Back to School Season Calls for the Perfect Straight-Leg ’90s Jean: Get the Look

Shop eight SI Swimsuit-approved denim pieces at a variety of prices.

Hailey Bieber / Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images

The ’90s called, and they’re officially back in style—just in time for back-to-school season. Whether you’re channeling your inner Rachel Green or giving off serious groovy vibes, nothing says “effortlessly cool” quite like the perfect pair of straight-leg jeans.

“I am obsessed with this style of denim. It is a part of my signature look at the moment,” Los Angeles-based stylist and wardrobe curator Chellie Carlson tells SI Swimsuit. “The straight leg is perfect for wearing with flats or sneakers, or tucking into your favorite boot. It is [constantly coming] back in style because designers are doing it better with a higher waist and more relaxed feel.”

From the classroom to coffee runs, these retro-inspired denim essentials are a must for a fresh, laid-back look. Here are some of our favorite 1990s-inspired straight-leg pieces on the market now, from moody deep blue numbers to edgy black denim to the perfect light-wash jeans to kick off the season in style.

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Levi’s® Premium 501® ’90s Women’s Jeans, $98 (levis.com)

Levi’s

It wouldn’t be a denim roundup without some good old Levi’s. This pair is the perfect straight leg, yet still gives the casual, laid-back and baggy look, offering a mid-rise waist and two different length options.

Abercrombie High-Rise Vintage Straight Jean, $90 (abercrombie.com)

Abercrombie

If you’re looking for a high-waisted option, we’re obsessed with this Abercrombie pair. The deep blue hue serves major classy model-off-duty vibes when paired with a baby tee and loafers or a cropped button-down and kitten heels.

Levis Low Pro Women’s Jeans, $108 (levis.com)

Levi’s

These are the perfect blend of 1990s-inspired low-rise and straight-leg. The loose jeans are a best-seller for good reason.

Low-Rise Washed Black Relaxed Straight Jeans, $37.46 with code ‘FALLREFRESH’ (hollisterco.com)

Hollister

These low-rise straight-leg jeans offer a little more stretch and elasticity than Levi’s and are ideal for back to school season. Use code “FALLREFRESH” for a discount if you shop in-app.

Madewell The ’90s Straight Mid-Rise Jean, $98.50 (madewell.com)

Madewell

Grab these perfect light blue jeans while they are on sale now. Madewell’s denim is Fair Trade Certified and made from the brand’s premium cone fabric that offers the “holds-you-in structure of rigid with a touch of stretch for day-one comfort.”

PacSun Stretch Medium Indigo ’90s Straight-Leg Jeans, $39.86 (pacsun.com)

PacSun

These stretchy medium-wash jeans feature a raw-cut hem and slightly cropped length for an extra casual, daytime vibe.

Madewell Tapered Denim Trousers, $148 (madewell.com)

Madewell

This high-waited trouser-style jean is different than anything we’ve ever seen. It adds a chic formal twist to a classic dark-wash denim, and can be dressed down with sneakers or dressed up with heels or booties for autumn businesswear. Plus, if you’re a Madewell Insider, you get 25% off.

Mango Matilda Medium-Rise Straight-Fit Jeans, $69.99 (madewell.com)

Mango

Mango offers some of the most underrated, reasoably affordable denim on the market. These mid-rise straight-leg jeans are sustainable and chic, and range in sizes from 1 to 22.