Spring Trend: Boyfriend Jeans
Photo by ldhren.
This season, fashion isn’t only about wearing stuff from your own closet. One of the hottest trends involves stealing.. from a guy’s wardrobe. That’s right – menswear-inspired fashion is hot for Spring 2009, evidenced by the recent popularity of boyfriend jeans.
What’s a boyfriend jean? In a nutshell, it’s either literally a pair of guy’s jeans, or a pair of jeans that looks and fits like it was borrowed from a guy – loose fit, low rise, cuffed hems. Of course, this look doesn’t exclude single ladies. There are plenty of budget-friendly boyfriend jeans available for purchase in stores everywhere – no boys required.
Want to know more about this hot trend? Learn all about the boyfriend jean, the best ways to wear it, and where to buy it with the tips below.
Boyfriend Jeans – what they are and how to wear them:
Katie Holmes first started the boyfriend jean trend last summer, sporting a pair of loose, cuffed jeans with flats while out in NYC. Since then, it’s caught on in a big way (especially with celebs like Rachel Bilson and Victoria Beckham), and is now one of the hottest jeans trends for spring 2009.
Now obviously, depending on your size and your boyfriend’s size, you don’t have to literally steal a pair of jeans from your guy to rock this trend. Instead, you can buy this style of jeans in a store, or pick up a pair of smaller guy’s jeans at a vintage shop. To save money, I recommend buying these vintage or stealing from a guy, because this is such a trendy item that will be out of style fast. No point buying new “boyfriend jeans” if you ask me!
How to Wear Boyfriend Jeans:
Here are some tips on the best ways to wear the boyfriend jean for that effortlessly chic look.
Roll up the cuffs. If your jeans are short enough, you won’t need to do this, but if they’re super long, you’ll need to cuff the bottoms. Roll them above your ankles if you’re wearing heels, or just below if you’re wearing flat sandals. Having your jeans drag along the ground is never a good look.
With ballet flats, sandals, or heels. These jeans are made to show off your ankles and feet, so don’t wear boyfriend jeans with boots or sneakers. Instead, wear ‘em with a pair of gladiator sandals, flip flops, high heels, or ballet flats to add cute details.
Keep the rest of your look relaxed and casual. Boyfriend jeans look best with a plain tee or tank and minimal accessories. It’s a look that’s very low maintenance and informal, so don’t try too hard with your top and accessories.
With a leather belt. Since boyfriend jeans are usually really big and baggy, you’ll probably need a belt to keep them up. Even if you don’t, a belt makes a great addition to the outfit. Bonus points if you wear a plain leather belt that looks like it could have been borrowed from a boy too.
Cute (and budget-friendly) Boyfriend Jeans:
If you don’t want to steal from a guy and thrifting isn’t really your thing, here are some cute and affordable pairs of boyfriend jeans you can buy online right now.
From left: Harper Vintage Boyfriend Jean – $80 at Topshop, Bubblegum Boyfriend Carpenter Jean – $32.50 at Alloy.com, Rolled Boyfriend Jean – $32.50 at Wet Seal, Boy Fit Jean – $49.50 at American Eagle
So what do you think?
I’m sure you’ve all seen boyfriend jeans around. Is this a trend you’re into, or will you let this one pass you by? Will you be wearing these this spring? If so, how? Leave your thoughts in the comments section, and we’ll debate this one together.
Posted on on March 25, 2009 / Filed Under: Trends / Tags: Boyfriend Jeans, Celebs, Denim, Jeans, Katie Holmes, Rachel Bilson, Spring 2009, Trends, Victoria Beckham
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Dev
can’t help but love the boyfriend jeans. xx
Brittany
I don’t really like the way Katie Holmes jeans look but Victoria Beckham’s look good on her.
Kirsten
I LOVE this trend. I want a pair just like Jennifer Aniston has on.
Rebecca
Skinny girl trend – period. On a curvier female it will just look like she doesn’t know what fits her.
Luisa
Aniston and Beckham look amazing in these pictures, but whenever I wear my way-too-big DKNY jeans (pretty much the same fit as boyfriend’s) I just feel like a slob in the 8th grade. Maybe when it gets warmer it’ll look better paired with cute little tank tops?
x
i have a few pairs of thrifted mens levis that i’ve cut off into shorts. i’ve been wearing them forever and will continue to wear them after this trend is over. however, i’m not a fan of the actual boyfriend jeans.
Lauren M
Not a fan. Even on the skinny girls. It just makes their bodies look weird. And for good reason: these jeans are made for men. Not women. Men don’t have curves. But I do agree with Brianna- This trend will be over soon, so even if they did look good on me, I wouldn’t waste the money. Either thrift them or steal them from a boy. By the time fall hits, this trend will be over.
Helvet
i tired this trend by borrowing my boyfriend’s jeans who is my height and on the lankier side. it didn’t work. the fit was wierd and hanging off my hips. it made me look like a bag lady! so nope, not afan of the trend. it might look good on somegirls though. in cross over dressing i’m more afan of the tailored, metro sexual tuxedo look for women.
Sabrina
I like this trend – i’ve had my miss sixty boyfriend jeans since last summer and i will continue to wear them through the spring. It’s a nice, “i’m not trying hard too hard” look. Looks great with a tee and flats/sandals/heels just like you said Zephyr.
Jenny
I don’t like it at all. It just looks kind of awkward. I prefer my skinny jeans!
J-Emma
This just looks so sloppy! It could be cute……on a supermodel….but for normal, even beautiful and skinny girls it looks trashy
Caitlin
I think it’s a great look, although I haven’t tried it myself. I like the look best with cute flats! :) I think I’ll definitely try this out, but maybe stick to thrift store shopping, since I agree they’ll probably go out of fashion pretty quickly
Veronica
I love the super-casual laid-back look, for sure, but I’ve worn guys’ jeans before and they just look awkward, since I have hips and a butt. So while I like the look in theory, I agree with Rebecca–skinny chick trend.
la petite fashionista
i love the look but not sure how it’ll be on me. i think baggier bottoms paired with a slimmer top can be flattering even on a curvy girl. one of the things i miss most about my ex is being able to borrow his clothes! :/
Geetha
Aniston and Beckham looks good in these pictures, though i’m not a fan of the actual boyfriend jeans.
Sharon
looks cool but not my style :)
plus i’m sure no matter how hard i try, my bfs would still not fit me..im way too skinny lol. and if the trend is ending soon, i wouldn’t waste my money on one :)
idil
its look good on me with heels but i am short so not good with flats/sandals..
bishka
i think it looks horrid on anyone, skinny or curvy. it’s not flattering and i think makes you look like a slob. and hello? how can dudes check out my bee-hind if its lost in man pants?
maria
Definitely agree with Rebecca, “waify” girl trend for sure!! Victoria Beckham is the only one that looks good in these jeans. Boyfriend jeans are a “Don’t” in my opinion. Keep the “Boyfriend” trend to comfy sweatpants.
Kammy
Nope. You would look like you don’t care! The only time I would wear these is to do farm work, not to look nice!
Alicia
Depends on the body type – and they look absolutely stupid with girly shoes. This is definitely something to rock with flat sandals. And Katie Holmes just looks like she’s wearing clown pants. Beckham’s got the right idea.
Valeria
I think they can rock it, but sadly, for regular bodies, this doesn’t work. It would look like your jeans just dont fit well. I’m a curvy girl and I don’t think I would wear this.
Although, it’s amazing that celebs are using something comfortable, for once :)
p
i tried this the other day… my bf and i are about the same size though he is taller. i think it would look good on someone tiny and stick-shaped, but on a girl like me with hips and a butt, it was incredibly unflattering. just made my backside look wide and flat. the big jeans did make my waist look smaller and that was flattering, but not worth it if i look like a chubby boy from the waist down!
E
I really like this trend. I don’t think people are getting the point that they are supposed to be baggy jeans. if your boyfriend is the same size… it’s not going to work. It needs to be a bigger size. hints the belt and rolled up hem line.
I have bigger hips and I love wearing my boyfriend jeans, in fact I get a lot of compliments on them. I tried a bigger size of straight legged jeans. Try it with a belt and a plain gray tee and long pearls with brown leather flipflops… it works and its cute. It’s comfortable and it’s cute.
Michelle
I don’t really like this trend w/ the flats and heels. The only time I would want to wear baggy loose (boyfriend jeans) is w/ sneakers and not cuffed. I would do a urban hip hop look similar to Aaliyah’s style in the 90’s. But as far cuffed and with heels, sandals, and flats…I’m not a fan. But best of luck to girls who attempt this trend!
M
I have small hips and calves, but slightly bigger thighs, would these still work for me?
I was actually thinking of ordering the AE pair because I have some credit. Anyone know how they fit?
I’d appreciate the help!! <3
M
^Just read the comments. I think I’m going to get them anyway and just return them if they look like trash.
Jamie
I’m a curvy girl, (my super-hips make me about a size 14-16) and I love my boyfriend jeans. I don’t get them too too baggy but I get them just baggy enough that they can pass, haha. Yeah that didn’t make too much sense but to kind of sum it up I think almost anyone can wear it, it’s HOW you wear it.
Crystal
Totally love the style! I’ve been wearing a pair of thrifted Citizens this way since last summer and love the look. It’s definitely a weekend look, though.
Here’s a post I wrote about boyfriend jeans last October. If you’re looking for more reading on the topic…
myvogue
I absolutely love baggy jeans – I have two pairs (one long and one short) for about an year and I wear them as casual or club apparel all the time. I know, however, boys don’t like this outfit – they think it looks trashy and not sexy at all. But I don’t care – I just love it, it’s one of my favorite looks. The bigger jeans, the better ;)
Lindsay
I love my boyfriend jeans! I’ve been wearing them since fall 08!
And hey M, get the AE jeans! That’s all I buy and they fit amazingly!!!
M
^Hey, me too! Just haven’t tried this style yet. :)
Rohaina
love it!
beckham pulls it off the best.
Maria
i don’t like this trend, so i’m definitely going to let it pass.. but beckham really does look good there. x)
Gabby
I wonder why everyone says boyfriend jeans only look good on skinny girls. I have really narrow hips and am on the short side, so I absolutely drown them. They look like denim sweatpants. =]
On the other hand, I actually think they look much better on girls with curves because then you are still able to discern some sort of shape under all that material. Otherwise, it just looks sloppy in my opinion, not fit for a day or night out.
Amy
I love my boyfriend Jeans and i have 3 pairs of it. I’m wearing it quite a while now. Boyfriend Jeans not only good for skinny girls but it is wonderful if you have curveds. I don’t want to roll up my boyfriend Jeans.
marianna
I pulled this look off quite nicely with a pair of MYNK boyfriend jeans, a form-fitting v-neck tee from splendid in hot pink, tucked in of course, my husband’s vintage tan leather belt from the 70s, and a pair of flat sandals. I love it!
Pamela
I am in love with my boyfriend jeans. Wish I had a pair for everyday. I have hips and lots of booty and bf jeans make me look slimmer. I love rocking them with wedges and a shirt that reaches the top of my hips. This look gives women options, so I don’t believe this trend will go out with the summer. Hey if skinny jeans are here to stay, so is bf’s.
Darla
Ok my hubby thinks I look like a penquin in this look. I had discovered by accident, then wrote article. So in research I found you site and really liked it. I think I need to buy some that are more women like. BUT then again I just don’t look as cute as Katie Holmes or Victoria. I am just not a celeb! But then again, If I put in my contacts, wear makeup and kick it up a couple notches with the PEG legged boyfriend jeans – maybe I would not be so penquin like! :)
Ashley
Don’t get peg legged boyfriend jeans. They will look horrible on. Get the the straight legs. They look really cute on if you get the right size. I am a size 4 with curves and they look great on me. Guys like them on me too.
I like baggy jeans as well as skinny jeans. I wear both. It’s how you wear them, what you wear with them, and finding the size that looks right on you that makes them work.
I will be wearing mines even when the trend ends because some days you just want to wear something loose and comfy.
Ashley
Old Navy has some really cute low rise ones that have a more feminine girly fit. After trying on tons of boyfriend jeans, I found Old navy’s to be the best fit for those of us who like still looking feminine in baggy jeans. The legs of the jeans are straight leg and not pegged leg, which is perfect! They also come in size tall which I was glad to see as well because I have to wear size tall.
Old Navy did a good job with the cut of their boyfriend jeans. They did it right for us girls. :)
shelly
The trend is not to wear your boyfriends jeans, these jeans are made for women and their bodies, they just call them boyfriend jeans.
Z
I like the boyfriend jeans. The ones that were produced for woman in the boyfriend style are probably better than literally wearing your boyfriends jeans. The ones that were made for woman in the boyfriend style can look great- they just aren’t for everyone.
Personally I find them very comfortable, and they look nice on me, and flatter my figure. They give the wearer, if fitted correctly, an effortless look. If teamed with a nice top, tank tops and vests work best with it, the whole look can look amazing.
I will defo keep wearing them, even after they are not hot on the trends
xxx
Natasha
Boyfriend jeans look super hot with a pair of heels (preferably tan/browish color in my opinion), flats, or sandals. Don’t spend money on a new pair of jeans (BF jeans are gonna come and go). Instead, just dig through your closet and look for a pair of jeans that are a bit on the “larger” size, roll the bottom of the jeans to desired length, then, put a rubber band or hair tie underneath the fold for a slightly fitted look at the bottom of your jeans. I’m a freshmen in college, and I get compliments all the time when i wear it like this.
-I think it looks great with a fitted “muscle” shirt (or tank top). Don’t wear BF jeans with a loose shirt bc it makes you appear several pound heavier. =/
Valerina
I just started wearing this trend (ok, I am a little behind) and just love it! I am a tall and curvy size 8 and I think they look good paired with a simple tee or tank and a jacket on top. I initially wore them with flats but I have discovered that they look good with chunky heels (forget stilettos–too flimsy). I like either a wide, brown belt for a casual look or a skinny belt for something dressier. I stil love my straight, boot cut and flared jeans, btw! This is just another look altogether.
Melinda
I love this trend. It’s comfortable and still cute. I have a pair from Old Navy that fit good. they aren’t too baggy and still look feminine. I’ve seen them on skinny girls and curvy girls, both. This trend is for everyone.
Hope it sticks around.
Helen
I love the boyfriend jeans. I am a big fan! Boyfriend jeans look super hot with a pair of heels
Lisa
I have been wearing this trend since forever.. except that it wasnt called “boyfriend jeans” then. Its just part of the whole androgynous wardrobe. Its really comfortable and I will always be wearing this “trend”.
Karen
I just can’t get into this trend…They just hang on the body and don’t do anything for it. Although on Jennifer Aniston and Victoria Beckham they don’t look too bad…Did Katie Holmes actually tight roll hers??
Moni
I love this trend a lot. Just raided my boyfriends waredrobe. They fit…hurray…just like BF should.
It is a comfortable trend. Hope it stayes around for long.
Yes, it looks Katie Holmes tight rolled hers !! she lookes great in them.
Bryonie'ox
this sleek look is amazing!
everyone is following the trend now(:
this website is very helpful thankyou, i will let my friends have a look aha.
x
samantha 22 :)
they suck!!!!!!!!