How to Wear Mom's Jeans and Outfit Styles | Off The Cuff (2024)

Moms have been coming through with iconic looks since day one, and their collective late-80s penchant for comfortable, high-waisted jeans is no exception. With mom jeans back and living large, there’s no reason you shouldn’t give them a try.

Here are a few ways to style mom jeans, plus a look at how our internet friends are wearing them in the wild. But first, some history.

MOM JEANS HISTORY 101 Back in the late ’80s and early ’90s, these denim beauties sat high on the waist of many a mom, tapering sharply at the ankle and serving a generous dose of fabric throughout. The look of the era was nearly universally embraced: Legions of ladies found comfort and style in high, spacious pants and a tucked-in tee (belt optional but recommended). As the decade wore on, mom jeans all but fell away as waistlines dropped, hips got snug and jeans favored boots over sneakers. Fashion as fickle as it is, the bootcut was swiftly abandoned for the skinny jean, and by the mid-2000s, that perennial favorite was all anyone would wear.

A decade after Y2K, mom jeans reentered our cultural consciousness. Though their comeback was bumpy at first, the fit prevailed, eventually winning over even the most ardent critics. Since then, they’ve taken over our timelines—and our closets—leaving us looking good without much fuss.

Modern mom jeans come in all manner of cut, some updated with an extra-wide leg and others adhering to a classic taper. With their flattering high waist and uber-relaxed fit, these roomy wonders give us just what we need: support, comfort and a big dose of chill.

HOW TO STYLE MOM JEANS: COMPLETE THE LOOK TO MAKE THEM ALL YOUR OWNFirst bit of advice for anyone new to mom jeans: Don’t be scared. A more body-positive jean couldn’t exist, with moms not only allowing for your shape but encouraging it. Think more embrace, less constraint.

When it comes to styling mom jeans, the possibilities are pretty much endless. Think of them as a blank canvas...they’re as there for you in an oversized sweatshirt as they are paired with a puffed sleeve or fitted top. Any accessories you bring to the table, mom jeans are all in. Whatever makes you feel happy and cool, these babies are up to the challenge.

Need visuals? We got you. Here are a few mom-jean outfit ideas to get you started.

HOW CAN I MAKE MY MOM JEANS LOOK GOOD?There are endless ways to make your mom jeans look good! The low-key T-shirt and high-waisted jeans combo is an easy classic, but you can also dress up a little with boots or cute heels. For more of a statement, try adding an unexpected detail—a bucket hat or a brightly colored clutch can pull a look together like nothing else.

HOW SHOULD MOM JEANS BE WORN FOR A NIGHT OUT?While there’s more than one way to wear mom jeans for a night out, there are a couple of places to start when developing your look. One way to take your denim from day to night is to play with proportions: think smaller, tighter tops that contrast with the loose denim on bottom. Depending on your style, you could wear a crop top, bodysuit or even a bralette. If you’re not into showing that much skin, try a loose-fit cropped sweatshirt, jacket or a tucked-in blouse with a bold sleeve. Another quick way to add drama is with color (or lack thereof). A black top or bright blouse or tee paired with light-wash denim is a clean and modern approach to going out. And when in doubt, sprinkle in some metallic accessories, a fun face mask and sparkly makeup. In short, how should mom jeans be worn for a night out? Anyway you choose.

WHAT BODY TYPES SHOULD WEAR HIGH-WAISTED JEANS?It’s a stylist’s best-kept secret that everybody looks amazing in high-waisted jeans. While it may seem counterintuitive at first, a high waist is universally flattering. When people use the term high waist in this context, they really mean the jeans hit at your natural waistline (confusing, we know) rather than lower down closer to your hips. Whether or not you have a naturally defined waist, high-waisted jeans give the impression of one, drawing attention to your curves. But most importantly, high-waisted jeans are comfortable for all body types, giving you enough support to feel secure. Made with a looser fit throughout the hips and thighs (like classic mom jeans), high-waisted denim is as comfortable as it gets.