People far and wide have experienced the harrowing effects—both mental and sartorial—of their mother’s mom jeans. Bet you’re cringing just thinking about them now: high-waisted (in the most unflattering light), and uncomfortably snug (most likely tucked into an unmentionable collared shirt)—the very demon of your fashion nightmares. So how, and when, did the mom jean become the new it-style of the denim world? Honestly, we have no idea.
What is for certain, however, is that mom’s beloved pair from 1993 has nothing on today’s modern (and insanely chic) update. Hip retailers, like Topshop and Urban Outfitters, are proudly flaunting their stylish—and surprisingly figure-flattering—versions of this well-parodied classic (see the Mom Jeans SNL sketch for how NOT to wear them, or any jeans, for that matter). What must be considered when purchasing your mom jeans, above all else, is the fit. Everything from the alignment of the pockets, to the way they hug (not squeeze) your hips, is crucial to ensuring that you look modish, and not mom-ish.
From the daringly destroyed varieties (wear them with a smart blazer-and-stilettos combo for a look that screams holy chic!), to the not-so-basic boyfriend style (Converse and bomber jacket friendly), mom jeans will soon be making waves in your previously limited jean pool of skinnies, boyfriends, and (shocker) more skinnies.
Look to online retailer ASOS.com for that just-right-for-you pair your inner—not to mention trendy—Goldilocks will soon be lusting after. Also worth considering are the fresh off-white and jet-black alternatives to the fifty shades of blue unequivocally hanging in your closet. But don’t bypass that (indisputably classic) maternal blue pair out of fear of a mom-outfit flashback (and subsequent meltdown). Trust us: these are not your mother’s (mom)jeans. Just, please, don’t pair them with spinsterly-looking embroidered vests or polo shirts.
Those are never going to happen.
