How to style baggy jeans: Weekend outfit ideas from a fashion editor
Unsure how to style baggy jeans? We’ve got all the looks you need
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.
RRP: $40 / £41 | For elevated basics, Everlane is your one-stop shop. This sleek tank is crafted from extra-fine ribbed pima cotton for a soft and fitted finish. The cutaway shoulders help to highlight your shape and will rebalance the wide leg of the pants.
RRP: $68 (US only) | These slouchy jeans have a flattering high rise cut and an ultra wide-leg - a winning leg-lengthening formula. They have a small amount of stretch for added comfort and are available in three washes from light to charcoal.
RRP: $119 / £79.99 | Brighten up this lowkey look with some dopamine dressing-inspired shoes and these Barbiecore beauties will do just the trick. With an easy-to-wear mid heel and a soft leather fabric, they’re ideal for smart casual outfit ideas.
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.
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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.
RRP: $29.99 / £24.99 | Embrace the '90s aesthetic with these light wash, baggy jeans. They have a super high waist to cinch you in at the middle and straighter legs than many baggy jeans out there, for a slightly more tailored and narrowed silhouette.
RRP: $219 / £165 | One of the best blazer styles, a checked blazer is a classic. Crafted from a wool blend, it’s fully lined to keep you warm as we head into Fall. The padded shoulders will help to balance the width of the trousers for a chic finish.
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.
RRP: $270 / £250 | Give your baggy jeans a retro '70s edge with this elegant pair. Similar to what to wear with wide leg pants, they're a stiff cut, giving them a smart look for the evening. The tapered waist and high hip pockets add to the flattering fit.
RRP: $79.99 / £49.99 | The rich hues give this sweet floral blouse a Fall feel, making it ideal as we head into the new season. It has a flattering V-neckline and a neck-tie for extra drama. Tuck the flowy fabric into your jeans to show off the waist.
RRP: $716 / £535 | The mule is one of the top shoe trends 2022 and this towering pair is ideal for adding height. Considered details such as the sculptural heel and almond toe give them a high-end finish, while the neutral hue will go with everything.
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.
RRP: $148 / £165 | The directional cropped finish on these jeans make them a stylish choice if you're looking for the best petite jeans. Short enough to show off some fancy shoes. They have a snug fit around the hip and bum to help contour your shape.
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.
RRP: $1,190 / £850 | Give tailoring the party treatment with this embellished shirt. Guaranteed to turn some heads, it has a slim fit, ideal for balancing out baggy jean proportions, and despite the all over embellishment, this shirt is lightweight to wear.
RRP: $199 / £119 | Makers of some of the best jeans, All Saints know how to give an item a rock 'n' roll finish. These distressed boyfriend jeans have a high waist and a relaxed fit through the body. The rips at the knee and raw hem give them a casual feel.
RRP: $99 / £75 | If you’re wondering how to style loafers for women, a pair of jeans helps to balance their androgynous aesthetic and lean into that laidback feel. The backless design is fresh and modern and makes them easy to slip on and off.
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 bags.
RRP: $675 / £395 | Introducing your new fall coat, the coat trends 2022 are embracing tailored silhouettes and cozy textures. The double-breasted design keeps it smart, while the sky blue hue will add a lightness to dreary winter mornings.
RRP: $189 / £95 | The barrel leg silhouette is a shape that has been bubbling away in the background. Crafted from organic cotton, they're available in four washes and have some stretch for a more contoured fit on at the waist and a slimmer leg.
RRP: $1,700 / £1,150 | One of the best Gucci bags, the Marmont will work with a plethora of outfits. Made from supple quilted leather it’s roomy enough for all your essentials whilst still cute and compact. We love the new season chain strap.
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.
RRP: $108 / £110 | Tapering at the ankle, these jeans are a good way to ease yourself into the baggy jean trend. As they offer fullness through the hip and leg, before slimming at the ankle. The waist-emphasizing high rise offers a vintage-style fit.
RRP: $150 / £98 | British clothing brand Boden has nailed it with this cute knit. Crafted from a recycled wool blend, it has sustainable credentials too. The frilly cuffs and pointelle design adds a feminine finish, great for what to wear over a dress too.
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.
RRP: $215 / £135 | Every wardrobe needs a crisp white cotton shirt and this is top of our list. It has deep cuffs for an added dose of drama making it great under a sleeveless knit this season. It can be worn loose or tucked in for a more polished finish.
RRP: $235 / £175 | Scandinavian clothing brand Ganni create some of the best dresses, but its denim collection is worth checking out too. A classic silhouette in rigid denim, they have a leg-lengthening wide leg and high waist to contour your silhouette.
RRP: $31 / £25 | A gold chain necklace is well worth having in your arsenal. One of the big jewelry trends 2022, swap delicate layering pieces for chunky iterations, such as this linear link necklace, ideal over simple tees and knits to upgrade your look.
Charlie is the Deputy Fashion Editor at Future plc across multiple women’s magazines including Woman & Home, Woman and Woman's Own.
She bagged her first magazine job in 2009 and has previously written for titles including Stylist, Closer and Dare. Over the years Charlie has embraced anything that was thrown at her from styling celebrities to testing out the best jeans on the high street to writing about must-have beauty buys.
With a weakness for a printed midi dress, Charlie is on a mission to shop more sustainably and loves finding new ethical brands and second-hand buys.
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