How to style baggy jeans: Weekend outfit ideas from a fashion editor

Loose-fit jeans are back, but their relaxed fit may have left you wondering how to style baggy jeans. But fret not, this '90s-inspired silhouette is surprisingly easy to pull off, whatever your body type.

A nod to nostalgia, baggy jeans were a defining silhouette of the '90s and early noughties before skinny jeans stole their crown. But now, as we head into the Fall 2022 fashion trends, the loose-fitting style is back with a bang, with the denim trends 2022 awash with models rocking Y2K, low-slung and relaxed jeans shape that have left many in a styling quandary. While we may have nailed the look first time around, if you're wondering how to style baggy jeans with grown-up polish, have no fear. You can pull this look off at any age. 

Baggy jeans come in many variations so it’s important to find the pair that suits you and your body shape. You can swap low-slung styles for a higher waist for a flattering finish that pairs well with crop tops and knits, or try a mid-waist cut with a longline blazer and tee combo, for added chic. Still nervous about the extra fabric? When it comes to how to style jeans with a baggy leg, remember, there are grades of bagginess to choose from too, from ultra slouchy to a more subtle girlfriend or boyfriend cut that will help to ease you in gently. 

"When it comes to baggy jeans, many women are understandably hesitant about the look as, unlike skinny jeans, the shape can lack definition. That's why balance here is key and a more fitted top half with allow you to use your baggy jeans in the same way you would an A-line skirt, balancing out larger busts, broader shoulders and creating a longer and leaner silhouette" says fashion editor, Antonia Kraskowski.

How to style baggy jeans - 8 outfit ideas from a fashion editor 

1. How to style baggy jeans with a white tee

Sometimes less is more and this outfit is the perfect laid-back look for all the minimalists out there. Let your baggy jeans take center stage and keep the rest of the look simple. Opt for a fitted white tank top or the best white t-shirt to offset the voluminous bottom half or keep it relaxed in a boxy tee that finishes just at the waist to highlight your middle and avoid drowning your silhouette in fabric. 

Lean into '90s grunge and pair this outfit with the best white trainers, or use your baggy jeans as an opportunity to explore how to wear high top Converse. However, for a dose of subtle glamour that renders this look dinner-ready, add a pair of heels. The extra height will also help to elongate your frame and balance the fullness of the trouser leg.

2. How to style baggy jeans with a blazer

Nothing pulls an outfit together more than learning how to style a blazer, and adding tailoring to your baggy jeans outfit will sharpen it instantly. If you want to stick to the androgynous aesthetic with an oversized boyfriend blazer, just make sure to wear something more fitted underneath to highlight your silhouette.

If you want to have a more curvaceous finish, try adding a fitted blazer for a smart and stylish way to explore how to style baggy jeans. Go simple with a block color blazer and layer over a t-shirt to contour your shape. Add a pair of cute flats, such as a plimsole or a loafer and a pair of statement gold earrings to finish the look. 

3. How to style baggy jeans with a blouse

Want to know how to style baggy jeans for date night? Look no further! Adding a pretty blouse to your best jeans will add a feminine twist. 

When it comes what to wear on a first date, a pair of baggy jeans can add a relaxed element to your look, but inject a fresh and pretty twist to the grunge style with floral prints, ruffle detailing and floaty fabrics. Stick to dark-wash jeans to keep it on the smart side. 

In order to highlight your waist, tuck your blouse into your jeans to show off your shape, you can even add one of the best designer belts for extra definition. Finish with your best designer heels and a slick of red lippy.

4. How to style baggy jeans with double denim

Once a fashion faux-pas, double denim has had quite the comeback and is now one of the coolest ways to rock the blues. If you're only just discovering how to wear a denim shirt, you'll know that pairing a denim shirt with matching jeans is a fun way to create a modern and directional coord. 

When it comes to how to style baggy jeans with other denim pieces, you can go full matchy-matchy, or give the look a refresh and pair your baggy jeans with an oversized denim shirt or one of the best denim jackets, layered over classic fitted pieces, such as a t-shirt, or a slim roll-neck to help balance the look. Wear the jacket open or the oversized shirt with a half-tuck to regain your waist. Accent the look with chunky gold jewelry for a trend-led finish.

5. How to style baggy jeans for party season

With party season fast approaching, it's to think about Holiday season dressing. For a cool high-low mix, try pairing typically casual, baggy jeans with something über dressy. A look that we saw demonstrated on the runway, sequins are no longer reserved just for the best cocktail dresses, it's about making sequins more wearable for those moments we need just a little extra sparkle.

Instantly taking denim jeans from dressed down to drinks-ready, we’re talking statement sequins, luxe gold fabrics and glitzy accessories. This party-ready aesthetic is perfect for giving off that effortless thrown together vibe and a cool alternative to your LBD - why not try it as one of your birthday outfit ideas. Make even more of a statement and choose light-wash jeans with distressed detailing. Add heels to complete the glam transformation. 

6. How to style baggy jeans with a statement coat

When learning how to style baggy jeans, proportions are the most important factor to consider. While we usually talk about more contoured, or waist defining hems when discussing balancing figures, when it comes to how to wear baggy jeans with a statement coat, you'll want to look for a calf length design. Although this might seem like it goes against the 'rules' as it were, the longer line coat shape helps to soften the baggy jeans and tailored coats are preferable to oversized, or puffer silhouettes. A long tailored coat, even though it covers your frame, will still help to define your waist and shoulders.

From fierce leopard print to a vibrant hue, this power pairing of a coat and baggy jeans makes for one attention-grabbing look and instantly adds polish to this relaxed denim style. A stylish fall outfit idea, keep the rest of your outfit lowkey and wear with your favorite sneakers and best designer bag.

7. How to style baggy jeans with a cozy sweater

Lean into the comfy feel of your baggy jeans and style with a cute sweater for a go-to, brunch outfit idea. As Fall hits, the temperatures will start to dip, meaning the best sweaters become our go-to piece for up styling our favorite separates. From the best cashmere sweater to a cozy cardigan, this is an instant way to render baggy jeans Fall-ready. 

But while you might be tempted to go for super snuggly, oversized silhouettes, don't forget about balancing your shape, otherwise you'll be overwhelmed by fabric. Utilize fashion editor's favorite styling trick and half-tuck your sweater into the waistband of your jeans to highlight your waist. 

"Giving a sweater a half-tuck into the waistband of your jeans helps to add structure to your look and will offer definition, while still leaving your outfit with a lovey, relaxed feel" says Antonia.

8. How to style baggy jeans with a white shirt

One of the most versatile pieces in a capsule wardrobe, a white shirt has the ability to make any item look instantly chic. Offering understated cool, a classic white shirt works well in creating a more androgynous look. 

For a relaxed look, try oversized or boxy shirts, buttoned to the waist, before half tucking one front part. Add chunky gold jewelry, including necklaces and cocktail rings to up the ante on this look and take two style staples to new heights.