{"id":103204,"date":"2017-01-19T07:41:52","date_gmt":"2017-01-19T13:41:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thebudgetfashionista.com\/?p=103204"},"modified":"2025-10-18T09:35:54","modified_gmt":"2025-10-18T15:35:54","slug":"how-to-wear-boyfriend-jeans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/fashion-trends\/how-to-wear-boyfriend-jeans\/","title":{"rendered":"How to wear boyfriend jeans: Dos and don&#8217;ts"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p>Boyfriend jeans are a favorite pick for off-duty models and celebrities. Get the look right and you have an ensemble that&#8217;s carefree, casual and chic all rolled into one. Get it wrong and \u2014 well, it&#8217;s not the end of the world to have a bad outfit day, but we&#8217;re just not gonna let that happen. Read on for our dos and don&#8217;ts on how to wear boyfriend jeans.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>And at the end, we have five boyfriend jean outfit formulas for you to copy!<\/p>\r\n<figure id=\"attachment_1652328\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1652328\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img data-dominant-color=\"acb3ab\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #acb3ab;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1652328 size-full not-transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/how-to-wear-boyfriend-jeans-pin.jpg\" alt=\"Woman in light blue boyfriend  jeans.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/how-to-wear-boyfriend-jeans-pin.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/how-to-wear-boyfriend-jeans-pin-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/how-to-wear-boyfriend-jeans-pin-300x450.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/how-to-wear-boyfriend-jeans-pin-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/how-to-wear-boyfriend-jeans-pin-640x960.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1652328\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Canva.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dos and don&#8217;ts of wearing boyfriend jeans<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do roll them up.<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" style=\"background: #FFF;border: 0;border-radius: 3px;margin: 1px;max-width: 540px;min-width: 326px;padding: 0;width: calc(100% - 2px)\" data-instgrm-captioned=\"\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/BtBsUPTjtYQ\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\">\r\n<div style=\"padding: 16px\">\r\n<div style=\"display: flex;flex-direction: row;align-items: center\">\r\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 40px;margin-right: 14px;width: 40px\">&nbsp;<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"display: flex;flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center\">\r\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 100px\">&nbsp;<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 60px\">&nbsp;<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"padding: 19% 0\">&nbsp;<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"display: block;height: 50px;margin: 0 auto 12px;width: 50px\">&nbsp;<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"padding-top: 8px\">\r\n<div style=\"color: #3897f0;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;font-size: 14px;font-style: normal;font-weight: 550;line-height: 18px\">View this post on Instagram<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0\">&nbsp;<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"display: flex;flex-direction: row;margin-bottom: 14px;align-items: center\">\r\n<div>\r\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px\">&nbsp;<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px;flex-grow: 0;margin-right: 14px;margin-left: 2px\">&nbsp;<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px\">&nbsp;<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-left: 8px\">\r\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 20px;width: 20px\">&nbsp;<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 2px solid transparent;border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom: 2px solid transparent\">&nbsp;<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-left: auto\">\r\n<div style=\"width: 0px;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right: 8px solid transparent\">&nbsp;<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4;flex-grow: 0;height: 12px;width: 16px\">&nbsp;<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left: 8px solid transparent\">&nbsp;<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"display: flex;flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center;margin-bottom: 24px\">\r\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 224px\">&nbsp;<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 144px\">&nbsp;<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p style=\"color: #c9c8cd;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;font-size: 14px;line-height: 17px;margin-bottom: 0;margin-top: 8px;overflow: hidden;padding: 8px 0 7px;text-align: center\"><a style=\"color: #c9c8cd;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;font-size: 14px;font-style: normal;font-weight: normal;line-height: 17px;text-decoration: none\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/BtBsUPTjtYQ\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by standards &amp; practices (@standardspractices)<span class=\"wpil-link-icon\" title=\"Link goes to external site.\" style=\"margin: 0 0 0 5px;\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" style=\"height:16px; width:16px; fill:#000000; stroke:#000000; display:inline-block;\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:svg=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><g id=\"wpil-svg-outbound-7-icon-path\" fill=\"none\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_31_188)\">\r\n                            <path d=\"M9.16724 14.8891L20.1672 3.88908\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\/>\r\n                            <path d=\"M13.4497 3.53554L20.5208 3.53554L20.5208 10.6066\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\r\n                            <path d=\"M17.5 13.5L17.5 16.26C17.5 17.4179 17.5 17.9968 17.2675 18.4359C17.0799 18.7902 16.7902 19.0799 16.4359 19.2675C15.9968 19.5 15.4179 19.5 14.26 19.5L7.74 19.5C6.58213 19.5 6.0032 19.5 5.56414 19.2675C5.20983 19.0799 4.92007 18.7902 4.73247 18.4359C4.5 17.9968 4.5 17.4179 4.5 16.26L4.5 9.74C4.5 8.58213 4.5 8.0032 4.73247 7.56414C4.92007 7.20983 5.20982 6.92007 5.56414 6.73247C6.0032 6.5 6.58213 6.5 7.74 6.5L11 6.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\/>\r\n                        <\/g>\r\n                        <defs>\r\n                            <clipPath id=\"clip0_31_188\">\r\n                                <rect fill=\"white\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\"\/>\r\n                            <\/clipPath>\r\n                        <\/defs><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n<p><script src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Boyfriend jeans have a loose fit, which can easily morph into sloppy. Keep the look tidy by rolling them up loosely to a crop length. They should sit a few inches above your ankle, but this isn&#8217;t a hard-and-fast rule. Go with the length that feels right, based on your height and the choice of shoes. Better yet, ask a friend for a second opinion.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do demand a tapered leg.<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Pay attention to how the entire jean hangs on your leg after you roll them. You should see an even taper with a slightly tighter ankle. If the jeans hang&nbsp;straight down or even get wider towards the ankle, that&#8217;s generally going to create an&nbsp;unflattering, blocky look. Blame&nbsp;this on the jeans and try&nbsp;a different pair.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" class=\"wp-image-103240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Super-straight-leg.png\" alt=\"how to wear boyfriend jeans\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Super-straight-leg.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Super-straight-leg-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Super-straight-leg-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do experiment with washes.<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Models and celebrities favor the ultra light wash boyfriend jeans that have some level of distress to them. In your own wardrobe, mix it up with dark- or medium-wash jeans. Even a colored or white jean (yes, even in winter!) could work well. As for the rips and tears that celebs seem to love so much, go easy on them. Excessively torn-up jeans aren&#8217;t practical and they rarely look great on anyone.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Do wear a belt and tuck in your top.<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Boyfriend jeans fit loose and straight, like&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/archive\/how-to-wear-joggers\/\">joggers<\/a>.&nbsp;A belt and tucked-in top ensures you have a waist, and also gives your outfit an intentional quality. Let the world know you put this outfit together (and you did not&nbsp;just grab&nbsp;stuff from the closet in the dark).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do have fun with your choice of shoes.<\/h3>\r\n<figure id=\"attachment_1656342\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1656342\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-dominant-color=\"c5c7c6\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #c5c7c6;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1656342 size-full not-transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/boyfriend-jeans-collage.jpg\" alt=\"Collage of three trending boyfriend jeans styles \" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/boyfriend-jeans-collage.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/boyfriend-jeans-collage-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/boyfriend-jeans-collage-300x450.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/boyfriend-jeans-collage-768x1152.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1656342\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Top left: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gap.com\/browse\/product.do?pid=865119002&amp;vid=1&amp;searchText=boyfriend%20jean#pdp-page-content\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gap mid-rise relaxed straight jeans<span class=\"wpil-link-icon\" title=\"Link goes to external site.\" style=\"margin: 0 0 0 5px;\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" style=\"height:16px; width:16px; fill:#000000; stroke:#000000; display:inline-block;\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:svg=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"#wpil-svg-outbound-7-icon-path\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span><\/a>. Lower left: <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.mango.com\/us\/en\/p\/women\/jeans\/straight\/mid-rise-straight-jeans_17024789\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mango mid-rise straight jeans<span class=\"wpil-link-icon\" title=\"Link goes to external site.\" style=\"margin: 0 0 0 5px;\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" style=\"height:16px; width:16px; fill:#000000; stroke:#000000; display:inline-block;\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:svg=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"#wpil-svg-outbound-7-icon-path\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span><\/a>. Right: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zara.com\/us\/en\/trf-mid-rise-ripped-straight-jeans-p04730239.html?v1=480584514\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Zara TRF ripped mid-rise straight jeans<span class=\"wpil-link-icon\" title=\"Link goes to external site.\" style=\"margin: 0 0 0 5px;\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" style=\"height:16px; width:16px; fill:#000000; stroke:#000000; display:inline-block;\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:svg=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"#wpil-svg-outbound-7-icon-path\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span><\/a>.&nbsp;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<p>It&#8217;s hard to pick the wrong shoe for the boyfriend jean. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/cheap-uggs\/\">UGGs<\/a> and tall boots wouldn&#8217;t work so well, but&nbsp;pumps, sandals, ankle boots, flats and sneakers are all good choices. You could even pair <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/archive\/hosiery-style-tips\/\">ankle socks with heels<\/a>&nbsp;for a cute <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/archive\/retro-fashion-2\/\">retro<\/a> look. Have fun with it!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don&#8217;t show too much skin.<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The two primary ways we see boyfriend jeans gone wrong are:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>The jeans are so ripped up that it&#8217;s not clear how they&#8217;re staying together.<\/li>\r\n<li>The jeans are paired with a very tight, very tiny top.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Moral of the story: err on the conservative side here. If you want to show off your legs, wear a short skirt instead. If you want to show off your abs, put on that bikini and head to the beach.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don&#8217;t pair boyfriend jeans&nbsp;with flannel.<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>If you&#8217;re older than 13, the flannel-top-and-boyfriend-jean combo usually looks a little silly. We&#8217;re not saying you couldn&#8217;t pull it off, but it&#8217;s a challenging look for an adult.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don&#8217;t actually wear your boyfriend&#8217;s jeans.<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>When I was in high school (in the &#8217;80s mind you), jeans were pretty much all tight and high-waisted. I wanted a different look, so I bought a pair of white Levis in the same size my dad wore. I tried to cinch them up with a belt, roll them up at the ankle and wear them with Vans. Now I thought this was a cool look at the time, but a picture from those days proves otherwise. (An early budget fashionista fail!)<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>It&#8217;s not likely that your SO (or your dad) will be the right size for you. Plus, there&nbsp;are so many affordable options made for women that you don&#8217;t need to force it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5 fun outfit ideas for boyfriend jeans&nbsp;<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Now that you know the rules, here are five outfit ideas to inspire you!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><em>The Professional:<\/em>&nbsp;Dark-wash boyfriend&nbsp;jeans + crisp white top + belt+ long blazer + pumps<\/li>\r\n<li><em>All Smiles and Sunshine:<\/em> Boyfriend jeans + floral blouse, tucked in + block heels + big, bright purse<\/li>\r\n<li><em>Off-Duty Model: Boyfriend jeans + t-shirt with a fun saying on it + ankle boots + scarf + satchel (bonus points if you can carry a small dog around in that satchel&#8230;just kidding!)<\/em><\/li>\r\n<li><em>This Old Thing?<\/em>: Boyfriend jeans + solid-colored t-shirt + thick belt + beanie + pumps<\/li>\r\n<li><em>Denim x 2<\/em>: Boyfriend jeans + canvas sneakers + denim button-down top + belt<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><em><strong>Read next:<\/strong><\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/fashion-trends\/fan-girl-the-dos-and-donts-of-wearing-sports-jerseys\/\">Fan girl: Dos and don&#8217;ts of wearing sports jerseys.<\/a><\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Boyfriend jeans are a favorite pick for off-duty models and celebrities. Get the look right and you have an ensemble that&#8217;s carefree, casual and chic all rolled into one. Get it wrong and \u2014 well, it&#8217;s not the end of the world to have a bad outfit day, but we&#8217;re just not gonna let that&hellip;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/fashion-trends\/how-to-wear-boyfriend-jeans\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">Read More &raquo;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">How to wear boyfriend jeans: Dos and don&#8217;ts<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1652329,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"off","neve_meta_content_width":70,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[34,254,303929,104],"class_list":["post-103204","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fashion-trends","tag-clothing","tag-denim","tag-every-day-fashion","tag-jeans"],"mv":{"thumbnail_id":1652329,"thumbnail_uri":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/how-to-wear-boyfriend-jeans-300x158.jpg"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103204","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=103204"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103204\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1652329"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=103204"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=103204"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=103204"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}