Suddenly, Everyone Is Wearing These Controversial Jeans—Now I Want a Pair Too

Every so often we’ll come across a sought after piece so good that once you see it once, you’ll start spotting it everywhere. Remember last year’s Loewe tank top? Still a Who What Wear favourite. And the Birkenstock Boston clogs? Get ready to dust them off for another spring/summer. And frankly, don’t get me started on that Uniqlo crossbody bag (I spotted at least 11 on my commute into the office), but what do all of these viral hits have in common? It has to be their easy versatility. So, when we spotted the same pair of jeans popping up on some of Instagram’s best dressed, we did a collective dance for joy as shopping for jeans can be a laborious process, but, it looks like the internet has just found the dream pair, and they’re an easy to wear style that suits just about every body. 

I first heard about Citizens of Humanity’s Ayla jeans over lunch with a friend, and since then, they haven’t left my Instagram feed. From Who What Wear columnist Monikh, to minimalist outfit inspiration Marianne Smyth, the loose, wide-leg cut with a mid-waist fit feels like the wearable update to the runway’s ultra low-slung baggy jean (not to mention, far more polished). Having already invested in a pair of Zara’s high-rise wide-leg jeans in a bid to get a loose-legged denim fix, as much as I like the slouch, they’re already fraying at the hems, something that Citizen’s of Humanity has been quick to solve by simply turning up the cuffs. Jean-ius.

After fashion had sworn it’s allegiance to straight-leg jeans, this wide-legged trend might not be for everyone, but unlike their narrower counterparts, this cut and fit is designed to work for every size, shape and height with ease (and a petite tip? roll up the hem an extra turn if the length is too long). 

After discussing the Ayla jeans at length, team WWWUK are convinced, these may just be the jeans of the year (and just read the comments section on any influencer looks featuring the pair for confirmation, those who have bought them, love them). So to see how everyone is wearing the jeans and where you can buy them now, keep scrolling. They make a very wise investment. 

Style Notes: Take tips from Monikh and add an oversized sweatshirt for an effortless weekend look (complete with Birkenstock clogs). 

Style Notes: Try pairing the jeans with a cardigan now, and swap for a tank top come summer. 

Style Notes: Yep, you spotted them, it’s another pair of Birkenstock clogs, but this time made dressier with a shirt and boxy blazer. 

I love the cut and longer length of these.

Another cult but controversial pair.

The perfect blue wash.

White jeans aren’t just for summer!

Just add a grey tee and a blazer. 

The ideal accompaniment to a chunky heel. 

Up Next, Kate Middleton Just Wore the Surprising Denim Trend That’s All Over H&M and Zara