The Secret to Making Boyfriend Jeans Look Chic Is All in the Styling—Here’s How to Wear Them
2 min readIf you’ve ever written off boyfriend jeans as too slouchy or overly casual, consider this your reintroduction. The silhouette is officially back in the denim conversation, but today’s versions feel far more intentional than the baggy pairs you may remember. Gone are the overly distressed, ultra-slouchy styles of the early 2010s. In their place: cleaner washes, straighter cuts, and styling that leans decidedly elevated. Think relaxed, straight-leg denim paired with sleek leather jackets, crisp button-downs, and minimalist sandals—less haphazardly undone, more model-off-duty.
To help you rethink the staple, I’ve rounded up nine outfit ideas that make boyfriend jeans look positively chic. Scroll through any well-dressed celebrity’s street style looks—from Hailey Bieber to Gigi Hadid—and a pattern starts to emerge: it’s all about balance. The volume of the denim works best when paired with something more structured—tailored layers, refined accessories, or just a bit of shape up top. Consider this your cue to revisit the pair you’ve been neglecting. Ahead, find the best ways to style boyfriend jeans.
With a Cropped Knit and Flip-Flops
Boyfriend jeans thrive when paired with something more refined on top. A cropped knit does exactly that, offering shape and contrast, while barely-there sandals keep the overall mood effortless—just ask Alex Consani.
Naadam Lightweight Cashmere V-Neck Sweater
MOTHER Delinquent Ankle Wide Leg Jeans
With an Elevated Leather Jacket
When in doubt, add leather. It’s Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s go-to for a reason.
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ISABEL MARANT
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ISABEL MARANT
Aneli Leather Biker Jacket
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& Other Stories
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& Other Stories
Cotton Crew-Neck T-Shirt
Agolde Ren High Rise Wide Leg Jeans in Marshmallow
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Christian Louboutin
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Christian Louboutin
85mm Condora Leather Slingback Sandals
With a Relaxed Button-Down
Few combinations feel as timeless as denim and a crisp button-down, but the looser cut of boyfriend jeans gives the pairing a more relaxed, modern energy. Leaving the shirt slightly undone or half-tucked keeps the outfit from feeling too buttoned-up.
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Abercrombie & Fitch
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Abercrombie & Fitch
Oversized Poplin Shirt
Now 20% Off
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Abercrombie & Fitch
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Abercrombie & Fitch
High Rise Wide Leg Jean
Now 20% Off
With a Graphic Tee
This is your go-to when you want to look cool without trying too hard. Go for a statement tee, relaxed denim, and a jacket that pulls it all together.
Diesel Slim fit T-Shirt with Cut-Out Oval D
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The Frankie Shop
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The Frankie Shop
Burland Faux Leather Jacket
Salomon XT-6 Unisex Sneakers
Now 10% Off
With a Statement Knit
If your jeans are doing less, your sweater can do more. A bold knit instantly makes the whole outfit feel styled—something Gigi Hadid knows well.
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Guest In Residence
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Guest In Residence
Shrunken Cashmere Sweater
Guest in Residence Everywear Cashmere Cardigan
Now 50% Off
With a Feminine Puff-Sleeve Top
Gigi is such a pro at this, I just had to include her twice. A more fitted, feminine silhouette instantly sharpens the look and pulls everything together.
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Isabel Marant
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Isabel Marant
Catalia Silk and Cotton Blouse
Now 30% Off
Citizens of Humanity Winslow Boyfriend Jeans
Le Loafer Supple in Shiny Leather
With a Plain White Tee
Consider this the Hailey Bieber starter pack. A cropped tee keeps things fitted, a bomber adds volume, and the jeans do the rest.
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perfectwhitetee
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perfectwhitetee
Harley Cotton Boxy Crewneck Tee
With a Menswear-Inspired Blazer
A boxy blazer provides a juxtaposition of proportion—just make sure to wear something fitted underneath it. And the scarf is your finishing touch.
With a Military Jacket
A standout outer layer brings energy to classic denim. Keep everything else simple and let the color lead.
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& Other Stories
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Relaxed Crewneck T-Shirt
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PAIGE
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PAIGE
Anessa High Rise Wide Leg Jeans
Onitsuka Tiger MEXICO 66
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