Is anyone else obsessed more than ever with the ’90s right now? Yes? Good. Because between the revival of interest in Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s style, Netflix resurfacing every classic romcom, and two-decade-old music making its way back into the charts, it seems we’re all craving a little nostalgia. When it comes to fashion, that means the return of leopard print, preppy picks, and one other trusty favourite: light-wash jeans. Essentially, it’s time to pull your Rachel Green moodboard back out.
Now, light-wash denim is often seen as the more casual colourway—the relaxed alternative to deep indigo or bold blue. A fair assumption, particularly in stricter office environments where it’s hard to stray too far from black tailored trousers. But outside of that context, light-wash is actually the denim shade that really signals the shift into spring and summer—and it’s far more versatile than you might expect. Pair it with a broderie blouse and wooden wedge for something more bohemian, add a fine knit and suede flats for a timeless, every-occasion outfit (very CBK), or style it with another ’90s favourite, a shell jacket—which is, handily, trending too—for something a little cooler.
Suddenly, it’s the denim shade that stretches far further than the go-to white tee and ballet pump formula. Not that I’m knocking that combination—it’s a favourite for very good reason. But, as the fashion crowd embracing this ’90s-inspired denim look proves, light-wash jeans can go so much further. Scroll on to see five particularly chic examples of just how versatile they can be.
5 Light-Wash Jeans Looks to Bookmark:
1. Light-Wash Jeans + Cropped Trench Coat
Style Notes: While every light-wash jeans look made the moodboard for being both easy to recreate and effortlessly chic, Savina Chow’s styling is my personal favourite. Simple, yes, but quietly elegant—it’s a for-any-occasion look I’ll be recreating myself, especially while there’s still a chill in the air.
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ZARA
Zw Collection Short High-Neck Trench Coat
If you love your trusty classic trench coat, a cropped version offers a similar spring-ready alternative.
Massimo Dutti
Straight-Leg High-Waist Jeans
Light-wash jeans often get a bad rap for not being as formal as their darker-tone counterparts. This Massimo Dutti pair very much proves that’s far from the case.
Aeyde
Aeyde Leather Clara Pumps 35
A kitten heel and higher foot coverage? These Aeyde pumps are built for comfort.
PANDORA
Organically Shaped Broad Open Bangle
I own this bangle and wear it with almost everything.
The top handle on this suede clutch makes it all the more wearable.
2. Light-Wash Jeans + Grey Knit
Style Notes: The key to any great outfit is often not the pieces themselves, but the tiny styling details that make it all the more striking. The pulled-up sleeve, subtle signs of layering, and pop of personality through contrasting textures and distressed details are what make this one eye-catching, while every element is actually rather simple.
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& Other Stories
Boxy Knit Jumper
A cotton-wool blend knit will last in your wardrobe for many seasons to come.
M&S
Pure Cotton Heavyweight Boxy Top
The first place we all search for basics? M&S, and for good reason.
AGOLDE
Amryn Distressed High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
Distressed jeans may not have made an appearance in your wardrobe for the last 15 years, but that could be about to change.
Massimo Dutti
Split Leather Ballet Flats
Khaki is a key colour to note this season and these suede ballet flats effortlessly step into the trend.
LOEWE
Flamenco Medium Leather Clutch
This leather pouch will forever be a fashion fan favourite.
3. Light-Wash Jeans + Shell Jacket
Style Notes: Light-wash jeans were a favourite in the ’80s and ’90s, as were shell jackets, so it makes perfect sense that the two should go together. Just keep in mind, these jackets are much warmer than they look, so a sandal will help to bring your body heat back down in a way that feels just as cool and casual as the rest of the outfit.
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& Other Stories
Stand-Collar Drawstring Jacket
Thanks to Saint Laurent, shell jackets are trending and this oversized design certainly leans into the retro feel.
AGOLDE
Arc Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
Almost every fashion editor I know owns at least one pair of Agolde jeans.
ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS
Sfendoni Sandals
I own four pairs of Ancient Greek sandals and their barely-there design makes them incredibly easy to style.
LONGCHAMP
Le Pliage Green Medium Tote Bag
The Longchamp Le Pliage bag is a bestseller for good reason and this artichoke shade feels especially cool.
Mejuri
18k Gold Vermeil, Sterling Silver
I’ve recently invested in my first ear cuff and it adds just a touch of unusual edge to every outfit.
4. Light-Wash Jeans + White Blouse
Style Notes: Few women offer minimalist style inspiration quite as well as Anouk Yve—proof, if ever you needed it, that less really can be more. The trick she often seems to return to is in choosing pieces that slightly stray from the norm. Like opting for an oversized silk shirt instead of a classic white cotton style, or round sunglasses instead of the go-to aviator.
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TOTEME
Cowl Neck Blouse White
This silky feel shirt immediately elevates any outfit.
ALIGNE
High Rise Straight Leg Jeans
Straight-leg jeans are slowly taking over from wide-leg styles. The 90s are trending, after all.
STAUD
Sebastian Satin Mules
A satin mule is easily one of the most versatile of shoes in any wardrobe.
TOTEME
Belted Leather Bucket Bag Black
If you’re after a bag that holds a laptop, water bottle, and more more, you’ll be hard-pushed to find a sleeker style than this.
MIU MIU
Mu 52ys Round-Frame Tinted-Lens Metal Sunglasses
The retro round sunglasses are the statement piece in this outfit.
5. Light-Wash Jeans + Shirt
Style Notes: Looking for a more laid-back look? Turn your attention towards Abi Marvel’s light-wash jeans, tee and blue shirt outfit. If blue isn’t quite your colour, yellow, white, pink, or really any shade of shirt will look just as sleek, and the layering over a T-shirt trick goes a long way to lean it towards casual cool.
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Whistles
Blue Oversized Cotton Poplin Shirt
This blue cotton shirt will work just as well styled with a cream skirt, brown jeans or even black leather trousers as it will light wash jeans.
COS
Cotton Crew-Neck T-Shirt
Every stylist I’m friends with recommends this Cos tee.
Levi
318 Shaping Wide Leg Jeans (Plus Size)
Spanning sizes 14-22, plenty of people can enjoy these Levi’s light-wash jeans.
This spring/summer, it’s all about the boat shoe.
GUCCI
Bamboo 1947 Small Leather Tote
No brand is better known for the bamboo handle bags than Gucci, and this one is timeless.








