The Y2K style is making a comeback.
I can be a little stuck in my ways, especially when it comes to jeans. I’ve been burned by denim shopping one too many times (an experience I’m sure is far from unique), so when I find a silhouette and brand that works, I stick to it. Of course I’ve made exceptions, which is how I discovered wide-leg jeans are far more flattering to my figure than a classic straight-leg style, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley might have just been convinced to make another one.
When the supermodel stepped out in Paris at the end of last week, she wore an outfit that can simply be described as très chic. It was an all-black, body-hugging ensemble she topped with a light brown leather jacket from Saint Laurent. She finished the look off with a small black clutch and a pair of oversized aviator sunnies; I know we talk about the model-off-duty look often, but this was giving spy-off-duty, a style I might argue is even sexier.
Breaking down the look, I realized I loved each individual part as much as I did the whole, but the item that stood out the most were her shockingly stylish bootcut jeans.
Madewell Kick Out Full-Length Jeans
Buy on Madewell.com $128
Levi’s Classic Bootcut Jeans
Buy on Zappos $60 $49
Bootcut jeans are the Y2K staple I didn’t realize I needed until right now. The style is something I’d considered a little too retro due to the slightly flared leg (which can come off costumey), but Huntingon-Whiteley made me reconsider. Her high-waisted jeans had a snug fit through the hips and thighs before expanding ever so slightly at the calves. It was a subtle but effective touch that instantly elevated the black denim. Plus, she opted for a seriously long pair that concealed her entire shoe except for the pointed toe (chic!) and elongated her already long legs.
And though Huntington-Whiteley might have been the final push of convincing I need to step outside of my denim comfort zone, she’s far from the first to wear the style. Jennifer Aniston is a bootcut loyalist; she told Allure that though she’s tried every silhouette under the sun, she ultimately returns to her tried-and-true low-waisted, bootcut jeans because they’re what works best for her figure. She’s proven time and time again that the style looks good with everything: in the ‘90s she wore them with baby tees and oversized leather jackets, while today she opts to pair them with more sophisticated blazers.
If you’re ready to add some flare (literally) to your denim collection, shop more bootcut jeans inspired by Huntington-Whiteley’s style below.
Get the Look:
NYDJ Barbara High Waist Stretch Bootcut Jeans
Shop now: $99; nordstrom.com
Gap Mid-Rise Baby Boot Jeans
Shop now: $71 (Originally $80); gap.com
Spanx Kick Flare Jeans
Shop now: $148; spanx.com
J.Crew Cropped Demi-Boot Jeans
Shop now: $128; jcrew.com
Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution High-Waist Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans
Shop now: $88; nordstrom.com
Everlane The Kick Bootcut Jean
Shop now: $128; everlane.com
Good American Good Classic Bootcut Jeans
Shop now: $139; nordstrom.com
Joe’s Flawless Hi Honey High-Waist Bootcut Jeans
Shop now: $168; nordstrom.com