5 Celebrity-Loved '90s Denim Trends Any Stylish Person Would Still Wear Today
There have been countless times over the years that my older sister (there are six years between us) has said, "I used to wear that in the '90s", when I've turned up to a family event. Be it the chokers that had me in a chokehold (pun intended) in 2016, or the cami tops I would wear in high school with clear bra straps on show. There are so many trends—good and bad—that have managed to stick around for decades. And while I'll always think of that silver sheer dress 19-year-old Kate Moss wore to a party in 1993 every time I hear the word 'slip dress', and I'll never not see Bermuda shorts as belonging to Julia Roberts (as seen in Pretty Woman in 1990), there's no '90s fashion category more iconic than denim.
Coming into full fruition, it was the '90s when oversized denim jackets were loved by the likes of Drew Barrymore, straight-leg jeans (in indigo or light blue) were worn by every cool girl, and when it comes to accessories, Naomi Campbell confirmed the denim bucket hat was the style du jour. And now, every one of these celebrity-backed '90s denim styles is just as key today as they were decades ago. And they're going to continue to be relevant in 2026—so consider this your reminder to replenish your denim collections with these new, '90s-inspired styles.
'90s Denim Trends to Wear in 2026:
1. Long Straight-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: I bet if I asked any of my fashion editor pals, they would all say they own at least one pair of straight-leg jeans. The easy-to-style silhouette has been key since the '90s—worn by the like of Halle Berry, Kate Moss and Julia Roberts—and no doubt we'll all keep wearing the effortless pair for decades to come.
You may like
Shop Straight-Leg Jeans:
Of course I had to include Levi's '90s (and they not come in 13 washes).
COS
Reprise Straight-Leg Jeans
There's a reason every fashion editor wears COS jeans.
Agolde
90s Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
These are heavily backed by fashion insiders.
H&M
Straight Leg High Waist Jeans - Light Denim Blue
I always rate H&M's denim edit.
2. Oversized Denim Jackets
Style Notes: While I always think of girl bands wearing fitted denim jackets in the '00s, back in the '90s, it was all about super slouchy oversized shapes. See how Drey Barrymore is wearing hers in 1993 in an indigo wash with a white T-shirt and black jeans? This is basically an easy way to still wear them this time round, too—and everyone including Loewe and Agolde to & Other Stories has versions to choose from.
Shop Oversized Denim Jackets:
I love the shape of this slightly puffed-sleeve style.
A Day's March
Whitney Denim Jacket
I'm a big fan of the dark wash of this style.
ALIGNE
Hestia Denim Jacket
Grab one of two sizes up for that extra oversized fit.
AGOLDE
Rubik Denim Peplum Jacket
The peplum hem brings it straight into 2026.
LOEWE
Draped Denim Jacket
I've wanted this for so long.
3. Cut-Off Shorts
Style Notes: Okay, so it may be too soon to actually wear denim shorts (unless you're going on vacay) but it's never too early to plan ahead. Jennifer Aniston is the poster girl for cut-off, frayed hem styles that you could easily DIY yourself with an old pair of jeans. Want the easy option? There are so many styles out there—from micro all the way to jorts.
Shop Cut-Off Shorts:
Free People
Agolde Parker Long Shorts
Jen An would so wear these.
Citizens of Humanity
Ayla Frayed Denim Shorts
I like to size up in denim shorts so they sit slightly lower down on the hips.
The short version of the iconic Levi's 94 jeans are just as good.
Free People
We the Free Montana Shorts
Jorts are also sticking around for SS26.
Abercrombie & Fitch
Curve Love High Rise Dad Short
Black will of course go with everything you own.
4. Indigo Jeans
Style Notes: When it comes to denim in the '90s, there were two main teams: light wash or indigo. While light denim always appears each spring/summer, deep blue versions (as seen by Kate Moss with a Breton is 1996) work no matter the time of year.
Shop Indigo Jeans:
Reformation
Cary Low Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
Love the baggy shape of this Reformation pair.
Whistles
Dark Denim Stretch Barrel Leg Jean
Got a new pair of spring-ready shoes? These are the ideal length to show them off.
ARRANGE
Curve Sydney Denim Barrel Leg Jean
A '90s wash with a 2026 cut is a match made in heaven.
Reiss
Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans in Dark Blue
Just add a polo top and pumps.
MANGO
Danila High-Waisted Wide Leg Jeans
Mango's jeans are really impressing me right now.
5. Bucket Hat
Style Notes: Naomi Campbell wore one in 1992, everyone wears them at festivals and now every designer—including Loewe and Anine Bing has denim bucket hats ready and waiting for spring to arrive. Unsure how to style them? Make like Naomi and wear with crochet or go for a double denim hit by adding to jeans and a vest.
