Fashion has a way of recycling itself. Trends that were popular in past decades resurface as the years go by. Mom jeans have returned from the 80s and 90s as a 2020s fashion statement piece to provide a classic look while comfortably highlighting the best features of all body types. Aside from the jeans themselves, there are many outfits that can be paired with this item to fit any occasion and event. When piecing together a mom jean outfit, consider color, style, occasion and decade (if any) that you are drawing inspiration from.
Made popular in the late 80s, mom cut jeans feature a high waist and long zipper. Most styles are baggy around the bottom half of the leg and are designed to accentuate hourglass figures and make those who wear them look taller. They come in many colors and styles, but all have the same silhouette and waitlist slimming effect in common.
There are various lengths to consider when choosing the perfect pair of mom jeans to go with any outfit. Regular jeans will stop just below the ankle and provide full length. The typical mom jean is folded up for style but can naturally be folded down to this length. Some mom jeans are designed to rise just below the calf in length. These jeans are meant to be featured with boots or taller shoes.
The occasion for which you’ll be wearing your mom jeans will determine the color, length and style. Mom jeans are a versatile item, meaning they can almost always be dressed up or dressed down with accessories to fit any occasion. If you are planning to wear mom jeans to a business event, consider styling with a plain colored shirt, blazer and heels as well as simple layered jewelry to match the neckline of the shirt. If you are planning to style the jeans for a night out, consider a bold patterned top of any length and comfortable shoes.
For more information, take a look at the full women's jeans buying guide from BestReviews.
Outfits that include mom jeans can range anywhere from $60 to $200, depending on the style and brands that are purchased. This dollar estimate includes the price of shoes and shirts in addition to the pants. It does not include the added cost of accessories. More expensive fits may feature sustainably sourced, long-lasting materials, while cheaper fits, if not thrifted, may not last as long.
A. Mom jeans draw attention to the waist and away from the rest of the leg, flattering all body types. These jeans might be most comfortable and correctly fitting for those with a curvy hourglass figure.
A. Mom jeans got their name in 2003 from a fictional ad on “Saturday Night Live” that depicted four women wearing baggy jeans with the assumption that middle-aged women wore them as an alternative to thigh-hugging skinny jeans. They are still referred to as mom jeans due to their relaxed fit.
These jeans feature side slant pockets and patched back pockets for a trendy mid-wash vintage look. They draw attention to the waist and provide more of a loose-fitting look than skinny jeans while elongating the leg.
Sold by Revolve
This puff sleeve shirt is simple in color and design but provides a sleek vintage look with its high neckline and ruffled shoulders. The fabric is ribbed to be more durable and less see-through. Due to its high neckline, this outfit can be paired with statement hoop earrings to draw attention to the face and complete the 80s-inspired look.
Sold by Revolve
Doc Martens Women’s Leona 7 Hook Boot
These boots, though expensive, are long-lasting and give the outfit a little edge. They are a statement piece and can be perfectly paired with this outfit to provide a vintage-looking fit, perfect for any indoor or outdoor occasion.
Sold by Amazon
These mom jeans feature a rip in the knee and a few shreds throughout. The light wash slouchy look allows for the jeans to be dressed up or dressed down and is best paired with a band tee for a 90s-inspired look. These jeans provide the wearer with five pockets for convenience.
Sold by Revolve
Impact Velvet Underground T-shirt
This shirt is a classic 90s band tee and its timeless style is versatile. It can be paired with any style of jean, blazer and shoes but is best paired with baggy mom jeans and sneakers to hold true to 90s fashion. To keep with the style and flatter the neckline of the shirt, consider wearing it with a choker necklace and a faded bucket hat.
Sold by Amazon
This platform sneaker has a chunky sole and provides many bold block colors to make it stand out. The sneaker is comfortably paired with the relaxed-fit 90s-style mom jeans and adds height to anyone who wears it. These shoes pull the outfit together in a comfortably stylish manner.
Sold by Amazon
These jeans are shredded in a few places and provide a calf-hugging relaxed fit look, easily worn with any style shirt and shoes to fit any occasion. These mom jeans are the most versatile style and color of mom jeans and feature five pockets with light fading detail.
Sold by Revolve
Women’s Nine West Essential Soft Spun Short Sleeve Crewneck
This classic cap-sleeve crewneck tee goes perfectly with any style and season and provides a comfortably classic look. This specific style comes in many colors and is machine washable for convenience. To keep up with modern trends and dress it up a little, the shirt can be paired with a layered necklace, simple earrings and multiple tea rings.
Sold by Kohl’s
These shoes not only provide comfort and style but pull this outfit together for an easy, modern everyday look. They come in a few different colors and can be dressed up or dressed down, depending on the clothing items and jewelry that they are paired with.
Sold by Adidas
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Logan DeLoye writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.