Straight-leg jeans feature a slender profile with a narrow cut from the knee down—let’s explore ways to wear this denim silhouette, as seen on Belle Mariano, Maris Racal, and Kaila Estrada.
You can’t buy love, but you can buy jeans. There was once a time when skinny jeans hugged our legs like a child never wanting to let go of its guardian. So much so, that skinny jeans became second-skin. But, like everything else: there was a tweak, some elective surgery that happened along the way, a trend that promised to stay but simply vanished in the long run. We upgraded to something sleeker: a new denim love interest. And, no, this is not a metaphor for death; it’s just straight-leg jeans.
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High-fashion Edge
Denim trends are as unpredictable as a summer thunderstorm. Skinny jeans ruled the roster for what felt like an eternity, never taking a backseat or becoming a bench warmer. We wore them with everything. Yet, as the teams of trends switch, so too did our allegiance. What once seemed like an eternal union between our legs, skinny jeans have ushered in straight silhouettes. But, this is not the end of an era but rather the dawn of a new one.
The sleek silhouette is a refined alternative to the once-beloved skinny jean. With its tailored fit and elongating effect on the legs, straight-leg offer a sophisticated look on traditional denim. Unlike their snug counterpart, these sleek silhouettes give any outfit a high-fashion edge. It also comes in a variety of washes and finishes, from dark to light wash and high-rise to low-waist. Here are some tips to master the art of styling these sleek denims.
Loose-fit
Since these pants boast a slim fit, balance the silhouette by pairing them with loose-fitting tops or oversized cardigans. For a breezy aesthetic, try pairing the pants with a flowy summer dress. Alternatively, layer a crochet cardigan over a flowing silk blouse for a contrast that’s adaptable for summer evenings. This juxtaposition prevents the look from appearing too rigid. The combination of the fitted pants and the billowy look creates a chic ensemble perfect for warm-weather days.
Footwear Freedom
Elevate your ensemble by opting for statement footwear, whether it’s a pair of bold heels for a night out, chunky sneakers for a casual daytime look, or boots if you’re brave enough to rock them. The beauty of denim is its versatility—you can pair it with any footwear, allowing you to showcase style in your own way.
Accessorizing for Impact
Accessorizing is key to elevating any outfit, and straight-leg jeans are no exception. Experiment with statement jewelry, such as colored necklaces or oversized earrings, to add a touch of glamor. Belts can also cinch the waist and accentuate the tailored fit of the pants.
Skinny jeans look too much like 2010s fashion. It’s going to come back eventually, but differently—but that doesn’t matter now. Nothing is supposed to be timeless, only timely. What’s in now are straight-leg jeans that offer possibilities for any individualistic taste. It’s not a metaphor for death, but a burgeoning change in life. Whether you’re a devotee of classic denim or a trendsetter eager to adopt the next big thing, consider adding a pair of straight-leg jeans to your wardrobe. You can’t buy love—or maybe you can.
Photos: MIU MIU, PROENZA SCHOULER, and HELMUT LANG; BELLE MARIANO, MARIS RACAL, and KAILA ESTRADA (via Instagram)
Featured Image: MARIS RACAL (via Instagram)
