Dua Lipa and Miley Cyrus swapped their dark-wash denim for this nostalgic '90s style.
(Image credit: ALEXJR / BACKGRID; BlayzenPhotos / BACKGRID) The ’90s are making a comeback—and they’d like their denim returned. Distressed, stone-washed jeans were a favorite among Hollywood’s stylish crowd, donned by celebrities such as Halle Berry and Cindy Crawford for their laid-back vibe, relaxed fit, and edgy charm. Although light-wash denim slightly faded from popularity in favor of darker shades in recent years, pop icons Dua Lipa and Miley Cyrus have revived the faded look with a contemporary, nostalgic flair. Continue reading to discover how Dua Lipa and Miley Cyrus styled their light-wash denim, tips to recreate their outfits, and the top ’90s-style jeans available today.
Dua Lipa Spotted in Paris
(Image credit: ALEXJR/BACKGRID) In Paris, Lipa sported light-wash denim paired with a light blue button-down. The shirt enhances the easygoing style of the straight-leg jeans. She completed her look with open-toed heels and black sunglasses. This relaxed ensemble truly captures the essence of the ’90s. 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 showcased a chic airport outfit featuring elevated basics: a pair of loose, baggy jeans and a black cardigan. There's no doubt this look exudes ’90s vibes; her sunglasses confirm it. 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 The resurgence of ’90s fashion is evident, with the revival of kitten heels and slip dresses, making it inevitable for light-wash denim to return. Personally, I’m a fan of the faded aesthetic. In true ’90s style, it pairs beautifully with minimalist basics, creating an understated sophistication and subtle elegance. Below, you'll find some of the best light-wash denim options from brands like Levi’s, AGolde, AG, Madewell, and more. Also, I’ve included some nostalgic celebrity fashion looks for your inspiration. The clean lines and minimalist designs are part of why I believe the ’90s was *the* iconic decade in fashion.
Levi
501 Original Fit Women's Jeans If you’re unfamiliar with Levi 501s, let’s start from the top. These are the original jeans and the model that inspired all others. Patented by Levi Strauss in 1873, the 501 Original was crafted for gold miners and has now become a staple in Hollywood. Its rich history and legacy make the Levi 501s a highly sought-after denim choice today. Get the iconic silhouette for just $98 above.
(Image credit: Ron Galella, Ltd./Getty Images)
Banana Republic
High-Rise 90s Straight Jean These high-rise jeans from Banana Republic draw inspiration from ’90s denim shapes, featuring a stovepipe straight-leg fit. Their light-wash is evenly applied, with a more concentrated bleached effect at the knees and front pockets. They also have a slight stretch for added comfort.
AGOLDE
90's Pinch Waist Long Frayed High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans AGOLDE’s Pinch Waist Jeans are heavily faded, delivering a well-loved appearance. The light-blue shade and extra-long inseam are all about that vintage denim style. They are made from 100% cotton and are very durable, making them an investment that will last for years.
(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 can envision these styled with black leather boots and a turtleneck, similar to Cox’s look above. The vintage cut fits snugly around the waist and thighs, offering a flattering silhouette.
ZARA
Trf Straight Leg Jeans With a High Waist This $50 pair from Zara stands out as one of the best affordable light-wash jeans available. The straight-leg design includes five pockets to accommodate all your essentials—phone, wallet, lip liner, earphones, and gum. The light blue is perfectly paired with a classic white tank.
(Image credit: Ron Galella, Ltd./Getty Images)
Reformation
Cynthia High Rise Straight Long Jeans Reformation's denim is often underrated, as if its designers were secretly crafting the ideal ’90s denim for me. The distressed details and raw hem contribute to the nostalgic feel, but what truly drew me in was the soft, pale indigo wash. This gentle blue pops when paired with a black top and heels
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Dua Lipa and Miley Cyrus swapped their dark-wash denim for this nostalgic '90s style.
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