5 Ways to Style the ’90s Cropped Jean

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After many months of hiding beneath heavy socks and boots, freeing our ankles is arguably the best feeling. This spring we’re excited to embrace it, courtesy of one of the season’s most wearable denim trends: cropped jeans.

The ’90s-inspired silhouette is making a comeback, but this time around it feels decidedly more modern. Instead of clingy cigarette cuts, designers are embracing roomier proportions, from slouchy or straight fits to sculptural barrel-leg shapes, many punctuated by oversized cuffs. On and off the runways, labels like Khaite, Chloé, and Bottega Veneta have all made the case for cropped denim, while contemporary brands like Jamie Haller and Agolde are offering equally covetable takes.

Vogue’s Favorite Cropped Jeans

The High-Rise
Agolde '90s Pinch Waist distressed jeans
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The Straight-Leg
Citizens of Humanity Faye straight jeans
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The Ecru Pair
Mother The Half Pipe barrel jeans
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The Slim-Fit Bootcut
Mother The Insider bootcut jeans
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The Barrel-Leg
Frame The Bubble crop jeans
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The Cuffed Jean
Khaite Boyle jeans
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Part of the appeal of cropped jeans lies in their versatility. Cropped jeans are perfect for in-between weather, pairing just as well with lightweight jackets and long-sleeve blouses as they do with simple tanks once temperatures rise. They also happen to be one of the easiest denim styles to dress up or down: seemingly made for micro wedges and low-heeled pumps, but equally chic with ballet flats or slim sandals. Here’s how we’re wearing them now.

With a Bow Blouse and Glove Flats

Khaite’s Boyle jeans with an extra-thick cuff are sure to be a favorite style this spring. Balance their bottom-heavy proportions with a voluminous blouse and low-profile ballerinas.

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Sensi Studio

straw tote bag

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Cos

bow-detail blouse

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Khaite

Boyle jeans

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Alaïa

ballet flats

With a Knit Tank and Heeled Clogs

Bottega Veneta’s chunky clogs lend a bohemian aura to cropped barrel legs. A burly knit tank and shades make for apt companions.

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The Elder Statesman

Ella tank top

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Jamie Haller

The Crop Painter jeans

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Bottega Veneta

Wanda clogs

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Ray-Ban

Aviator Meta II sunglasses

With a Ladylike Jacket and Kitten Heels

Dress up simple straight-leg crops à la Chanel—just add a tweed evening jacket, kitten heels, and a sleek bag.

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Zara

fringed plaid jacket

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Agolde

'90s Pinch Waist distressed jeans

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Loewe

Emily mules

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Khaite

Cate bag

With Micro Wedges and Other Neutrals

Off-white cropped denim pairs especially well with navy outerwear, for a versatile look that can easily go from the office to after hours.

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Flore Flore

Hillie tank top

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Kallmeyer

Benny longline blazer

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Mother

The Half Pipe barrel jeans

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Le Monde Béryl

micro wedge flip flops

With a Denim Shirt and Minimalist Mules

We call this look the cropped Canadian tuxedo. Keep it from feeling too on-the-nose by keeping the accessories sleek and minimal.

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Frame

Classic denim shirt

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Chloé

cropped jeans

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Ben Bridge

Toscano bangle bracelet

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Emme Parsons

suede mules

Shop More:

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Citizens of Humanity

Faye straight jeans

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Slvrlake

Hunter relaxed boyfriend jeans

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Jil Sander

cropped boyfriend jeans

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Gap

'90s crop jeans

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Mother

The Insider bootcut jeans

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The Row

Fortino jeans

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Frame

The Bubble crop jeans

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J.Crew

slim-wide jeans

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Zara

Z1975 barrel jeans

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Re/Done

cropped jeans