It’s true: Light-wash jeans are making a comeback. Over the last few seasons, dark washes that lean almost indigo have been garnering praise in the denim world, but ever since 2026 began, much lighter alternatives have crept up, with Hailey Bieber being their number-one advocate. The Rhode founder regularly wears vintage Levi’s 501 jeans in light, faded rinses, helping to give the “dated” denim trend a much-needed facelift in the eyes of shoppers. Little did we know that it wasn’t the actual color that was making light-wash jeans feel out of style, but rather, the way we were styling them, or rather, the shoes we were wearing with them. Sure, you could wear black heels with light-wash jeans, but the color contrast is harsh. Instead, follow Bieber’s lead and try combining beige heels with light-wash jeans for an elegant, understated outfit that works every time.

Last week, Bieber and one of her stylists, Dani Michelle, posted photos of the former wearing this exact combo, including vintage light-wash Levi’s from her go-to curator, Denim by Orlee, and a pair of croc-embossed beige heels from Jude. With the unbeatable combo, she added a white tee from Joe’s Jeans, one of Matthieu Blazy’s new bags for Chanel, and a butter-yellow shearling coat by Phoebe Philo. Does a better outfit exist? I can’t think of one.

On Hailey Bieber: Phoebe Philo coat; Jude Iris Mule ($510); Levi’s jeans; Joe’s Jeans top; Chanel bag