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‘Mom’ Jeans Are The Everyday Jean Every Wardrobe Needs
They're the easy-peasy jeans that never go out of style.
A wise woman once told me that the key to dressing well lies in approaching the act of getting dressed the way you would make a sandwich. Every outfit needs two slices of bread – in this instance, your outerwear and bottoms of choice – and a sartorial filling, which is where you can employ a bit of creativity; a seasoning here or there, some greenery if you’re that way inclined. But, make your sandwich with bad bread and it fails to scratch the itch the way you want it to. The same is true of outfit-making. Opt for the wrong basics and it will be difficult to pull even the simplest of looks together, which is precisely where the hearty ‘Mom’ jean enters the chat.
Ah, the good ole’ Mom jean. Much has been made of this family (pun intended) of denim, largely because these are the sorts of jeans that require little by way of introduction since they do all an outfit’s heavy lifting. They are the fashion equivalent of the family member archetype they derive their name from: reliable, sturdy. They’re the jean that carries even the most casual – or elevated – of ensembles.
Google Trends has recorded an 80% spike in searches of the style over the past twelve months, confirming its continued ascent. Browns Fashion’s Womenswear Buyer, Mia Notley, is clear that slouchy-fitting Mom jeans are destined for big things. She recommends The Row’s iteration ‘for their perfect wash, rise and shape.’ ‘These are certainly the most versatile pair of jeans you’ll find,’ she tells ELLE UK.
The beauty of the Mom jean is that it does all of the talking for you, all that’s required of you is to wear your favourite T-shirt, jumper, blazer, and slip your legs into your new favourite pair of jeans. This is sandwich dressing at its simplest. It really is as simple and fuss-free as that – after all, denim is designed to solve sartorial headaches, which is precisely what a good pair of Mom jeans promises to do. Fashion editors swear by them, and for good reason too. These are a few of team ELLE UK’s favourites.
Gap Mid Rise 90s Loose Pinstripe Carpenter Jeans
When it comes to denim, it's rare that Gap will ever put a foot wrong. Its latest launch, this inky pair of pinstriped jeans, are just the right combination of slouch and style. A perfect spring-ready staple that will see you through to summer with minimal effort.
Since debuting its own in-house label, Raey, in 2015, Matches Fashion's label has gone from strength to strength and is now a beloved fashion editor favourite, and for good reason too. Its straight leg Mom jeans are elevated without being too smart and offer just the right level of shape for their size. We recommend sizing down for a slightly more snug feel, and up for those who like their jeans big 'n' baggy.
Ralph Lauren Curved Tapered Jean
If there's one thing Ralph Lauren can be relied upon to deliver, it's quality denim and its tapered jeans are a prime example. Pair with a fitted knit and your cosiest coat for a winter ensemble of dreams.
The 80s were synonymous with big dresses, bigger hair and sensational denim. It's precisely that bygone era that inspired Levi's very own 80s-inspired jeans, which are a nod to the everyday Mom style that were a staple of the decade.
& Other Stories Relaxed Tapered Jeans
Good jeans on the high street can be hard to get right, but not where & Other Stories is concerned. If you're not sure where to start, consider its buttery denim tapered jeans, which fit like a glove without being too structured.
Softly shaped, Cos' barrel-leg jeans sit high on the waist and cut off just before the ankle making them the perfect accoutrement to pairing with studded ballet flats, this season's go-to shoe.
The key to keeping Mom jeans from looking Mumsy is to opt for shapes that are intentionally structured. Basics label Everlane is not to be overlooked. Wear this navy pair of jeans with your favourite cashmere for a perfectly modern take on Mom jeans.
There are several things that fashion editors bemoan the loss of when discussing Topshop, its jeans being one of them. But Asos' acquisition of the brand has meant that Topshop jeans are back! And better than ever if its Mom jeans are anything to go by...
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