STYLING
7 WAYS TO STYLE MOM JEANS
By Ayis Stephen-Diver, 31 August 2025
Now's the time to make mom jeans a mainstay in your rotation. This high-waisted, slightly tapered ankle-hugging denim silhouette had its major debut in the 80s, but the 90s is when it really made its name. Think grunge-era Winona Ryder showing them off with a tucked-in tee, or Drew Barrymore’s choker + cardigan combo. With the approval of so many A-listers, it’s no wonder mom jeans sit in the fashion hall of fame. If you're unsure how to style them in the present, don't worry. We’ve put together seven ways to wear mom jeans so you can see just how foolproof they are, for now and forever.
#1: HOW TO CHANNEL 90s MINIMALISM WITH MOM JEANS

If you’re well-versed in supermodel style history, you may recall Cindy Crawford hauling her luggage through LAX in mom jeans, a black turtleneck and an oversized leather jacket. And it was one of many iconic looks that laid the foundations for what we now call 90s minimalism. There are so many ways to get that effortless off-duty vibe, and they all start with finding the right mom jeans. Pick a pair with a slightly shorter leg to show off some block-heeled boots – this Pull&Bear pair ticks all the boxes. A belt ties the look together and keeps it grounded in 90s style.
GET THE LOOK:
Pull&Bear High-waist mom fit jeans in dark blue, £25.99
Pimkie high neck sleeveless top in black, £18
Bershka faux leather oversized jacket in black, £39.99
ALDO Adwaodith sock low heeled ankle boot in black leather, £120
#2: HOW TO DRESS UP MOM JEANS FOR A NIGHT OUT

Don’t confine mom jeans to casual dressing. What fun is fashion if you don’t make your own rules? The IG era saw influencers styling their mom jeans for all sorts of occasions – including date nights, dinners and even the club – proving just how adaptable they are. Go bold with this satin one-shoulder top from ASOS DESIGN –it lies somewhere between a poncho and a T-shirt, and we’re loving the wine-aunt energy, especially in this sultry burgundy shade. Pair it with light-wash mom jeans and burgundy heels for a masterclass in colour theory.
GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN satin one shoulder drape top in plum, £32
Stradivarius mom jean in light blue wash, £29.99
Pull&Bear Heeled shoes in burgundy, £27.99
Accessorize statement lotus flower earrings in gold, £10
#3: HOW TO WEAR MOM JEANS FOR UNIVERSITY

The beauty of mom jeans is their comfort – they’re roomy from hip to ankle and won’t suffocate your legs as you go from class to class and seat to seat. Choose versatile, simple shades like brown, khaki and white to complement these faded grey jeans. Back-to-school style has officially gone back to basics – that means elevated staples like trench coats, cardigans and loafers are the uniform.
GET THE LOOK:
Cotton On Bailey button detail cardi in brown, £22.50
ASOS DESIGN Petite longline trench coat in olive, £65
Bershka High-waist comfort mom jeans in light grey, £22.99
Topshop Coby ruched toe croc loafer in black, £36
#4: HOW TO WEAR MOM JEANS WITH A DENIM SHIRT

Double denim is no longer a workwear exclusive – it’s the ultimate it-girl statement. With the right mom jeans (don’t sleep on slightly slimmer silhouettes like this Mango pair), you’re on your way to mastering the look. Top tip: teaming different washes and shades adds dimension to a double-denim outfit, so go for a lighter denim shirt and add pops of colour throughout, like this supersized gold clutch and red Nike trainers.
GET THE LOOK:
Levi's Teodora western denim shirt in mid blue, £80
Mango Newmom slim mom jean in deep blue, £35.99
Nike LD-1000 unisex trainers in red and silver, £89.99
Topshop Georgia folded clutch grab bag in gold, £28
#5: HOW TO WEAR MOM JEANS FOR A CITY BREAK

A clean, crisp white jean makes for a stylish base you can dress up or down, which is perfect for city breaks where the luggage allowance is less than ideal. These Calvin Klein jeans have a high waist and accentuated taper for a more polished effect, but can be made casual with a striped vest and flip flops. Add a baseball cap for preppy appeal (and added sun protection), then you're ready to explore.
GET THE LOOK:
Havaianas flip flops in rose gold, £25
Topshop stripe skinny strap scoop rib vest in black, £14
Calvin Klein Jeans Mom jeans in denim light, £85
Polo Ralph Lauren icon logo baseball cap in white and navy, £55
#6: HOW TO WEAR MOM JEANS IN WINTER

Alongside navy, burgundy and grey, chocolate brown is a key shade to know for the transitional period and beyond – there’s nothing like a structured brown jumper when the temps fall. Add some contrast to your look by styling it with light-wash mom jeans and choose ballet flats for an effortlessly put-together feel. If you like to keep things casual, choose jeans with a distressed finish.
GET THE LOOK:
Stradivarius Printed tote bag in beige, £25.99
ASOS DESIGN Curve high rise relaxed mom jeans in lightwash with knee rips, £30
ASOS DESIGN longline crew neck jumper in rib in chocolate, £35
London Rebel Mia strappy ruched ballet flats in chocolate, £24
#7: HOW TO WEAR MOM JEANS WITH SPORTY DETAILS

Pictures: ASOS
Who said mom jeans have no place in athleisure? While you wouldn’t benefit from denim during your yoga or pilates classes, take them with you on hot-girl strolls and dog walks for an elevated feel. Opt for a monochromatic look here with black jeans and a matching track top and trainers (adidas' lifestyle range is the perfect pairing). It'll give the outfit more of a rounded finish, but it secures the sporty edge.
GET THE LOOK:
Mango Newmom slim mom jean in black, £35.99
4505 Icon active quick dry performance t-shirt in dark green, £18
adidas Originals Firebird knitted track top in black, £80
adidas Originals Superstar II ponyhair trainers in black and white, £100