I Support the Controversial Denim Trend Chrissy Teigen Just Wore in NYC

If you like mom jeans, you're probably going to approve of the somewhat controversial denim trend Chrissy Teigen just wore around NYC. If you're a skinny-jean devotee, I'll understand if you stop reading here. I'm talking about pleated jeans, and with the return of every '80s and '90s trend known to man over the past few years, it was inevitable that pleats would surface again. I don't know about you, but after donating most of my cropped flares recently, I'm eager to add new denim styles to my wardrobe.
It's easy to assume that pleated jeans will be unflattering and frumpy, but I've found that today's styles are slimmer and cooler (like this J Brand pair that the friendly UPS man is delivering to me today). Teigen even chose a pair with major distressing, so they're sure to not be confused with a pair that actually came from three decades ago.
If you want to try the pleated-jean trend but aren't sure where to start, I suggest pairing them with heels as Teigen did. Whatever you do, make sure your shirt is tucked in (or wear a cropped shirt that reveals the waistband). I've been seeing more and more pleated jeans pop up on the market, so I chose my favorites (below) so that you can strike this rising denim trend while the iron is hot.
On Chrissy Teigen: Saint Laurent Fur Felt Boater Hat ($1595); Givenchy Oversized Aviator Sunglasses ($154); Balenciaga bag; Celine shoes
Shop the Best Pleated Jeans
Next up: J.Lo wearing summer's next big trend with skinny jeans.
Opening Image: Splash News
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
-
Suddenly, Every Classy Fashion Person in Paris Is Wearing This Elegant Heeled-Shoe Trend
A fresh take on classic Mary Janes.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Simone Ashley Is in the Fast Lane
Since her breakout role in Bridgerton, our Spring Issue cover star has quickly risen to A-list status. Up next, she masters the rom-com leading lady.
By Liv Little
-
Madewell's Insiders Event Sale Is So Good—27 Picks Chic People Will Be Adding to Their Carts
Get 25% off just about everything.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
These Are the 7 Stylish Shoe Trends Fashion People Will Be Wearing With Jeans This Spring
I see chic denim outfits in your future.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
If You Have Great Taste, You Don't Want to Miss These 30 Chic J.Crew and Madewell Sale Picks
So many gems. So little time.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Gigi Hadid Just Made Mom Jeans Look Brand-New Again in Paris
If anyone can, she can.
By Allyson Payer
-
The Chicest European Women Have Convinced Me to Try This Effortless Accessory
Simple yet so chic.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Anine Bing Designs Jeans Fashion People Love—and Yes, These Spring Styles Get an A+
Chic silhouettes.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
This French Style Muse Just Effortlessly Pulled Off 4 of the Season's Biggest Trends in One Look
Cool-girl vibes.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
So You've Heard Skinny Jeans Are Back—Here Are 6 Elevated Ways to Wear a Pair in 2025
Bring on the compliments.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes