How To Wear Boyfriend Jeans: 8 Styling Tips And Outfit Ideas

Boyfriend jeans have become all the rage. These jeans got this name because they literally look like you are wearing a pair of your boyfriend’s jeans. They have a relaxed fit and are suitable for various body types. These jeans were first popularized in the 1960s by icons like Marilyn Monroe. Since then, they have been a must-have for every fashion enthusiast. These jeans are carefree, casual, and chic with a great fit around your waist and hip and broad downwards. From streetwear to airport looks, boyfriend jeans stood the test of time. If you are a little confused about how to wear boyfriend jeans, look no further for styling inspiration. This article covers 8 cool ways to wear boyfriend jeans for every occasion on your calendar. So, let’s get started.

Ace The Look

• Accessories: If you’re pairing these jeans with a tank top or a t-shirt, accessorize with a long chain, a pair of sunglasses, and a steel strap watch.
• Bags: Sling bags, satchels, hobo bags, backpacks to fancy waist bags, all go well with boyfriend jeans outfits.
• Hairstyles: Tie your hair into a high sleek ponytail or a loose one. Also, messy buns and plaits look great with boyfriend jeans!
• Occasions: You can wear your boyfriend jeans to a date with your girlfriends, during your solo travels, or to a fun event in your college.

8 Ways To Style Boyfriend Jeans

There are various ways to style boyfriend jeans. The loose and baggy fit goes perfectly for a casual day out or date night. However, it is important to note that boyfriend jeans can turn from stylish to sloppy if not paired well.

Make sure to slide your jeans a few inches above your ankle, and wear them with a fitter tank top or blouse. This will complement the looseness of the boyfriend jeans and make space for a celebrity-inspired outfit. While boyfriend jeans usually refer to blue denim, you can pair faded-black boyfriend jeans with a white tee shirt underneath a leather jacket.

1. How To Wear Boyfriend Jeans In Winter

You may find it difficult to pair those loose, baggy bottoms with oversize jackets, puffy coats, and ankle boots. But boyfriend jeans can make a winter style statement, especially a comfortable layer over thermal underwear on chilly days. So, let’s check out some amazing ideas to style this outfit confidently.  

• Pair your boyfriend jeans with an oversized blazer and chic patterned belt for a playful yet stylish outfit.
• Try boyfriend jeans with a statement coat or long-sleeve blouse and sneakers.
• Your boyfriend jeans will look awesome with a bold, puffy jacket or bomber jacket and sleek ankle boots or combat boots.
• Match light-wash boyfriend jeans with a wool coat or layered sweaters and statement ankle boots.
• This fall, create a cool, casual look by wearing your boyfriend jeans with a black turtleneck sweater and white sneakers.

Did You Know?

It was Marilyn Monroe who started the boyfriend jeans craze in the 1960s. She first wore them in public on the set of Misfits.

2. How To Wear Boyfriend Jeans In Summer

Due to the relaxed fit of boyfriend jeans, if you want to look couture vs. comfortable when out-and-about, consider pieces that give back definition. Wear shoes that have shape and tops that are fitted, curved, or belted.

Kim Hancher, style coach, suggests, “A fitted t-shirt with chandelier earrings, belt, bold colored clutch, and heels makes it dressier. The same fitted t-shirt, gold hoops, crossbody bag, and tennis shoes are a great everyday look.”

You can dress up or down your jeans with shoes and accessories during summer. Either go sporty with flats and sneakers or keep these bottoms slouchy with ladylike pumps or block-heeled sandals.

Kim Hancher ,style coach, suggests, “Boyfriend jeans should be paired with something more form-fitting on top, not tight, but skimming the body to keep proportions right. A bodysuit, tailored men-style oxford, or a fitted t-shirt tucked in or tied at the waist are all great options.”

3. How To Wear Boyfriend Jeans With Flats

Flats impart a distinct summer beach style look, and finding your ideal pair is pretty easy. Try your favorite boyfriend jeans with a cute graphic tee and slip-on sandals. A flat sandal and boyfriend jeans appear exceptionally cool for spring and summer. You can also wear them with your favorite anklet to pull the look. Go for a toned-down aesthetic with slouchy jeans and flat sandals.

4. How To Wear Boyfriend Jeans With Heels

Boyfriend jeans hit right at the ankle or above it. Therefore, adding some height and elongation through heels is a great way to lengthen the body visually. Pair your jeans with an oversized white jacket and white high heels. You can also style a low-heeled sandal and a comfy T-shirt and toss a jacket across your shoulder to accentuate the look. Another way you can wear boyfriend jeans is with a tucked-in floral blouse, block heels, and a big, bright purse.

5. How To Wear Boyfriend Jeans With Ankle Boots

Keep your ankles warm and stand elegantly by pairing your boyfriend jeans with a T-shirt (with a fun message), ankle boots, and a scarf. A pair of slouchy knee-high boots will make you appear super casual and chicer. Also, it will impart a  semi-professional vibe, but you can tweak your outfit for almost every occasion. If nothing works for you, select a patterned top, baggy boyfriend jeans, and Chelsea boots to create a bold statement.

6. How To Wear Boyfriend Jeans If You Are Petite

Go for boyfriend jeans that are a bit high-waisted and not baggy. Cuff the bottoms as narrow as possible and put on cute heels, sandals, or boots. You can choose your boyfriend jeans without cuffs, but do not pick something with a wide length-shortening cuff. Also, stay away from boyfriend jeans that are too slouchy, super baggy, and tapered toward the legs.

Quick Tip

For the topwear, it is ideal to choose something in the same color palette to create a monochromatic look and avoid visual breaks in the silhouette. If that is not possible, you must definitely wear something cropped as that will make your legs appear longer. Also, wear pointy heels in nude or the same color as your jeans to elongate your silhouette.

7. How To Wear Plus Size Boyfriend Jeans

If you are curvy, a cardigan or shorter shirts are your safest bet. You can match your jeans with a black tee or a loose white tee with rolled sleeves. A blazer is a great choice if you want to keep things a little formal. Style your boyfriend jeans with a white T-shirt, light creme jacket, and block heels to add that edgy look.

8. How To Wear Boyfriend Jeans Over 50

Choose boyfriend jeans in faded to medium vintage-blue washes. Wear your jeans with hems rolled above the ankles. Do not forget to pair up a belt and half-tuck the top. You can wear a moto jacket (leave it unzipped) and keep the under-piece simple to create the illusion of a slimmer body. Add a ladylike pump to your outfit to look more fun and dressed up.

Although it is tricky to pull off boyfriend jeans at the first chance, ring some changes from your usual skinny cut for that casual, chic style. If you are afraid loose-fitting boyfriend style will not suit you and appear like a slack bag, keep in mind the following tips.

Dos And Don’ts Of Wearing Boyfriend Jeans

Dos:

• Roll the hem a few inches above your ankle for a cool, laidback look. Derek Warburton, media entrepreneur and celebrity stylist, recommends, “Boyfriend jeans have a relaxed fit that can quickly become sloppy. Maintain a neat appearance by rolling them loosely to a cropped length. They should be positioned a few inches above your ankle, but this is not a rigid rule. Choose a length that is appropriate for your height and shoe choice. If you are unsure, seek a second opinion from a friend.”
• Pair your boyfriend jeans with a dressy top or sexy shirt. You can balance the entire outfit with a tube top or a glitter off-shoulder top.
• Fire up the edgy factor of your BF jeans with eye-catching garments like a leather jacket, statement shirt, and ankle boots.
• Try your jeans with a tucked-in denim shirt for that elegant aura.
• Throw on white sneakers with your boyfriend jeans and pair them with a cute crop top. You can also go for pumps or classy stilettos to create ’the legs illusion.’
• Match your jeans with black or loose white tees. Keep the sleeves rolled to echo your rolled hems.
• Try a sloppy-joe top or sailor-striped boat-neck top with your jeans to boost things a little.
• Oversized jackets or cropped jackets are great for cool evenings without going off track from the overall theme. They create a balanced silhouette and add a chic element to the outfit.
• Choose an off-shoulder floral top with gypsy ruffles or a body-hugging halter-neck crop top to accentuate your feminine curves.

Don’ts:

• Do not leave your shirt untucked. If you are not comfortable tucking in your shirt, do a half-tuck. Leave the back hanging out for a chic, street-style look.
• Do not forget the belt; otherwise, your jeans will appear sagging. Instead, wear your boyfriend jeans with a classy belt for the perfect fit.
• Do not pair your boyfriend jeans with loose and oversized tops.
• Do not buy boyfriend jeans that are too tight. Remember, this kind of bottom wear is meant to be slouchy.
• Do not wear boyfriend jeans with flannel and show skin. Jeans that are unbelievably ripped and paired with extremely tight and small tops do not look attractive.
• Avoid the ’flattening’ effect. Be careful with the accessories and other pieces you use to compose the look. So, choose tighter blouses and high heel shoes to balance the look.

Kim Hancher suggests what not to wear with boyfriend jeans:

• “Oversized sweater or sweatshirt.”
• “A blouse that doesn’t have structure or skim your body.”
• “Shackets should not be worn with boyfriend jeans.”
• “You want to be careful to show some sign of your waistline and continue to create that hourglass feminine shape.”

Sometimes boyfriend jeans are confused with mom jeans, as both are meant to provide a relaxed fit. However, they have several differences, which we will explore in the next section.

Boyfriend Jeans Vs. Mom Jeans

• The fundamental difference between mom and boyfriend jeans is that mom jeans have a reasonably high waist with a fitted silhouette, whereas boyfriend jeans have a low, loose waist and bottom that gives you a relaxed, laid-back vibe.
• Boyfriend jeans tend to hang more loosely throughout their length, but mom jeans frequently feature tapered legs.
• Boyfriend jeans commonly feature cropped or cuffed legs, whereas mom jeans typically have full-length legs.
• Boyfriend jeans often have a worn-in appearance or rolled cuffs that give them a carefree vibe, whereas mom jeans have a classic denim look.
• The pockets on boyfriend jeans are often larger and placed lower on the backside, contributing to the laid-back look. On the other side, mom jeans have smaller pockets placed higher on the backside.

Infographic: Styling Tips To Wear Boyfriend Jeans Confidently

Boyfriend jeans are very versatile, and you can wear them almost anywhere. Whether it is a casual daytime look an evening party outfit, these denim wonders can be easily paired with different tops and accessories to suit your personal style preferences. Check out the infographic below for tips and tricks to master the art of wearing boyfriend jeans for any occasion.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a girlfriend and boyfriend jeans?

The primary distinction between girlfriend and boyfriend jeans is that girlfriend jeans are slim and hug your curves, offering a tailored look. On the other hand, boyfriend jeans are that type of jeans that are baggy and have a more relaxed fit, preventing you from highlighting your curves. They may also occasionally extend over your ankle.

Can pear shapes wear boyfriend jeans?

Yes. Boyfriend jeans hug your hips and equalize the distance between your head and knees. If you are shorter, the loose fit will also lengthen your legs.

Unlock your denim style game with this fabulous tutorial! Check out the video and learn how to effortlessly style boyfriend jeans and other trendy pants to stay fashion-forward.

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Jeffrey AmpratwumFashion Stylist

   

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