"There are a handful of closet staples that, no matter how much of a slump I’m in, make getting dressed easier—with jeans being the frontrunner. Lately though, even for a paid professional like me, following denim trends has felt overwhelming at best. With the increasing volume of options to wade through—skinny, super skinny, straight, baggy, barrel—it’s only fitting (literally) to return to what we know and love: a classic pair of slim-straight jeans.
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Recognized for their universal appeal and timeless shape, slim-straight jeans are back on the rise. With this year’s renaissance of style individuality, it seems that losing ourselves in trendy, oversized silhouettes is far less popular than it’s been in years past. Rather than reaching exclusively for baggy jeans, as of late, nearly every creator across my FYP has been mixing slim-straight denim into their rotation. With a straight, tapered leg, they’re a hybrid between the skinny and baggier styles that have been so dominate over the past several seasons, resulting in a denim option that’s a flattering canvas for virtually any styling.
Read on for eight ways to style slim-straight jeans this spring, plus the best pairs to shop now.
1. With a Belted Blazer and Kitten Heels
This outfit is the sole reason I found myself in the back of my closet (read: one foot in, in NYC terms) frantically searching for my old ’90s-style jeans. Not only do her legs look a mile long, but the belted blazer and top-tier accessories—literally, I need this hat—make this one of the chicest looks I’ve seen this season. As it goes with any straight-leg style of denim, the sleeker, more pointed shoe you pair them with, the better.
2. With a Denim Top and Pointed Boots
As a personal stylist, monochrome looks are my biggest recommendation for clients who don’t know what to wear; however, you don’t necessarily have to own a matching set to achieve this look. If you’re going for a Canadian tuxedo, try a light-wash pair of jeans and a dark-wash top, or vice versa—the point being that you don’t want to match exactly.
3. With a Button-Up and Sandals
A button-up, staple jewelry, and slinky shoe—simple enough, right? Though you could leave the top unbuttoned and layered over a tank, I like that she’s chosen a classic front tuck to really emphasize the waist and keep the focus on the jeans. Balance out the weightiness with a barely-there sandal and minimalist shoulder bag.
4. With a Trench Coat and Ballet Flats
Though the trench coat is very much an outfit in and of its own, it can also help to draw the eye to whatever is layered underneath. The brown cardigan worn in between the coat and lace top above helps to break up the milky color palette, resulting in a cohesive, interesting look. You could easily swap the ballet flats for loafers, but in order to keep the gaze on what’s happening up top, a slim-fit ballet flat or Mary Jane can work wonders.
5. With a Leather Jacket and Trendy Bag
Before it really starts to warm up, try styling your leather jacket with mini skirts, bermuda shorts, and—you guessed it—straight-leg jeans. If you run hot, try styling your leather jacket draped over your shoulders with a simple tank underneath. Because this outfit is pretty minimal on its own, opt for trendier accessories like a retro bag or statement jewelry to finish it off.
5. With a White Tee and Cardigan
A tee and jeans is a fail-proof duo, but add a cardigan to the mix and you’ve got yourself a surefire recipe for success. To take this combo up a notch, try completing the look with your favorite trench—bonus points for a cropped version.
6. With a Cropped Jacket and Statement Belt
For an easy, polished look, pair your slim-straight jeans with a cropped jacket and statement belt. The combination will lengthen the leg and put your jeans on full display.
8. With a Neutral Blazer and Colorful Shoes
For those looking to work a bit of color into your everyday wardrobe, start with a statement shoe. If you’re not into the mesh flats trend, you can opt for loafer or classic ballet flat in a color that’ll help you show off a bit of personality.
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.