The Denim Trends Celebrities are Abandoning and What They've Opted for Instead in 2025
In recent years, it has become evident that celebrities have significantly upgraded their denim choices. The jeans they wore in the past now seem almost unrecognizable compared to their current styles. The focus has shifted from chasing ephemeral trends to selecting silhouettes that truly flatter their figures—and I am totally on board with this change. Our favorite stars have matured!
Take Kendall Jenner, for instance. She has moved away from the distressed jeans that characterized her casual style in the mid-2010s, opting instead for baggy, cuffed styles that exude a cooler vibe (and honestly, are much cuter). She’s not the only one—many celebrities have similarly retired their 2016 denim staples in favor of styles that better align with today’s more refined aesthetic. Trends have naturally morphed, just as we have, but it’s enjoyable to reflect on the jeans they have left behind and see what has taken their place. Let this article motivate your next closet purge. Here’s a summary.
Then: Distressed Jeans
Now: Baggy Cuffed Jeans
Kendall Jenner was once the epitome of distressed denim. I remember trying to emulate her look in my youth, despite my parents’ protests. Jenner’s distressed jeans were quite striking; they featured heavy rips that were characteristic of the late 2010s off-duty model aesthetic. Nowadays, she has replaced them with baggy, cuffed jeans that appear intentionally styled and much more sophisticated. The relaxed fit adds a laid-back polish to her outfits, demonstrating that she has evolved past the "festival-ready" denim era.
Shop Kendall Jenner-approved jeans:
- Denim Forum - The '90s Vintage Lo-rise Cuffed Jean
- Abercrombie & Fitch - Low Rise Baggy Jean
- We the Free - Final Countdown Cuffed Low-Rise Jeans
- LIONESS - Top Model Cuffed Jeans
Then: High Rise Jeans
Now: Low Rise Jeans
Rihanna has always had her unique style, but lately, her denim selections have conveyed a newfound ease. Throughout her recent pregnancies, she has embraced low-rise jeans that sit comfortably beneath her bump, often pairing them with crop tops or oversized jackets. This combination is a perfect blend of cool and practical, showcasing her most authentic self in denim.
Shop Rihanna-approved jeans:
- ZARA - Trf Low-Rise Wide Leg Jeans
- Reformation - Cary Low Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
- Rag & Bone - Saige Low Rise Wide Leg Jeans
Then: Skinny Jeans
Now: Straight Jeans
Zoë Kravitz has a remarkable talent for making even the simplest outfits look incredibly chic, and her denim transformation is no different. She has shifted from the skintight skinny jeans of the early 2010s to sleek straight-leg styles that enhance her effortlessly elegant look. This change is subtle yet significant—just as one would anticipate from her.
Shop Zoë Kravitz-approved jeans:
- Reformation - Jax Super High Waist Straight Leg Jeans
- LEVI'S - Ribcage Full Length Jeans
- Polo Ralph Lauren - Straight Leg Jeans
- Nordstrom - High Waist Straight Leg Jeans
Then: Skinny Flares
Now: Wide-Leg Jeans
Julia Roberts may be best known for her glamorous red carpet looks today, but her off-duty denim has also received an upgrade. She has replaced her former skinny flares with dramatic wide-leg jeans, a style heavily inspired by Celine’s modern interpretation of timeless silhouettes. This chic update feels both sophisticated and relaxed, and we’re excited to see it.
Shop Julia Roberts-approved jeans:
- GRLFRND - Brooklyn High Rise Straight Jeans
- 7 For All Mankind - Lotta Wide Leg Jeans
- AG - Adria Low Rise Baggy Wide Leg Jeans
- Hudson Jeans - Jodie Wide Leg Jeans
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The Denim Trends Celebrities are Abandoning and What They've Opted for Instead in 2025
Some have formally transitioned away from certain denim styles that previously characterized their casual outfits.
