For almost two decades skinny jeans were the denim look du jour, with celebrities such as Kate Moss and Sienna Miller giving us plenty of drain-pipe inspiration via a steady stream of lust-worthy looks. Well, if the last year is anything to go by, A-listers are having a change of heart and have well and truly converted to the non-skinny silhouette. Hard-hitting stuff indeed.
From VB’s leg-lengthening flares and Stacey Dooley’s straight legs to Katie Holmes’s wide-leg styles, the shopping world is your oyster when you look outside the skinny jean category. Plus, with high-street and high-end brands alike embracing a new, and wider, variety of denim fits, you know there’ll be a pair to match your budget.
If you’re looking for a smarter pair we would recommend flared jeans, which work perfectly with heeled boots and silken blouses, however, if you’re in the mood for something more low-key, the high-waisted wide-leg style is both statement-making and flattering. And of course, for Princess Di vibes, you can’t go wrong with a trusty ’80s straight leg. So if you’re in need of some denim inspo for 2021, scroll down to see our fave non-skinny celebrity jean outfits, plus shop our denim edit.
Stacey Dooley looks every inch the minimalist muse in her jeans-T-shirt–and-blazer getup.
There’s nothing we don’t like about this puffer jacket and barrel-leg jeans pairing. Good with Katie.
For a grungey twist, make like Adwoa and pair black straight-leg jeans with a layered top.
Rosie HW shows us that a slim straight leg is a great alternative to the wide leg-ambivalent.
VB is a big fan of the leg-lengthening powers of flared jeans. Just tuck in a fine knit jumper to complete the look.
Zoë is the epitome of laid-back chic in this Cali-cool outfit. We plan on recreating with the addition of a shearling jacket this weekend.
Alexa has been wearing straight-leg jeans for years now (always ahead of the times), and she is a particular fan of the subtle kick flare, as seen in this look.
We can’t quite get over how refined Kaia Gerber always looks. This outfit is a perfect example of how to work the smart-casual denim look.
For a white denim spin on the trend, make like Katie and just add a colour-matching top and black leather coat.
Dua Lipa goes against the grain with a low-slung denim fit, which she balances out with chunky boots and a delicate knit.
If you want to truly make a statement then look no further than FKA Twigs, who throws a cosy shearling teddy coat over super-wide leg jeans and platform shoes.
Hailey gives us a lesson in styling high-waisted flares. It’s all about a tailored blazer, white tee and leg-lengthening heels.
Another puffer-and-denim combination, but this time from Lily-Rose Depp. Clearly black and bleached denim is a thing.
Sometimes you can’t go wrong with the basics: a button-up top and flared jeans does the job nicely. Kudos to Gwynnie.
Only Katie could look this chic going out to fetch a coffee. We love the combo of dark top half and bleach wide leg jeans.
Bella exudes effortless cool with this wintery jeans-and-bomber-jacket pairing.
Another winning weekend-ready look from Ms Gerber feat full-length straight leg jeans and Converse, of course.
