Mom certainly knows best, but when it comes to jeans, her taste has been known to divide opinion. Mom jeans (not unlike skinnies) are one of denim’s most polarizing styles–championed by some and detested by others. They had a major moment in the mid-aughts, before ceding to the low-rise and baggy silhouettes that have dominated in recent years. But now, they might be making a comeback.
Defined by a high rise that nips at the waist and a tapered leg, mom jeans are closely associated with Levi’s, which helped popularize the shape in the 1980s. Lately, we’ve been seeing more elevated versions from brands like Prada, Still Here, and Agolde.
The key to making them feel modern is all in the styling. Idiosyncratic extras work especially well–think cropped novelty knits or, for another throwback, a military blazer. But simple combinations can be just as effective: ballet flats, a well-fitting tee work, a plaid button-down, all work too.
Shop our favorite mom jeans, plus a few ideas for how to style them right now, below.
Flannel Shirt + Sharp Pumps
A button-up and kitten heels are classic companions to mom jeans. Matteau’s checked cotton shirt and Khaite’s sculptural heels give the look a fashion-forward edge.
Matteau
checked flannel shirt
Still Here
