The Skinny on Straight Leg Denim

Straight leg jeans are the perfect on-trend update to your denim wardrobe. This 90s-favorite silhouette is back, and while we won’t say it’s sure to replace your go-to skinnies, this iconic style is worth trying.

To get the look, you’ll want to look for a pair of jeans that hug your waist, cut straight from hip to hem, and have room at the ankle. If your initial vintage find is less than flattering the first time around, there are some tweaks. Sydney Lopez, the fashion stylist behind some of our favorite editorials as well as the red-carpet looks of her client Cynthia Lovely, shares her expert advice.

“For my personal body type, I did have to figure out the tricks for wearing straight-leg, vintage style denim, as I have hips and a butt. I have to accentuate my waist as much as possible. For me, I always go for a high-waisted version of this jean, to highlight my smallest part which is my waist. I am also short, so I try to buy them cropped, or I roll them at the bottom to give me more height.”

Once you’ve found your fit, it’s time to put together your look. Sydney has a few ideas on how to play with proportions that will complement the cut of the jeans and your shape. “I typically will wear something tight on top, like a bodysuit, or something cropped, like a cut-off vintage tee. I really love when the tee is a bit bigger and wider--it makes my waist look even smaller. If I am dressing things up, I will wear a button-down shirt half tucked in the front or the side to create a baggier effect.”

Finally, finish off with killer footwear. Since straight leg denim is meant to hit right below the ankle with a bit of room, they’re ideal for pairing with booties. Sydney also recommends something a bit more elegant. “I think the most refined way of course is putting some strappy heels or pumps,” she explains. A versatile fit, however, feel comfortable wearing them with anything from slides to stilettos, so long as the look speaks to you!