This ‘90s Denim Trend Is Coming Back, and Katie Holmes Can’t Stop Wearing It
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Denim skirts are sneaky vintage. Everyone likely has one in the depths of their closet, but the truth is wearing one automatically makes you look like you're doing a retro Tumblr cosplay of Alexa Chung. At least that's how I feel every time I wear one — and that's definitely not a bad thing.
There was a denim skirt I bought with buttons all the way down the front from Topshop that made me feel just like Chung — one of my all-time favorite style icons — years ago. While I've recently purged so many items in my wardrobe, I haven't been able to let this piece go, even though I rarely ever think to wear it. I'm just more likely to wear a tennis skirt or a thrited printed slip. But Katie Holmes, Rihanna, and even Beyonce have recently made the case for bringing the denim skirt back for 2021 in a big way.
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Denim skirts are obviously a more summer-friendly alternative to jeans. And while hard denim pants can feel constraining, denim skirts often leave a lot more room to breathe and less cause to sweat. Win-win! Holmes was seen in a classic '90s fit while wearing hers by A.P.C. with a white t-shirt, Givenchy bag, and Gucci loafers. While the outfit was worth thousands, the denim skirt gave it a casual vibe and even reminded me of the one I fell in love with all those years ago.
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Rihanna also utilized a denim skirt to downplay an otherwise extremely extravagant outfit. She wore a ripped denim mini with a $790 Celine shirt and a pair of $1,020 Amina Muaddi heels while grocery shopping. And while Rihanna can grocery shop in a gown and we wouldn't question it, her denim mini really did make this look a vibe.
If you needed any more proof that a denim skirt is just as 2021 as the most Gen Z of trends, even the queen herself Beyonce wore one on Instagram in March. The look spoke for itself and needed zero caption, but it made us highly consider getting a matching denim jacket for all of our denim skirts this summer. And while Beyonce's skirt was by Alessandra Rich and cost $500, most denim skirts are under $50 — especially on Amazon.
There also isn't a shoe that doesn't look good with a denim skirt, as demonstrated by the three aforementioned style icons. You can wear loafers. You can wear strap-up platform sandals. You can even wear pumps. And if you're leaning into the summer of ″ugly″ sandals, a denim skirt looks great with those too.
Shop the celeb-approved summer trend below.
Levi's High Rise Decon Iconic Skirts
Shop now: $40 (Originally $50); amazon.com
Chouyatou Basic Five-Pocket Rugged Wear Denim Skirt
Shop now: $20; amazon.com
Lee Regular Fit Denim Skirt
Shop now: $35; amazon.com
Just Quella Women's High Waisted Jean Skirt
Shop now: $28; amazon.com
Lexi Perfect Fit Stretch Denim Skirt
Shop now: $22; amazon.com
Mavi Jeans Lindsay Raw Hem Denim Miniskirt
Shop now: $59; nordstrom.com
Levi's Ribcage High Waist Denim Miniskirt
Shop now: $80; nordstrom.com
Topshop Paperbag Waist Denim Miniskirt
Shop now: $50; nordstrom.com
Frame Le Bardot Denim Midi Skirt
Shop now: $245; nordstrom.com
Paige Esma High Waist Denim Miniskirt
Shop now: $169; nordstrom.com
Rag & Bone High Waist Fray Hem Denim Miniskirt
Shop now: $255; nordstrom.com
Khaite Maggie High Waist Denim Midi Skirt
Shop now: $264 (Originally $440); nordstrom.com
