Fashion People Love Straight-Leg Jeans—Here's How They're Styling Them in 2024
It's hard to remember a time when straight-leg jeans didn't live in our wardrobes, but alas, that time did exist. Before the straight-leg popularity spike, boyfriend and skinny jeans were the dominating styles, with few options in between. Bridging the gap, straight-leg jeans boast the streamlined silhouette skinny-jean devotees love while featuring a relaxed cut reminiscent of the looser boyfriend fit. This combination is precisely why fashion people love them—they're not too tailored, nor are they too undone. They strike the perfect jean balance.
Ilana pairs her faded finish straight-leg jeans with a grey relaxed-fit blazer and pointed-toe pumps.
Although they're easy to wear, coming up with new and exciting jeans outfits can be a struggle, especially if you've been living in little else but hoodies of late. In the nick of time, however, just as spring begins to catch up with us, a slew of our favourite social media dressers have been showcasing new and chic straight-leg jean outfits to inspire us. They're the ideal accompaniment to statement tops, sleek blazers and trending shoes alike. Keep scrolling to see seven incredible straight-leg jean outfits, and then shop any pieces you might be lacking to re-create them.
1. ADD A BLAZER
Style Notes: A blazer and straight-leg jeans are both timeless wardrobe staples, so undoubtedly they're a powerful pairing when styled together. Liv's tonal look features a relaxed-fit chocolate blazer and black straight-leg jeans, before being completed with chunky leather boots.
Shop the look:
This roll-neck would make a great base layer to many outfits.
You can't beat H&M's affordable denim selection, and this slim-straight option is a style you'll wear day-in-day-out.
Chunky ankle boots are a go-to footwear choice throughout the winter, and these zipped Russell & Bromley pair are timeless enough to last year after year.
2. OPT FOR A STATEMENT TOP
Style Notes: Blame it on the inordinate number of Zoom calls we've been on, but statements tops are continuing to be a sweet spot for us. Monikh's blue straight-leg jeans make for the ideal accompaniment to her dramatic-sleeve checked blouse.
Shop the look:
I don't think you can get a more perfect shoulder bag, you'll have to convince otherwise.
3. PAIR WITH A CHUNKY KNIT
Style Notes: A chunky knit is a go-to with any outfit in the chilly weather. Create the perfect harmony between relaxed fit and streamlined silhouettes by wearing your knit alongside a pair of faded-finish jeans, just like Neelam.
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I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Frame is your destination for quality denim.
The contrast white stitching adds something fresh to this simple black belt.
Glossed leather loafers are such versatile shoes, dress them up for the office with a pair of tailored trousers or just as easily dress down with a pair of straight-leg jeans.
4. BOMBER JACKET AND LEATHER BOOTS
Style Notes: Assembling a wardrobe of versatile staples is key, especially when you don't have time to outfit plan. Emily knows this and has invested in her straight-leg jean collection, which she can pair with everything from woolly bomber jackets to burgundy leather boots for fast, fashionable results.
Shop the look:
I've heard so many good things about Weekday jeans, I might just have to add this style to my wish list.
This warm burgundy shade is a chic alternative to typical black ankle boots.
5. LAYER WITH A KNITTED POLO JUMPER
Style Notes: When you're staring at your wardrobe wondering what to wear, take inspiration from Chiara by styling your denim with a simple white T-shirt layered underneath a polo jumper, add the finishing touches of your everyday jewellery and ballet flats. This is a pairing that will go the distance.
Shop the look:
The resurgence of ballet flats has been something special, they're so easy to slip on and make any outfit look classic.
6. TRY DOUBLE DENIM
Style Notes: Double denim doesn't have to feel so daunting, Anna shows us how to effortlessly nail the co-ord look. Pair with Birkenstock Bostons and a cosy crew sock throughout the colder weather, or swap the clogs out for minimalist strappy sandals in the warmer months ahead.
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Wear buttoned up or open as an overshirt to your staple cotton T-shirt.
If you tend to opt for a high-rise fit, like I do, this 90s-inspired style might just be for you.
Thinking ahead, these Emme Parsons strappy lace-up sandals are a summer essential.
7. STYLE WITH A WOOL COAT AND LOAFERS
Style Notes: Outerwear can make or break an outfit, but when straight-leg jeans and a simple sweater act as your backdrop, you can afford to invest in chic add-ons. We love how Kim is winter-ready with her longline wool coat and glossy leather loafers.
Shop the look:
A wool-blend coat is such a timeless piece, so it's worth spending that little bit extra on.
This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Opening Image: @emswells
Next Up: I Love Elegant Denim Outfits - 7 Chic Looks I'm Copying In 2024.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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