If you were an 80s baby, I’m sure each of us could dig up childhood pictures with our mom, aunt or someone else wearing mom jeans with permed hair and blue eyeshadow. The high waisted, rigid, straight leg mom jean was one of the most popular style trends throughout the 80s. And if we’re being honest, it wasn’t cool to wear mom jeans in your teens or 20s at that time. But that was then. And as they say, styles come and go and come back again.

The mom jean made its full-circle moment around 2016. Mom jeans are a popular trend right now from Hollywood stars to teenagers to, yes, even moms. They’re much more comfortable than some other past fashion trends like the dreaded low-rise, skinny jeans. You know the ones from the 90s and early 2000s, where you couldn’t bend down, sit down or really move without fear of exposing pretty much everything.

Unlike boyfriend jeans that are low-rise and looser through the hips and thighs, mom jeans are high rise and generally hit at your natural waistline, keeping everything nicely tucked inside. Because mom jeans have a more forgiving fit, they could potentially look unflattering. But with proper styling, I think you’ll discover they’re a wardrobe staple. 

How To Wear Mom Jeans Without Looking Frumpy

Below are a few general styling tips with how to wear mom jeans.

Pair Mom Jeans With Cropped Tops

When you hear the words cropped top, you might automatically think, “Oh girl, no!” Stay with me! They’re actually several options that don’t include exposing the stomach at all and are very flattering. Many cropped tops hit at your natural waistline, extenuating the most narrow part of your waist. And since mom jeans are high waisted, they come to your natural waistline too. It’s a very harmonious, figure-flattering union.

Wear a Fitted Top or Bodysuit to Balance the Look 

Because mom jeans have a loose fit through the legs, bodysuits and fitted tops balance the look. Just like if you were to wear an oversized sweatshirt, leggings would pair best with that. Bodysuits and fitted tops aren’t just for the warmer months. There are many fitted turtlenecks, long sleeve, fitted t-shirts and long sleeve bodysuits that will keep you warm throughout fall and winter. 

Choose Solid-Colored Sweaters and Tops

Solid colored sweaters are more forgiving than a heavy patterned option. When pairing a sweater with mom jeans, I like to front tuck the sweater. This defines your natural waistline and gives a more tailored look. Another option I like to wear with mom jeans is a solid colored t-shirt. J.Crew makes a good one that’s perfect for layering or wearing alone with a fun scarf. 

Choose a Mom Jean for Your Body Type

I love that retailers understand that jeans aren’t one size fits all, carrying varying lengths and sizes. For instance, if you’re petite in height, it would make sense to purchase a petite length. That way, the jeans would hit just above your ankle. You can always roll them if needed too. That’s the beauty of mom jeans. Rolling them up looks very natural because of their overall relaxed fit.

You also want to make sure the jeans hit at your natural waist. It may take a few tries to find the perfect fit. But there’s nothing better than finding good-fitting mom jeans.

Mom Jeans Outfit Ideas

Mom Jeans with a Bodysuit and Duster

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Cardigans or dusters are perfect to style mom jeans with. Pair a duster with your mom jeans and a bodysuit, and you have the perfect outfit for doing all the fall and winter activities. These are dark washed mom jeans, so they look a bit more elevated than a light wash jean would.

I prefer a slim fitting pair of mom jeans that fit closer to the body. That avoids the “frumpy” look altogether.

Mom Jeans with a Neutral Sweater

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Sweaters pair well with mom jeans for a casual and put together look. This is a more oversized sweater and love the v-neck line. Don’t forget your accessories! These gold hoop earrings will go with everything and are a great universal accessory to have in your jewelry box.

Mom Jeans with a Blazer 

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Mom jeans can be transitioned into a night look with a few additions, like a blazer. Pair them with a cami or blouse and pumps, and you’ve got an outfit ready for a night out. This is also a great look to wear on casual Fridays to the office.

I would avoid ripped mom jeans with an outfit like this one since it’s on the dressier side. This blazer in the above collage is more structured and your typical blazer silhouette. However, for a more casual look, you could also wear an oversized blazer like a boyfriend fit.

Mom Jeans with a Fitted T-shirt

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A great outfit to throw on for running errands are mom jeans, a fitted t-shirt and a casual cardigan. In the cooler months, throw on a puffer coat and scarf to complete the look. You can pair booties with this outfit, if you need a warmer shoe.

Mom Jeans with a Feminine Blouse

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For casual Fridays at the office, pair your jeans with a feminine blouse and booties. This floral peplum top from Walmart is perfect for both the workplace and occasions outside of work. You can wear this into the spring and summer with white or denim shorts too.

Mom Jeans with a Cropped Top

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Cropped tops don’t have to give us the belly-bearing scaries. This cropped top with the scalloped hem detail is a beautiful casual shirt to wear on the weekends or when you work from home. Leather jackets are a perfect addition to outfits like this one to give a bit of texture to the look.

Mom Jeans with a Pullover

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For an easy, casual look, pair your mom jeans with a quilted pullover. This cozy sweatshirt has a neutral color combo, so it will easily pair with a variety of shoes. You can wear this to run errands or to travel in.

Mom Jeans with a Wool Coat and Neutral Sweater

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To give your mom jeans a little pizzazz, pair them with a wool coat and a neutral sweater. This neutral sweater has the most gorgeous detailing throughout. Complete the look with a wool coat and mules. This is a great outfit to wear to brunch or on a casual date night.

These particular mom jeans also come in a several other colors, including black. So if you’re looking for a pair of black mom jeans, these are a great pair to try. They come in multiple lengths too!

Mom Jeans with a Cropped Sweatshirt

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For the ultimate casual look, pair a cropped sweatshirt with your mom jeans to give your legs and waist a more elongated look. Pair with your favorite sneakers. 

So I guess all of this was to say our mamas were onto something in the 80s. Because everyone and their mom (pun intended) are wearing the mom jeans now.

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