The Gen Zers love them, the Millennials are slowly warming up to them, but mom jeans are here to stay it seems. While “mom jeans” is a slang term we used to use for our moms lame loose jeans with baggy legs in the 90s, they somehow made a comeback in 2020 and haven’t gone away since. There’s probably some debate on what constitutes a pair of mom jeans in the new Millenium. These jeans are typically high-waisted, like super high. Think 10 to 12 inch rise. And have a loose fit throughout and straight through the hip. Some are baggier than others. And many can be mistaken for just a straight-leg jean.
Here’s the thing though. Lots of denim brands are claiming that their jeans are in fact, a mom jean. But they’re not really super baggy like we think of for a traditional pair of mom jeans. So I want to show both as I think the Millennials reading this will feel better in the more fitted look as I know I am. But if you want to really nail the mom jean look, I’ve got you covered too. So hang up the skinny jeans for fall, and try a pair of relaxed and comfortable mom jeans. Whether you go full on major high rise and super relaxed fit, or maybe opt for something a little more tailored and straight leg, let’s give this trend a try.
How To Wear Mom Jeans For Fall
Styling Traditional Mom Jeans
If we’re going the classic, loose-fitting, high-waisted route, styling these traditional mom jeans are truly so simple. When thinking of cute outfits with mom jeans, go for a plain white tee and your favorite sneakers. For fall, add a cropped cardigan, or swap your tee for a cropped sweater. I think this balances out the high-waisted vibe of the jeans really well. Or wear a fitted sweater or turtleneck that can be tucked in or even a bodysuit works too and top with a great jacket.
Wearing Distressed Mom Jeans
Ripped mom jeans seem to be the top style I’m seeing everywhere. I love a good pair of ripped jeans and that lived-in look. To balance it out, keep the rest of your outfit more clean and polished. I wouldn’t wear that distressed ripped-up hoodie with your distressed mom jeans. One of my favorite looks is this blazer and sling-back kitten heel paired with ripped mom jeans from Brooklyn Blonde.
Distressed Mom Jeans With A Blazer
This look has a bit of an edgier feel to it, and more of a NY street style vibe. I think it’s the slightly oversized and longer blazer paired with a Chanel-inspired block heel. The combination paired with distressed denim gives this a cool-girl vibe that’s just spot on for fall.
Mom Jeans For Date Night
I love this combination for a date night look. A fitted tee, blazer and high heels are all you need for a night out at dinner in your mom jeans. And if you’re in the right industry, something business casual can work with this. Maybe just swap the distressed mom jeans for non-distressed ones and you’re good to go.
Preppy Ways To Style Mom Jeans
Make your mom jeans feel a little preppy with a polished heel, even kitten heels are perfect for them, turtleneck and even a blazer. Classic loose fitting mom jeans can feel super trendy, so choose a more fitted pair to mesh with your polished style.
Preppy Mom Jean Outfit In A Blazer
If you’re looking for a way to make your mom jeans feel a little preppy, try a blazer, button-down and sophisticated kitten heels. This whole look is giving me 80s mom vibes in all the best ways.
Mom Jeans For Business Casual Outfits
Wearing mom jeans as a business casual outfit is a stylish and fashion-forward way to do it. I’d opt for a more fitted mom jean that isn’t super oversized, but instead has that more straight leg look to it. Add a camisole and blazer and some great heels to complete the look. I’d steer clear of any rips, distressing or weird washes. Classic blue jeans or black denim mom jeans work best for this.
Edgy Ways To Style Mom Jeans
I think mom jeans are best for an edgy look. Pair them with a graphic tee and leather jacket, or an oversized yet cropped sweater and high-top Converse. You can add a black leather bootie, or combat boot to really add some edge to the look. For the super high rise jeans, I think crop tops are perfect to balance them out.
Edgy And Casual In Black Washed Mom Jeans And Loafers
This outfit is part glam, part edgy and part casual. I love it from head to toe and Sai just nails it. These black washed mom jeans are a great alternative to your classic indigo blue denim. A B&W houndstooth coat and classic loafers pull the whole look together. Note the fitted black bodysuit underneath to keep things looking pulled together and not messy.
Oversized Sweater And Chucks For A Casual Outfit With Mom Jeans
This is my ideal outfit and to me. It’s casual fall mom jean perfection. The oversized sweater paired with the relaxed mom jeans and Converse is perfectly casual with just a touch of edgy.