Whilst straight-leg, low-rise and super-baggy styles have all had their respective moments in 2023, the oft-forgotten bootcut jean seems to have fallen off the fashion radar. Once a mainstay in every It girl's wardrobe in the '90s and '00s, who would have thought it would be Catherine, Princess of Wales bringing them back, albeit with a very royal twist. Wearing her dark-wash, cropped bootcut jeans with a quintessentially British quilted coat from UK heritage brand Burberry, Kate Middleton layered a thick, navy turtleneck underneath her plaid-printed jacket.
As Middleton was attending an event in Moray, Scotland, she called upon the reliable Reiss Chelsea boots she was first spotted in just two days before, which have a slightly chunky sole that no doubt helped protect her feet from the Scottish elements. Styling a look reminiscent of Princess Anne circa 1978, the Princess completed her outfit with a poppy badge as a nod to forthcoming Remembrance Day.
On Catherine, Princess of Wales: Burberry Quilted Jacket (£1190), Mother The Weekender Jeans (£305), Reiss Chelsea boots (£198)
Whilst bootcut jeans missed out on a moment in the spotlight this year, Middleton's outfit has come at the perfect time. With the autumn chill setting in, there’s no better time to pull on your favourite boots and a perfectly cut pair of jeans.
In an unexpected twist of fashion fate, Kate Middleton wasn’t the only style icon who we spotted wearing classic bootcut jeans yesterday. Styling hers up for an evening outing, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wore a black pair with a black, high-neck top and black leather jacket, in a super-sleek all-black look. For their leg-elongating credentials that can rival that of high heels, it's high time we received this staple jean cut back into our rotations. Pair them with chunky boots à la Middleton, or with peep-toe heels like Huntington-Whiteley.
Read on to shop our edit of the best bootcut jeans to buy now.
SHOP THE BEST BOOTCUT JEANS:
Shop The Princess's favourite mini flares.
These mid-rise boot-leg jeans will layer perfectly with both knee-high or ankle boots underneath.
Slingbacks and strappy sandals would work equally as well for the evening.
Dark-wash denim is already getting a decent look-in this season.
Wear these leg-skimming jeans with an oversized knit or cosy quilted coat.
Why did we ever leave bootcuts behind?
Wear with a silky top on a night out or style with a classic button-down for a day in the office.
Flared jeans look great with a slight heel and equally as chic with loafers or ballet flats.
The slightly faded black denim gives a lived-in look.
So retro, so cool.
I've been on the hunt for the perfect mid-wash jeans, and these might just be them.
Add a '70s twist to your capsule wardrobe.
Style with suede and wool pieces for a gorgeously textured outfit.
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