Remember the days of agonizing over your denim silhouette? For early-to-mid Noughties teenagers, choosing the right jeans wasn’t just about comfort – it was a statement of belonging. You were either a skater with Vans and baggy jeans, a Destiny’s Child wannabe rocking low-rise hip-huggers, or a Marissa Cooper-esque queen of bootcut jeans. Perhaps, like me, you flitted between all three, navigating the confusing world of teen fashion with existential angst.
While today’s teens may not recall the joy of a five-channel television, they’ve discovered a new kind of nostalgia – the joy of Noughties denim. Bootcut jeans, specifically, are experiencing a revival, skipping the runway and going straight to the archives. Gen-Z, fueled by Pinterest mood boards and celebrity style crushes, are embracing this throwback trend. Bella Hadid, with her equestrian chic, is leading the charge, pairing bootcut jeans with cowboy boots, leather belts, and fitted shirts, creating a modern Western aesthetic.
For me, the bootcut jean is a welcome reprieve from the reign of the skinny jean. I can’t imagine myself sporting the ragged, heel-trodden jeans of my Avril Lavigne phase in a professional setting, but the bootcut offers a stylish and comfortable alternative. But the question remains, how do you wear them in 2023?
Shoe-wise, bootcut jeans pair beautifully with a pointed low-heeled boot, but if you prefer a more relaxed vibe, a retro sneaker is a fantastic option. When it comes to fit, I’m drawn to a subtle kick flare, one that skims the thigh without clinging and tapers out at the hem. While bolder fashionistas might embrace a hip-skimming waistband, I prefer a high-rise fit with a cinching belt. This combination is perfect for tucking in a shirt, à la Hadid, or pairing with a white T-shirt and an oversized blazer.
I’m sure Gen-Z trendsetters will be embracing the full Marissa Cooper aesthetic with layered tops and boho bags, but I’ll leave that to my past self, forever frozen in the age of disposable cameras and dial-up internet.
Here are a few outfit ideas to inspire your own bootcut adventures:
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Roll-neck top + heeled boots + black bootcut jeans
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Striped shirt + leather jacket + blue bootcut jeans
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Adidas track top + blazer + blue bootcut jeans
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White T-shirt + boots + bootcut jeans
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