie-grunge icons: graphic tees, Napoleon jackets (a hot-ticket item on Gen Z's 2026 fashion wish list), pointed-toe boots, faux-fur jackets, and more.
I found five Gen Z–coded bootcut-jeans outfits to wear in 2026. Included are the top shoes to wear with bootcut jeans (spoiler: moto boots and white trainers are in the lead) and the best bootcut jeans from denim-lover favourites like Levi's, Agolde, and Reformation. Sure, cigarette jeans are cute, but if you want my Gen Z–editor opinion, slim flares are so much better. Shop the trend and see how to style bootcut jeans below. Scroll for inspiration.
5 Effortlessly Chic Bootcut-Jeans Outfits
1. Faux-Fur Jacket + Bootcut Jeans + Biker Boots
Style Notes: Compound on the inherent indie sleaze appeal of low-rise bootcut jeans with a hiked-up graphic tee, a fluffy faux-fur jacket, Jackie Onassis–inspired sunglasses, a thick belt, and chunky boots to ground the look.
Shop the Look:
Obsessed.
Graphic tees are having a moment.
Levi's never lets me down.
How cool are these?
No one will guess this is from the high street.
2. Leather Jacket + Bootcut Jeans + Trainers
Style Notes: Looking for a casual bootcut-jeans outfit? Here's a perfect example of an effortlessly chic 'fit. A pair of white trainers, a boatneck long-sleeve, and a hoodie feel intuitive to the flared jeans.
Shop the Look:
The distressed leather gives this such a vintage feel.
Boat-neck tops are inherently elegant.
These look way more expensive than they're £28 price tag.
These will go with everything you own.
Dark grey suede will always get a yes from me.
The finishing touch.
3. Long Coat + Bootcut Jeans + Pointed Mules
Style Notes: A long leather trench, a beige tank, and pointed-toe shoes make bootcut jeans feel so luxurious.
Shop the Look:
So sleek.
This also comes in classic white.
Yes, to this entire outfit.
The perfect heel height, in my opinion.
The tinted lenses are a cool detail.
4. Velvet Jacket + Bootcut Jeans + Ankle Boots
Style Notes: You need about five items to look cool in 2026: a white tee, light-wash jeans, a velvet jacket, heeled boots, and a pair of sunnies.
Shop the Look:
This is high up on my luxury wishlist.
A bestseller for very good reason.
Don't sleep on Weekday's denim.
Every wardrobe needs a versatile belt.
Simple, sleek and easy to style.
No notes.
5. Napoleon Jacket + Bootcut Jeans + Slingbacks
Style Notes: Napoleon jackets have been all over my feed for the past few months. We're waiting for the high-street to fully catch up with the trend, but I've spotted a few already. Style the military-inspired jacket with black bootcut jeans, heels, and a clutch for an edgy look.
Shop the Look:
Well done, Urban Outfitters!
These went straight into my basket.
I love the added front strap.
Roomy enough for the essentials.
