Sorry, Skinnies—2024 Is Officially the Year of This Divisive Jeans Trend
The hunt for the perfect pair of jeans is a constant mission, one made doubly hard by the fact that it seems like the in-fashion silhouettes are constantly changing. Last year, one thing was for certain—skinny jeans were out (wear them and risk being condemned as cheugy by the Gen Z-ers). And I must inform you that in 2024, they're not making a return. In fact, the denim pendulum is swinging definitively in the opposite direction: baggy, slouchy jeans are taking the top spot.
Perhaps prompted by a renewed interest in late-Nineties and early-Noughties style, the ultra-wide-leg, loose-fit jeans are the must-have pair of the year. Just take a scroll on Instagram and you'll so many of your favourite influencers and celebrities sporting the oversized denim.
But while the silhouette may be rooted in the past, the styling tricks are definitely super contemporary. Yes, there's the throwback look of baggy jeans with a bandeau top or a crisp white t-shirt (which feels like a minimalist, The Row-inspired take on the Noughties skater outfit), but there's plenty of ways to combine your favourite pieces from this decade with these slouchy pants. Scroll on to see my pick of coolest styling inspiration, as well as an edit of the best baggy jeans available now.
HOW TO STYLE BAGGY, SLOUCHY JEANS:
1. DOUBLE DENIM
Style Notes: Embrace the baggy look like Monikh and pair your wide-leg jeans with a matching denim shirt. Complete with white trainers for a casual look, or add brown ankle boots for a hint of added Western flair.
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2. Blazer + Loafers
Style Notes: Embracing baggy jeans doesn't mean you have to sacrifice the tailored look. Layer with a blazer (you could exaggerate the oversized look with Eighties-inspired silhouettes) and loafers for a more polished take.
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3. White + Brown
Style Notes: If you don't want the Nineties skater vibe, consider going for white baggy jeans which, as Anouk proves, can look seriously chic—especially when paired with warm, brown tones.
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4. Strapless Top
Style Notes: Save in your summer outfits folder—a structured, strapless top provides just the right amount of a sculpted shape to balance the loose, baggy jeans. Paired with an oversized white shirt, this is my dream transitional season look.
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Bring a touch of polish with Staud's high-shine, structured shoulder bag.
SHOP MY EDIT OF THE BEST SLOUCHY JEANS:
These have a really cool, Seventies California vibe.
These still hold just the right amount of shape to suit the more refined minimalist—and Frame's quality is just so good.
These high-rise, loose-fit, two-tone jeans are ticking every box.
Next Up: 5 2024 Trends That Will Make Your Favourite Jeans Look Very Fresh
Jess Kelham-Hohler is a freelance writer, editor and content strategist. She has been a contributor for Who What Wear UK since 2023. Currently based in London following six years in Washington D.C. and New York, she was previously the Digital Editor for Soho House & Co, an international group of private members’ clubs for creatives. She has interviewed a range of artists, creators and more, including Alighieri founder Rosh Mahtani, photographer Misan Harriman and fashion editor Lindsay Peoples Wagner. Today, she writes primarily about fashion, travel and culture for various publications, and has worked as a copywriter and content strategist for brands such as Belstaff, Olivela and Equinox.
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