Mom jean outfits 2023: Here's how to style mom jeans

We’ve got all the mom jean outfit inspiration you need as our expert explains how to wear them for every occasion

women wearing mom jean outfits
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Nailing your mom jean outfits will help you turn this trending denim item into a fashion staple. And if you've been struggling with how to style mom jeans, we've got heaps of sartorial advice to help you upgrade your wardrobe this season.

While mom jeans first appeared as a seasonal denim trend, their super flattering fit and cool retro aesthetic have since secured their place as one of the best jeans styles. Originally a denim fan favorite in the eighties and early nineties, this high-waisted, straight-legged silhouette was ousted in the noughties as bootcut and skinny jeans came to the fore. But thanks to '90s nostalgia being one of the biggest fashion trends this season, mom jeans outfits are now a style essential.

One of the best styles of high-waisted jeans around, the best mom jeans are loose on the leg and tapered at the ankle for a seriously flattering finish that shows off your waist and skims over thighs giving a relaxed and comfy fit. Suiting all body types, mom jean outfits are also effortless to put together and are easy to dress up or down. With a retro aesthetic, they instantly add an effortlessly cool edge to your look.

How to style mom jeans: Mom jean outfits to try

We've compiled our top tips for how to style jeans with a mom silhouette, to help you put together the best mom jean outfits. A set of building blocks for your closet, the below sartorial ideas can be mixed and matched so your mom jeans can work harder day to day. Despite their slightly more relaxed fit, getting a good fit at the waist and hips is still really important, but you can be a little more playful with denim wash and leg finishes. 

1. The smart blazer

mom jean outfits: street style blazers

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Investing in one of the best blazers is always a good idea. With the ability to add polish to any look, they can instantly make mom jean outfits look sharper and smarter, taking your otherwise casual denim outfits from AM to PM.

Opt for a bright blazer to give a nod to 'Dopamine dressing', a continuing fashion color trend in 2023, or keep it classic and timeless with a neutral-hued iteration and classic fabrics such as wool and tweed. As mom jeans sit higher on the waist, you can afford to go for a slightly more relaxed fit blazer, as long as you keep it unbuttoned. Tuck in your top to highlight your waistline.

2. The statement knit

mom jean outfits: street style

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The best sweaters and cardigans (layered over silk camis) instantly add a cozy feel to mom jeans outfits. For a spring-ready spin, pair your mom jeans with a statement knit for a fresh and bright feel. To show off your shape, opt for more fitted, or waist length style to highlight curves. The best cashmere sweaters will help regulate your body temperature. Want to pair your jeans with a chunky knit? Utilize fashion's favorite half-tuck to bring shape back to your waist. 

3. The statement top

mom jean outfits: street style tops

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It’s time to roll out the ‘nice top and jeans’ combo. Despite their laid-back look, mom jeans are great for dressing up and when it comes to how to style mom jeans for the evening, don't be afraid of volume and ruffles. Statement sleeves are still a big trend this season and a high waisted pair of mom jeans will help to balance out a more daring top half. Darker washes will smarten up your mom jeans outfit, while white jeans or light wash blues will add a warm-weather feel.

4. The classic white shirt

mom jean outfits: street style shirts

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The best shirts add instant polish to any look. Keep things classic when learning how to style mom jeans, by teaming your denim with a crisp white shirt. This season, oversized shirts are a major spring/summer fashion trend 2023, but if you have a petite frame, these can sometimes feel overwhelming. To make the look work as part of your mom jeans outfits, wear oversized shirts open, over a camisole, giving an almost cardigan or jacket feel. This will ensure you still champion your silhouette and don't allow the white shirt to wear you! While a crisp white shirt will smarten up your mom jean outfits, for a more directional look, opt for a deconstructed design and look for added details such as oversized collars, pleat details, on-trend puff sleeve shirts and wrap closures.

5. The Footwear

mom jeans outfits: shoes

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From the best Chelsea boots and trainers to the best designer heels, apart from a knee-high boot (as the leg style is too loose), when it comes to which shoes to style with mom jeans, you'll be pleased to hear that this versatile denim pairs well with pretty much anything. As a mom jean tends to finish at the ankle, this style offers the perfect opportunity to show off some fancy footwear too. Opt for one of the latest shoe trends to add a seasonal refresh or keep it classic with an investment style you can wear on the regular.

Mom jeans as picked by the fashion team

Now you've got the tools to create some top mom jean outfits, make sure your denim collection is up to date with some of our favorite mom jeans you can shop now. From loose relaxed styles for your weekend getup to smart and slim dark-wash pairs you can dress up for dinner, you're bound to find one to suit you and your style.

Charlie Bell

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.

With contributions from