How To Make Boyfriend Jeans Look Sophisticated, Not Sloppy

When the iconic Marilyn Monroe sported a pair of loose-fitting jeans while filming "The Misfits" in the 1960s, little did she know that she was pioneering a style that would be later aptly called "the boyfriend jeans." The famous blond introduced the jeans with the distinctive lower and more relaxed rise, the cuffed ankles, and the absence of hip curves to the fashion scene. Still, it was not until a famous brunette made them a staple in her going-out ensembles that "boyfriend jeans" became a thing.

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Around the turn of the century, Generation Z witnessed Katie Holmes strolling around New York streets, wearing her then-husband's jeans. Tom Cruise's denim on her petite figure seemed slouchy, and yet the look instantly fascinated discerning fashion enthusiasts. Mainstream brands picked up the cue and began creating more loose and relaxed jeans for women, tailored to sit on the female body's natural curves but still made to look like they were borrowed from their "significant male other."

Boyfriend jeans are an easy go-to option. Their baggy fit makes them comfortable, but they can also look sloppy if not properly styled. Does this mean you should ditch your favorite jeans or keep them instead of staying fashionable? Fortunately, boyfriend jeans are versatile, and you can easily style them for any occasion to make you look sophisticated –while staying comfy, too!

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Style them with a vogue top

A vogue top will add a touch of glamour and sophistication to your boyfriend jeans. Accentuate your feminine side and balance the slouchy fit of your pants with a modern top that is both sexy and alluring. Think halter neck, tube, fitted cami, deep V-neck, and off-the-shoulder styles. Another favorite option is the sweetheart neckline top, which instantly elevates basic jeans. These types of tops work perfectly with the baggy style of the boyfriend jeans, making your ensemble look appealing rather than sloppy.

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Style them with a trendy jacket

Trendy jackets are a perfect way to elevate a casual look and make you appear fashionable, not sloppy. We particularly love waist-length varieties. These '80s-inspired statement jackets are the outerwear you need to add a sophisticated touch to the baggy denim, especially if your boyfriend jeans are more on the distressed side. Embrace the resurgence of retro fashion while staying effortlessly chic with your staple jeans, and stand out with a confident and stylish flair.

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Style them with an eye-catching belt

While boyfriend jeans are typically low-rise, we've seen the waistline go higher and higher in recent years. Since the latest catwalks have shown that we're already over the low-rise jeans resurgence, stay in vogue with high-rise boyfriend jeans styled with an eye-catching belt to accentuate your waist and give you a more hourglass body shape. Keep the comfort of these relaxed-fitting jeans, ditch the sloppy effect, and up the look by properly accessorizing.

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Style them with high heels

Follow the advice of the legendary Manolo Blahnik: "You put high heels on, and you change" (via Vogue). So, style your favorite boyfriend jeans with alluring high heels and instantly shift the look from sloppy to sophisticated. It doesn't matter if you prefer stilettos or block heels; the transformative power of high heels is undeniable. Elevate your casual ensemble and stride through the day, proving that the right pair of shoes can truly change your entire outfit.

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Style them with fashion-forward boots

Cropped pants and boots are the trendiest outfit combo and a perfect way to transform the look from sloppy to sophisticated. Opt for some fashion-forward boots and create a boyfriend jeans combo ideal for casual coffee dates that still showcase your sophisticated vibe. Whether you choose sleek ankle boots or comfortable cowboy statement pieces, this pairing effortlessly blends the comfort of the iconic jeans with style, giving your ensemble a fashionable edge.

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Style them with a splash of color

What better way to add sophistication to the boyfriend jeans' all-day allure than by adding a splash of color with bright-colored heels and statement colorful bags? Elevate the boyfriend style by embracing the latest handbag trend for the quiet luxury look and mimic the look of fashionistas and influencers, even if you are on a budget. Inject your ensemble with a pop of color and create a dynamic and fashion-forward look that helps you stay on trend instead of making you look sloppy.

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Style them with a chic coat

Are you looking for fun ways to style a maxi coat while keeping up with the hottest trends? Enter the versatile boyfriend jeans. Pair your favorite denim with a chic coat, and stay fashionably up to par with the latest trends without having to forego the comfort of these relaxed jeans. Experimenting with the contrast of an elegant maxi coat and the laid-back appeal of the boyfriend jeans will help you create a fashion-forward ensemble perfect for a casual dinner or afternoon get-together with friends.

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