Lily Allen, Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner Are Backing This "Old" Denim Trend
I can recall a time, around 2008 I think it was, when black skinny jeans were life. They were one of the coolest things to wear, perfect with the influx of bold-shouldered Balmain rip-off blazers and spiked platform shoes fashion editors favoured, cool with a Breton and ankle boots to get that French-girl look, and great on a night out with a nice top. Like many other basic denim styles, they have become a relied-upon but oft-forgotten part of our wardrobe. It's been a long time since I felt excited about wearing a pair of black jeans, and I'm pretty sure the ones I did own (a nice little cropped flare from Frame) are languishing somewhere in the back of my closet. No more shall you be overlooked, my inky jeans! Because in the past few days, a flurry of celebrity arbiters of taste have decreed the darkest of denim washes back in fashion. Lily Allen has been wearing her black skinnies on multiple nights out with multiple cute tops. Kendall Jenner has both a baggy-fit, straight-leg pair and a flared corduroy style, and they are her trusted partner for crop tops. Bella Hadid has opted in for a super-low-rise, skater-girl vibe, while Emma Roberts has stayed true to the '00s with some ankle-grazing skinnies.
All of the A-listers in this gallery have styled their chosen black jeans very differently and are wearing them in different cities and on different continents. What this variety does showcase is that it's less about a cut and more about the fact that black is back for autumn 2021. So will you take their lead and swap in some jet-coloured jeans this season? Keep scrolling for outfit inspiration and to shop some of the coolest black jeans out there.
Style Notes: Black jeans really can be used as a base for all other colours. This unusual burgundy-and-green crop top of Kendall's is a great example.
Style Notes: Another day, another mesh, formfitting top to wear with black jeans. Only this time, Kendall's opted in for a skinny-cord pair of flares.
Style Notes: Lily Allen's Victoriana blouse is the perfect gothic accompaniment to a pair of black jeans. Very London.
Style Notes: For a look like Emma's, opt for a cute ribbed cardigan, skinny jeans and platform sandals.
Style Notes: Are you spotting a theme by now? Low-rise are in, and so are crop tops. Bella Hadid's skater-girl jeans and lip-smacking tee are totally '00s.
Shop Black Jeans
Up next, six trends we're into for autumn.
Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits. Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.
-
Bella Hadid Wore the New Flat It Shoes All the NYC Girls Will Be Clamoring for This Winter
Get 'em before they're sold out.
By Allyson Payer
-
I'm a Denim Expert—These 4 Styles Are Trending Now and Will Be Big in 2025
Elevated silhouettes.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
Celebs Wear This Specific Jacket Trend in NYC, London, *and* L.A.—Here's My Fave $32 Gap Version
By Drew Elovitz
-
Hailey Bieber Just Wore the Flat Shoe Trend That Makes Jeans Look Classier Every Time
See for yourself.
By Allyson Payer
-
Pamela Anderson and French Women Agree—These $98 Jeans Are Second to None
I bought mine at Nordstrom.
By Eliza Huber
-
I'm Manifesting Rich Vibes for Fall—31 Expensive-Looking Nordstrom Sale Finds That Fit the Bill
Don't sleep on these under-$150 gems.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
My Friend Wants to Elevate Her Wardrobe—I Sent Her These 31 Nordstrom Fall Sale Finds
All have closet-staple status.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
10 Celebrity Jeans Outfits That Just Stopped Me in My Tracks
These are gold.
By Allyson Payer