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The ’90s called—they want their denim back. Distressed, stone-washed jeans were a favorite among Hollywood’s fashion set, worn by stars like Halle Berry and Cindy Crawford for their casual look, relaxed fit, and grungy appeal. While light-wash denim gave way to dark indigo pairs in recent years, pop stars Dua Lipa and Miley Cyrus have brought the faded style back with a modern, nostalgic twist.
Keep scrolling to see how Dua Lipa and Miley Cyrus styled the light-wash denim, how to re-create their look, and the best ’90s-style jeans on the market.
Dua Lipa Spotted in Paris
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In Paris, Lipa rocked light-wash denim with a breezy blue button-down. The shirt complements the relaxed nature of the straight-leg denim. She finished the look with open-toed pumps and black sunnies. I think the singer’s breezy look encapsulates everything the ’90s were about.
Shop the Look
Banana Republic
Mid-Rise 90s Loose Jean
Jeffrey Campbell
Agent Slide Sandal
j.crew
Étienne Oversized Shirt in Lightweight Oxford
Miley Cyrus Flies Out of JFK
(Image credit: BlayzenPhotos/BACKGRID)
At JFK, Cyrus’s airport ’fit is styled entirely with elevated basics: a pair of loose, baggy jeans and a black cardigan. There is no denying this look is straight out of the ’90s; the shades tell me everything I need to know.
Shop Miley’s Look
ZARA
TRF Mid-Rise Straight Leg Belt Loop Jeans
Steve Madden
Pipa Ballet Flat
Caslon
Wool & Cashmere Cardigan
The Best ’90s-Esque Light-Wash Denim
It’s no secret that ’90s fashion is having its resurgence, between kitten heels and slip dresses, it was only a matter of time before light-wash denim made its reappearance. I’ll admit that I’m partial to the faded look. In true ’90s fashion, I think it looks best when paired with minimalist basics for an underrated sophistication and subtle elegance. Below, the best light-wash denim finds from Levi’s, AGolde, AG, Madewell, and so much more.
PS: I’ve dropped in some throwback celebrity style looks for your inspiration. Something about the clean lines and minimalist pieces is exactly why I think the ’90s were *the* decade in fashion.
Levi
501 Original Fit Women’s Jeans
If you haven’t heard of the Levi 501s, then we’d best start at the beginning. They are the OG denim and the blueprint for all other jeans. They were patented by Levi Strauss in 1873. The 501 Original was designed for gold miners, and now, many years later, it is Hollywood’s favorite denim fit. Makes sense, right? Nevertheless, its history and legacy make the Levi 501s one of the most desirable denim jeans on the market. Shop the iconic silhouette for only $98 below.
(Image credit: Ron Galella, Ltd./Getty Images)
Banana Republic
High-Rise 90s Straight Jean
Inspired by ’90s denim silhouettes, these high-rise jeans from Banana Republic have a stovepipe-straight leg fit. Their light-wash is evenly distributed with a concentrated bleached look at the knees and front pockets. They’re also a little stretchy for comfort.
AGOLDE
90’s Pinch Waist Long Frayed High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
Agolde’s Pinch Waist Jeans are heavily faded for that well-worn look. The light-blue hue and extra-long inseam are entirely inspired by the look of vintage denim. They’re crafted from 100% cotton and super sturdy. These are truly an investment piece that will last for years to come.
(Image credit: Jim Smeal/Getty Images)
Madewell
The Longline Straight Jean
These longline straight-leg jeans from Madewell are reminiscent of what Courteney Cox wore on the set of Friends. I’d love to see these styled with a pair of black leather boots and a black turtleneck, like Cox’s look above. The vintage cut hugs at the waist and thighs for a snug feel and flattering silhouette.
ZARA
Trf Straight Leg Jeans With a High Waist
This under-$50 pair from Zara are the best affordable light-wash jeans on the market. The straight leg jean has five pockets to hold your phone, wallet, lip liner, earphones, and a pack of gum (all my essentials). The light blue looks best when styled with a classic white tank.
(Image credit: Ron Galella, Ltd./Getty Images)
Reformation
Cynthia High Rise Straight Long Jeans
Reformation’s denim is truly underrated. It’s like its designers were secretly listening to everything I love in ’90s denim and then crafted this Cythina High Rise pair just for me.
The distressed accents and raw hem all play into the nostalgic ’90s fantasy, but what caught my attention was the pale indigo wash. The soft blue is delicate and pleasing to the eye. It pops when styled with a black top and heels.
(Image credit: Steve Granitz/Getty Images)
AGOLDE
Kelly High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
Another standout pair for Agolde are the Kelly jeans. They’re everything I’d want in a pair of jeans. I’m in love with how the loose leg stacks on a pair of loafers. Just like your favorite lived-in jeans, these already have that pre-owned look. See the under-$250 denim below.
Shop More Light-Wash Denim
Gap
High Rise ’90s Straight Jeans
ZARA
Z.02 High Waist Straight Ankle Jeans
FRAME
The Arrow High Waist Relaxed Bootcut Jeans
House of dagmar
Straight Leg Denim
ZARA
Trf Mid-Rise Wide Leg Jeans
House of dagmar
Wide Leg Denim
H&M
Bleecker High Rise Wide Leg Jeans
Levi
Low Loose Women’s Jeans
Levi
Ribcage Wide Leg Women’s Jeans
FRAME
The Vertical High Waist Relaxed Straight Leg Jeans
ZARA
Z.09 Straight Ankle High Waist Crossover Waist Jeans
Old Navy
Extra High-Waisted Wide-Leg Jeans
Gap
Low Rise ’90s Loose Jeans
