Love ’em or hate ’em, mom jeans are back. I was not a fan. I wanted to keep rocking my skinny jeans and tall boots, to be honest. But when I realized this trend wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon, I knew I had to figure out how to style mom jeans without feeling frumpy or mumsy or…fashion-victim-y. (It’s a word.)
So…
…after lots of trial-and-error (and the search for the “perfect” mom jean), I came up with one consistent rule to make mom jeans work. And as long as I followed that rule, coming up with cute outfits got a lot easier.
So…what’s the rule?
The 1 Rule For Wearing Mom Jeans: Show Off The Waist
You know I love my tunics, but they’re pretty much the opposite of what you want to wear with mom jeans. Keep shirts short–tuck ’em, tie ’em, knot ’em or buy them already cropped, but let that waistband show. These jeans have a high enough rise that your belly won’t be showing, but your waist will be You want to show off your shape when you wear these jeans–not hide it. Here are some ideas:
Mom Jeans Outfit Idea 1: Knot A Graphic Tee
So there’s nothing wrong with the outfit on the left, but the one on the right is so much more flattering. The one on the left looks pretty sloppy and definitely frumpy. Tying a knot is an easy way to make the longer shirts in your closet work — I like that you can control the length and tightness of the shirt by loosening or tightening the knot. (I also like that I don’t have to go out and buy any cropped tees–but I know what to wear them with if I do.)
jeans, 28 (similar and more washes here) | graphic tee, s | sandals
Mom Jeans Outfit Idea 2: Tuck In Sweaters
OK, I can’t take the credit for this one, but I wish I could. Shana recently asked Abby, a Drexel intern (and youngin’ Gen Z-er) for some tips on how to style mom jeans. Consider my mind blown when she said she always tucks in her shirts–sweaters included. I don’t know why that had never occurred to me before, but it opened up a whole lotta options in my closet. (Thank you, Abby.) This sweater is a bit shorter to begin with, but I grabbed the back of it, twisted it a bit and tucked it into the back of the jeans for a sleeker look. (Check out the video of Abby + Shana to see an example of the “twist-n-tuck.”)
jeans, 28 (similar and more washes here) | sweater, similar | bodysuit, m | boots (on sale)
Mom Jeans Outfit Idea 3: Wear Jackets Cropped
So you know the theme we’ve got going: keep the focus on your waist. If you hide it under a longer jacket, you’re creating the same problem of the longer t-shirt up above. Keep jackets cropped to show off your waist–bonus if they’re tailored/nipped in at the waist like this one is.
jeans, 28 (similar and more washes here) | bodysuit, m | boots (on sale) | jacket
Shop High-Rise Mom Jeans
Will you be working more mom jeans into your wardrobe? Comment below if you try it!
XOXO,
Scotti
Ok, but what if you’re rocking a small pot belly? I have a belly situation going – skinny arms/legs plus belly, think “cocktail onion on a toothpick.” I’m a fan of “mom jeans” since lower-rise jeans cut across my belly uncomfortably, and they do hold the belly in somewhat. But when I tuck, I’m not exactly highlighting the smallest point at my torso, and I’m tired of explaining to people that I’m not pregnant.
Yes —ditto what JS said! Please help us mamas who are more apple-shaped!
You look great, Scotti! What about those of us with short torsos and large chests? I think I would look so top-heavy in mom jeans. Plus my teenage daughters are rocking mom jeans so well with their tiny waists. I just don’t know if I can pull this look off.
Same body type as Jennifer. I have some mom jeans that are similar to the ones in the photos but my torso is so short, its a struggle finding a top that works.
What about us tall girls? Any tips for mom jeans without looking ALL leg? Also I’ll be post partum this summer. Will the high waist really hide my baby belly?
So…it’s not the same look (and definitely doesn’t emphasize the waist) but as another card-carrying member of the “LOL, my body isn’t going to cooperate with THIS trend” club, I go for a similar “it’s not a skinny jean but it’s also not a mom jean” vibe by wearing boyfriend jeans. Same looseness in the leg, but with a lower rise that doesn’t cut into my stomach (at what is decidedly NOT the smallest part of me–that’s way up by my boobs, thnx) but also doesn’t sit so low that I get 2003 vibes.
Obviously Scotti’s ideas don’t work the same way with a lower rise, but I do think some of Laura’s looks from her post earlier this week on what shoes to wear can translate well. I still half-tuck my shirts into my bf jeans, not to emphasize a waist but more to play with the proportions so that I’m not cutting myself in half or making it look like I have stumps for legs. Boots with a slight heel help; if wearing flats, roll them suckers up an extra turn and the proportions work much better.
I’m so glad to read all the comments of others struggling with these jeans! I thought I was the only one. Good luck, girls! I’m still thinking this is trend that will be passing me by.
Try the Levi 501 skinny jeans, I am the same body shape and the 501 skinny are the only mom jeans I can wear, they are high waisted and hold the belly in.
My reply was to JS’s comment!