Everybody’s Wearing Wide-Leg Jeans

From the skinny jeans of the Indie era to the flares of the ’70s, jeans silhouettes have long been associated with a particular moment in time. And if Milan Fashion Week is anything to go by, there’s a new denim shape in town – one that’s combining the easy-wearing attitude that’s become fundamental to our wardrobes over the past couple of years with a peppering of nostalgia.

Tapping into the trend for all things ’90s that’s prevailing across the runways – from bucket hats to knitted vests and buttery-leather blazers – this new silhouette of jean has three key sartorial components that make it a modern-day staple: high rise for a flattering fit; long enough to wear with heels or sneakers; and cut to a relaxed (read, comfy) fit. Usually rendered in an ever-versatile stonewash hue, these jeans are ideal worn from daytime to dark.

For enduring off-duty style, pair them with sneakers, crisp cotton shirts or turtlenecks – Frame’s light-wash jeans riff on classic ’90s cargo pants, with patch pockets and wide legs that are casually cool yet undeniably chic. For something a little more polished, Chloé’s deep-blue denims or Amiri’s indigo wash are elegant and visually leg-lengthening – style them with leather boots and a roomy trench coat for a sleek, trans-seasonal spring look.

And as office dress codes continue to err on the side of informality, a pair of wide-legged jeans makes for a fresh alternative to the dressier, suited trouser – try Mother’s mid-wash jeans with heels and businessy blazers for that low-key meeting that might extend into the after-hours.

Jeans silhouettes may come and go, but comfort is a factor that will never fade. Wide-legged styles, then, will be a beloved wardrobe staple for seasons to come – no matter where or how you choose to wear them.