The Best Celeb Denim Looks of 2021 So Far, From Skinny to Slouchy
For many of us, our most beloved denim pieces have been tucked away as "hard pants" gave way to over a year of leggings, joggers, and pajamas. But let's not forget that jeans are one of the most essential and versatile items in our wardrobes. While it's true that celebs have endless access to stylists and designer goods, they also have the added pressure of being photographed on a daily basis. Now that A-listers are out and about (mostly) unmasked again, their street style has returned with them, and a big component of those looks is none other than tried-and-true denim.
To help get you excited about getting dressed again, we compiled the best looks of the year featuring denim. From Ashley Graham's white jeans to Bella Hadid's brown(!) flares, these denim-centric outfits are worth copying from head to toe. Keep scrolling to see the looks that will actually have you excited to put on your jeans, denim shorts, and jackets—and maybe even shop for a new pair or two.
On Sarah Jessica Parker: SJP boots
We always thought there were two ways to wear jeans with boots: tucked in or out. But leave it to SJP to demonstrate the beauty of an oversize cuff, which she showed off with heeled boots from her own line.
On Hailey Bieber: Magda Butrym Fitted Leather Blazer in Black ($2055); Re/Done Levi's High Rise Loose Jeans ($320); Bottega Veneta Padded Cassette Bag ($2990); Dr. Martens 1461 Shoes ($110); Kaze Origins Individual Series Mask ($36); Zara belt
We could write an entire article about how much we love Hailey Bieber's look comprised of a bold-shouldered leather blazer, relaxed jeans, and brogues. (In fact, we did.)
In our eyes, white jeans are a year-round fashion staple. We love how Ashley Graham wore hers with a matching top. Just be careful around the red wine when you copy her look.
On Zoey Deutch: Wrangler denim jacket and jeans
It may look like a jumpsuit, but Zoey Deutch's outfit is made up of a patch-pocket Wrangler jacket and flare jeans. In other words: You can invest in both items to wear together or with other pieces in your closet.
On Rihanna: Celine Homme shirt; Amina Muaddi heels
It was the grocery outfit seen round the world—and for good reason. Make like Rihanna and wear a tropical shirt from the men's section for a looser fit.
On Nicky Hilton: Nicky Hilton x French Sole sneakers; Hermès bag
Behold the perfect outfit for running errands. Skinny jeans and sneakers (these ones are from Nicky Hilton's own shoe collab) are a classic combination, and the sporty turtleneck is a level up from a sweatshirt.
On Alessandra Ambrosio: Ética jeans; Hermès bag; Gianvito Rossi sandals; Vehla Eyewear sunglasses
Cropped jeans, meet crop top. Alessandra Ambrosio showed off a little skin and a little ankle in this summery look, which she paired with one of the season's trickiest shoe trends: thong heels.
On Tayshia Adams: NBD sweater
The Bachelorette star embraced the Wild West in her cowboy hat and boots, which she paired with a cute off-the-shoulder sweater and jeans from Revolve.
On Sienna Miller: Levi's shorts; Frame handbag; Isabel Marant belt
Here's proof that summer layering is a thing. Take a cue from Sienna Miller and pair shorts with a light jacket.
On Irina Shayk: Madeworn Rock Britney Concert Tee ($180); Dr. Marten's boots
Irina Shayk seemingly showed she's #TeamBritney when she stepped out on June 3 in this throwback tee paired simply with distressed jeans and Docs.
On Katie Holmes: Aera boots
We want to wear just about everything Katie Holmes is spotted in on the streets of NYC, and this classic look is no exception. Bonus: Her Aera boots are produced sustainably and made of vegan leather!
On Candice Huffine: Anthropologie sweater and overalls
Overalls are just about the easiest thing you can throw on any day of the year. We love how Candice Huffine layered hers over a comfy sweater for a laid-back vibe.
On Cindy Bruna: Moncler jacket; Y/Project bodysuit; Fendi shoes
Cindy Bruna may look like she's in the middle of a photo shoot, but sometimes, the right pair of black jeans will do that to you. And topped off with a shiny black puffer and sky-high boots? Game over.
On Hunter Schafer: R13 bomber jacket, Maison Margiela x Reebok boots
If you don't have faded straight-leg jeans like Hunter Schafer's, get a pair, stat. They'll be one of the hardest-working pairs in your wardrobe—even if you don't have a pair of Maison Margiela x Reebok boots to wear with them like the Euphoria star does.
Unsure about printed jeans? Let this look on Liu Wen convince you. By pairing her pants with a simple top and white sneakers, she lets the jeans be the star.
"Brown" and "jeans" are two words you probably didn't expect to see next to each other, yet somehow, they work. Bella Hadid's caramel-colored pair has a '70s vibe, especially with her black leather trench.
Up next, don't miss the 2021 celebrity outfits that have people talking (ourselves included).
Lindy Segal is a freelance writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. She's originally from Atlanta, but she's sorry to report she doesn't have an accent. However, she does still have her taste for carbohydrates, love of losing sports teams, and fear of driving during rush hour. She's been in editorial for over eight years as a social media manager and writer covering beauty, fashion, and lifestyle at Glamour and People. Most recently, she was the women's editor at Express. These days, in addition to Who What Wear, you can see her byline at places like Harper's Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Ipsy, and WeWork. Both a skincare obsessive and a minimalist, she keeps her routine short, sweet, and effective—and she doesn't go a day without sunscreen. She's also deeply passionate about sustainability, and she strives to recommend products she truly believes are worth the investment. When she's not writing about the best and brightest beauty finds, she can usually be found hunting for vintage and secondhand treasures, attempting to find zen at a yoga class, bingeing Bon Appétit YouTube videos, or napping under her weighted blanket.
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