Mom Jeans Are Obsolete—Here's the New Denim Trend Replacing It

Before fall arrives, I see it as my duty to report on which jean trends are in and out, and there's one denim style I know for sure is past its prime: mom jeans. I hate to break it to you because I know the high-waisted fit was a fan favorite, but standard mom jeans are no longer the freshest pick. Instead, there's a new jean trend that's ready to take its place, and it's already earning celeb fans such as Chrissy Teigen and Hailey Bieber (definitely a good sign).

With all things '80s fashion bubbling up right now, it's only natural that pleated jeans would eventually make a comeback, and well, that day has finally come. From celebrity street style looks to our go-to denim brands like Levi's and Agolde, pleated jeans have been everywhere we look lately. So the fact that they read similar to mom jeans—albeit with a sleeker, more trouser-like fit—makes us think that they're poised to become just as popular as everyone's beloved mom jeans once were. Ready to see just how chic the pleated-jean trend can be? Scroll down to fill up on inspiration from street style to Instagram, and then peruse our favorite shopping picks.

Pleated jeans on the street:

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Chrissy Teigen
(Image credit: Christopher Peterson / SplashNews.com)

On Chrissy Teigen: Saint Laurent Fur Felt Boater Hat ($1595); Givenchy Oversized Aviator Sunglasses ($154); Balenciaga bag; Celine shoes

Style Notes: Chrissy Teigen was one of the first celebs we spotted to put her stamp of approval on the controversial jeans. No matter where you stand on them, you have to admit that her sleek approach to styling them with a bodysuit, strappy sandals, and a black topper is pretty good.

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(Image credit: BKGD/BACKGRID )

On Hailey Bieber: Ann Demeulemeester Oversized Trench Coat ($676); Re/Done Ribbed Tank ($75); Re/Done x Attico Paperbag Jeans ($554); Adidas Originals Supercourt Sneakers ($100); Celine Edge Sunglasses; Jennifer Meyer Diamond Tennis Necklace ($28750)

Style Notes: Bieber stepped out in a pair of pleated jeans from the buzzy Re/Done x Attico collaboration, and her look proves that simple is best when testing out the denim trend.

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

On Chriselle Lim: Proenza Schouler Wide-Leg Denim Trousers

Style Notes: Take a cue from street style star Chriselle Lim and tuck a thin knit top into a pair of pleated jeans.

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Style Notes: Erika Boldrin shows us why sleek silhouettes like a tailored blazer are the perfect match for the trouser-like jeans.

The denim on the 'gram:

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Style Notes: Easygoing but still incredibly chic.

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Style Notes: Roll the hem for an even heavier '80s vibe.

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Style Notes: Note to self: Pleats pair well with vintage-looking floral prints.

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Style Notes: Balance the jeans' volume with something cropped up top.

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Style Notes: Yours truly tested out the jeans with an equally trendy one-shoulder top and simple slides.

Pleated jeans in your cart:

Speaking of denim trends to have on your radar for fall, see how fashion girls are making a case for acid wash.

Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.