Remember the days of agonizing over the perfect denim silhouette? It was a rite of passage for every early-to-mid Noughties teenager. Whether you were a skater girl in Vans and baggy jeans, a Destiny’s Child wannabe rocking low-rise hip-huggers, or channeling your inner Marissa Cooper in a classic bootcut, denim defined your tribe.
Fast forward to today, and while Gen Z might not know the thrill of five-channel television, they’re rediscovering the joy of Noughties denim, specifically the bootcut jean. This resurgence is happening organically, bypassing the usual runway hype. Gen Z is diving straight into the archive, inspired by Pinterest moodboards filled with throwback paparazzi shots, old film references, and the style icons of their generation.
One such icon, Bella Hadid, has fully embraced her bootcut era, infusing her signature equestrian aesthetic into the trend. Think Western-inspired ensembles: bootcut jeans paired with cowboy boots, leather belts, and fitted shirts.
I, for one, can’t imagine returning to the skin-tight Y2K skinny jeans, and the thought of wearing the raggedy, heel-trodden jeans of my Avril Lavigne phase sends shivers down my spine. But the pull of the bootcut is undeniable.
The question is, how do we wear it this time around?
Shoe-wise, bootcuts look fantastic with a pointed, low-heeled boot, but for a more relaxed vibe, a retro sneaker does the trick. When it comes to fit, I’m gravitating towards a subtle kick flare, a style that skims the thigh without clinging and tapers out at the hem. While the bolder among us might embrace a hip-skimming waistband, I’ll be sticking to a high-rise fit and a cinching belt. This combination looks effortlessly chic with a tucked-in shirt – à la Hadid – or a white T-shirt and an oversized blazer.
Of course, Gen Z fashion plates will undoubtedly go full Marissa Cooper with layered tops and boho bags, but I’ll leave that look to my past self, forever immortalized in a world of disposable cameras and dial-up internet.
Here are some outfit ideas to inspire your own bootcut journey:
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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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Going-out top + baguette bag + grey bootcut jeans
The bootcut jean isn’t just a trend; it’s a reminder that fashion is cyclical, and trends have a way of resurfacing in new and exciting ways. So, embrace the vintage vibe, and get ready to rock the bootcut. It’s a style that’s comfortable, versatile, and undeniably cool.
