How To Wear Straight Leg Jeans Like an Off-Duty Model This Summer

Are you ready for the return of straight leg jeans?
For the longest time, it felt like baggy jeans were the only choice for the street style crowd—ideally low-rise, with some pointy or Tabi boots being swallowed up by the pooling hems. In recent months though, and as the weather's picked up, another style of jeans has been shuffling their way onto our moodboards. I'm talking, of course, about straight leg jeans—not baggy, not skinny, but that sweet spot in between.
I first started seeing a noticeable return to the humble straight leg around fashion month earlier this year, when it was clearly the go-to uniform for off-duty models slouching around Paris and New York. Usually low or mid-rise, and worn with loafers, ballet flats, or boots, the straight leg feels casual and low effort, without totally swamping you like some baggy jeans can. And if, like me, you'll never be on board with a return to skinny, the straight leg is an easy alternative that feels like a classic.


Really, it's no wonder that models have jumped aboard the straight leg train en masse—the style has made an appearance on the catwalk more recently, too. Think: The low-slung straight leg jeans for Diesel's fall 2025 collection, or all the shimmery and glitter-studded straight legs at Versace's fall 2025 show, or even the slouchy, not-quite-skinny jeans for Dsquared2's fall 2025 collection. While the straight leg jean has become a fave in the run up to summer, the style clearly isn't going anywhere.
Bella Hadid—who I consider a sort of soothsayer when it comes to jeans—has also been on the straight leg jeans trend for a minute. Often pairing hers with a vest and trainers, or sometimes a lil stiletto, the 28-year-old model has got straight leg outfit combos down to a fine art. She's also not averse to a high-rise straight leg with a belt, which feels very 'early 2010s mom' in the best way possible. Controversial take, but: I feel like she eats in a straight leg even more than she does a bootcut.


Fortunately, finding the most perfect straight leg jeans for summer is a relatively painless experience—unlike, say, piling a gazillion bootcuts into a harshly lit changing room. My colleague Alice Cary swears by vintage straight legs, as the denim has a bit more life to it. 'The pair of Levi's 501s I found in a vintage store in the US several years ago are perfectly worn-in and will continue to age as I wear them,' she wrote for British Vogue recently. 'They have a finish that's hard to replicate in a factory.'
Obviously models look good in anything—that's literally their job. But if there's one trend that's worth replicating this year from the GOATs of low-key cool, it's the straight leg. Whether you're a model or not, I truly believe you can't go wrong with this straight up-and-down classic.

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Business of Fashion

4 hours ago

• Business of Fashion

Telfar's 20th Anniversary Show: A Celebration With a Message

NEW YORK — On Saturday afternoon, the front of Telfar's flagship store was packed with exceptionally attractive and fashionable people of various skin tones, body shapes, ages and gender identities, smoking joints and chatting. While it may have looked like an average SoHo Saturday, the crowd was, in fact, a carefully curated group, set to walk in Telfar's first runway show in three years, which doubled as a celebration of its 20th year in business. Some of the 200 models walking the show had a history with the brand, appearing in its e-commerce photos or freelancing as creative collaborators; for many, walking for Telfar marked their runway debut. But others weren't models at all: Telfar founder Telfar Clemens' longtime collaborator Ian Isiah, also known as New York Shugga, for instance, walked the runway in a sleeveless white and gold top while walking alongside his mum and dog. Clemens' own mother, Hawa Clemens, walked the show in a pale blue polo dress. Fellow indie designer Raul Lopez strutted down the alley in a matching pale blue elongated button-up and pants. The audience, meanwhile, was filled with friends of the brand, from celebrities like Solange Knowles and musician Kelela to fellow designers like former Diesel creative director Nicola Formichetti. It almost felt like a family reunion: actor Indya Moore and art curator Kimberly Drew shared a long embrace before the show started. Telfar's mother, Hawa Clemens, walks the runway for her son's 20th anniversary show. (Getty) Designer Raul Lopez of Luar struts down the runway at Telfar's 20th anniversary show. (Getty) The group's diversity — and their familiarity with one another — reflected Telfar's ethos, where all races, sizes and gender identities come together to express themselves freely. 'Most brands try to dictate what the wearer should be,' said Justin French, a Brooklyn-based photographer who was invited to the show as a friend of the brand. With Telfar, 'people can bring themselves to it,' French added. Community has become an enduring buzzword for brands seeking to win customer loyalty and grow via word-of-mouth endorsements. Telfar's two decades in business has served as a playbook for doing so, turning its ideology into a successful, globally-recognised independent label. Founded in 2005 as a genderless fashion project by Clemens, the brand penetrated the zeitgeist in 2014 when it launched its cult $150 to $250 vegan leather totes with its TC logo, dubbed the 'Bushwick Birkins,' which reached a new peak when they went viral in 2022 after Beyoncé name-checked the bag on her 'Renaissance' album that year. Telfar's growth has been fuelled, in part, by strategic partnerships, such as an ongoing tie-up with Ugg, and events like a pop-up at the New York-based discount chain Rainbow in 2022. Its innovative approach is all the more notable considering the fact that the brand has had no official financial backers, save for a $400,000 grant from the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund in 2017. The logo-driven collection the brand presented on Saturday illustrated Telfar's evolution into a household name, while retaining its roots as an irreverent critique of mainstream fashion. The line ranged from cheeky smiley face motifs on dresses and accessories meant to look like disposable shopping bags to structured denim outerwear and hoodies and matching sets featuring the brand's signature 'I Love New York' print, where the Telfar mark replaces the heart in the iconic logo. It was both reminiscent of the brand's past and indicative of its present, which has seen the brand embrace more conventional industry practices: In the last year, it launched real leather bags for as much as $1,540, hosted a pop-up in Selfridges in London and opened its first retail store in New York. But Telfar's not abandoning its rebellious spirit, especially when few brands are taking strong political stances amid threats to immigration rights and diversity, equity and inclusion. Two days before the show, the brand broadcasted a pre-taped model search on Telfar TV — its 24-hour streaming network — where viewers voted for the hopefuls competing to walk in the show. The hour-long program was more sociopolitical commentary than a play on 'America's Next Top Model.' Among challenges where contestants engaged in catwalk battles, voguing standoffs and a poetry slam, Isiah, a regular Telfar TV host, posed the question, 'Are you completely satisfied with everything in the world right now?' It was as much a casting call as a plea for a paradigm shift: 'Trans people, queer people, Black people; We are the models,' a contestant named Facts on Fire said during the broadcast. Ian Isiah, also known as New York Shugga, walks in Telfar's 20th anniversary show with his mom and dog. (Getty) The brand's inclusivity was on display at Saturday's show: Men rocked pencil skirts and sarongs with jelly sandals in the shape of the brand's logo, while a same-sex couple in coordinating green wide-leg pants and billowy button ups held hands as they walked. There was also a group of models wearing cut up tees, polos, skirts and sweats in an army green camo print — a subtle but charged political gesture as the US enters a war in Iran and various protests break out in American cities. A male model rocks a sarong on the runway at Telfar's 20th anniversary show. (Getty) A group of models sport army green and camo prints at Telfar's 20th anniversary show. (Getty) The presentation reaffirmed that anyone is welcome in Telfar's world — so long as they're willing to challenge the status quo, a message that continues to grip the brand's longtime supporters. 'Telfar is someone who is active in organizing spaces, queer spaces … it's opened up my mind in terms of what it means to be a designer,' said Jazmin Jones, a filmmaker who attended the show. Jones has been a fan of the brand since 2020 when she purchased her first pair of $150 Telfar earrings. She added: 'If I am going to have a logo on, as someone who doesn't like wearing logos, it feels good to wear the Telfar logo and to be like 'It's not for you, it's for everybody.'

USA Today

a day ago

• USA Today

📲 Viral TikTok finds: Shop an AI bed, nourishing bubble mask and more

Consider this your weekly guide to the internet's trendiest products across beauty, wellness, travel and beyond. Whenever the world feels like it's on fire, I bury myself even further into the digital world of TikTok—super healthy coping mechanism, I know! The platform is such a haven for shopping inspiration, whether it's a cute TikTok trend or a popular product that everyone can't stop talking about. I love that it offers a space for not only respite and creative relief, but also for cool product recommendations. As such: This week, the app has been brimming with so many trending products. From an AI-powered Eight Sleep bed that's loved by tech's most prominent innovators to a Bella Hadid-approved aperitif that'll help you embrace Italian summer vibes—even if you're just curled up at home—there's truly something for everyone to shop. To help guide you in the direction of your next favorite purchase, I've created a breakdown of this week's 5 most viral TikTok products, including explanations on why certain items are trending, what professional shoppers (like myself) really think about them and why they deserve a spot in your digital shopping cart. Keep reading to shop the TikTok-viral items below: Check out our TikTok Shop Shop this week's most viral TikTok products Lands' End Side Tie Mini Swim Dress Swimsuit Want something with a little more coverage? Try TikTok's latest product obsession: Swimsuit dresses. This Lands' End style comes in a variety of prints. $145 at Lands' End Forget skin-baring bikinis and cheeky thongs—this summer, it's all about the tankini and swimsuit dress. Many TikTok users have swapped their usual swimwear staples for more comfortable pieces that offer ample coverage—without skimping on style. Among the most viral: The Lands' End Tie Mini Dress Swimsuit. My verdict? My personal style can best be described as a mix between grandma-chic and a fairy—it's tame, classic and generally errs on the side of conservative as opposed to anything skimpy. Naturally, I'm all for this era of more covered (and comfortable) swimwear, and the variety of cute options from Lands' End makes me feel like I'm finally getting some representation in the swim category—at long last! Eight Sleep Pod 5 Ultra Hack your sleep routine with the help of Eight Sleep's best-selling Pod 5 Ultra—a smart mattress cover that relies on AI tracking to hone in on your optimal nighttime temperature. Shop at Eight Sleep When the world's top tech creators—not exactly a group associated with getting great sleep—all swear by one single mattress cover for improving their sleep quality, you can trust it's an effective product. Such is the case with the AI-powered Eight Sleep Pod 5 Ultra, which has received glowing endorsements from figures such as Bryan Johnson and Elon Musk My verdict? While I'm deeply weary about anything regarding AI, I have to admit—Eight Sleep's Pod mattress covers are beyond impressive and so useful for tracking more detailed sleep metrics. I can see why they've become a coveted tool of the world's most influential and if you're willing to splurge a little extra money, can confirm the tech is well worth the high price. Kin Euphorics High Rhode Non-Alcoholic Aperitif Make this citrus-flavored aperitif a staple at your next summer soirée or dinner party. It pairs beautifully with more savory dishes. $39 at Amazon The flavors of summer come to life in this Kin Euphorics Non-Alcoholic Aperitif that's designed to lift your spirits, support your wellness goals and satiate your appetite for a quality aperitif. Kin Euphorics was created by supermodel Bella Hadid, and TikTok users have dubbed the drinks a "summer staple." My verdict? Poolside aperitifs that'll give me a taste of the Italian coast—sans any lingering hangover? I'm already sold. Everyone say: Thank you, Bella Hadid! Holy Basil Bubble Deep Mask Mix this clay face mask with a little water and watch the solution bubble up into a carbonated consistency on your skin. $20 at Amazon $19.56 on TikTok I'm always looking to TikTok for more ways to innovate my skincare routine, and this Holy Basil Bubble Mask is known for doing just that—plus it's one of the app's most popular beauty products at the moment. Don't be fooled by the mask's clay-like consistency; once activated with water, the formula will create fluffy, carbonated bubbles on your face, which will work to deeply cleanse pores. My verdict? If this mask is half as effective as it is fascinating to look at in its peak-bubble form, it'll be a worthwhile buy. Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box Amazon shoppers (and TikTok users alike) love this smart little box for its self-cleaning capabilities and dome shape, which helps to conceal any stinky scents better than standard litter boxes. $116 at Amazon Tired of cleaning your cat's litter box? Well with this quirky Self-Cleaning Litter Box, you can skip the pesky, even stinky chore and let this spaceship-like dome do all the heavy lifting (read: scooping) for you. My verdict? This viral litter box is modern, tech-powered and designed to elevate in the best way—is this like the cat version of an Eight Sleep mattress? Perhaps. And hey, if you're splurging on a new lifestyle essential for yourself (à la the above Pod 5 Ultra), might as well treat your cat to something a little more sophisticated, too. A post shared by USA TODAY Shopping (@usatodayshopping) There are a couple factors I take into consideration when narrowing down the best TikTok products on any given week, including: Which product categories are trending on TikTok? Is there an organic discourse surrounding individual items? Are there product reviews from shoppers that can support the hype surrounding a popular TikTok product? Understanding the functionality of an item—beyond just its virality—is critical in assessing its value, and I ensure that any products recommended here are also backed by USA Today Shopping editors, shoppers and boast no lower than a 4.0 average rating.

Cosmopolitan

2 days ago

• Cosmopolitan

15 ways to wear gingham outfits, as the picnic print becomes everyone's favourite summer staple

It's official: summer is fully in bloom. What does that mean? Well, apart from setting out to find the perfect nostalgic pair of jelly shoes and strategising ways to make denim work in this heatwave, we're also thinking a lot about how to integrate gingham into our wardrobes. And when we say 'gingham', no, we're not meaning just any old check print (nor are we referring to houndstooth, tartan, or plaid, thank you very much). We're very specifically talking about g-i-n-g-h-a-m: the picnic tablecloth print, turned beloved summer wardrobe pattern. Lately, gingham has been everywhere: from Bella Hadid x Frankies Bikinis prairecore bikinis and midi dresses to Copenhagen fashion influencer-style gingham blouses and scrunchies. But there are also plenty of other ways to style the trend if you want to branch out from swimwear and Copenhagen street style: whether it's festival-friendly bloomer shorts (y'know, the ones that have been soooo popular this szn), a voluminous bubble skirt, Sabrina Carpenter-esque retro capris, or even tailoring. Below, we've rounded up a whopping 15 ways to wear gingham, complete with shopping recs hand-picked by our fashion team. And, yep, we tracked down the perfect gingham bandana for ya... Thank us later! Behold: gingham bloomer shorts. Bloomies proved to be one of the dominant trends at Coachella this year, and the micro shorts with lacy fringing are undeniably comfy and generally easy to wash, making them a winner on practicality alone. Style with a peasant blouse or crop top and stick on a pair of cowboy hoots and, congrats, you've ticked the gingham, bloomie and western trends all in one... If you're anything like us, you're always looking for a summer staple that can take you from work meetings, to dinner, to a nice ol' winebar. And voilà: the gingham midi dress has got your back. Despite the summery pattern, the longer hem length is a bit more formal (dare we say...'grown up'?) and can work for all manner of occasions depending on your choice of accessories. We'd opt for heeled flip flops or kitten heels for a date/drinks, loafers for work, and jelly shoes for a summery casual day out. If you are looking to prolong the indie sleaze trend, well, we don't blame you! The late 2000s and early 2010s are a treasure trove of under-explored nostalgia, and a bubble skirt is an easy way to tap into this time period and the era's love affair with maximalist silhouettes (à la the peplum). The trick here is to let the skirt take centre stage, so try your gingham bubble skirt with a short-sleeved tee or a plain tank top. Product Details There's a reason that 'jeans and a nice top' was a generation's guiding motto for assembling an outfit: it just works! With a gingham top, you can easily summer-ify a pair of jeans, and bring a bit of sunshine to your outfit even if the British weather necessitates a more sensible fit. However, you can also go full gingham and try a pair of gingham trousers in a contrasting colour, styled with some sandals. This blouse features tie straps and a crinkled taffeta material with a red and white check pattern. We love a good shirt. You can style your gingham shirt over a pair of matching gingham boxer shorts (see below!) or use it as an eye-catching top to go with linen shorts or trousers, and a simple pair of trainers. Depending on your work vibes, you can also wear a gingham shirt with a pair of light trousers to the office: the sky's the limit. The Classic: Linen, Green Gingham. Our mid-length, flattering fit shirt meets lightweight linen in this cool-but-cute shirt. Pair with the matching boxer shorts for a co-ord look or throw over a white t-shirt and jeans. Designed in London, made in Turkey Product Details Slightly dropped shoulder Single buttoned, regular cuff Two pleats across the yoke Materials 100% Linen with Shell buttons. Made in Turkey. Fit Advice Take your normal size, intended for a slightly loose fit The model in image 1 is 177cm/ 5'9" and wears a UK10 The model in image 2 is 179cm/ 5'10.5" and wears a UK10 The back length of a UK10 is 71cm/ 28" Find out more about our Shirt Shapes and Sizing Product Care Machine wash at 30°C or below, on a regular cycle with similar colours. Hang to air dry after a quick shake, and to ease the ironing effort, always hang on a hanger. If possible, avoid direct sunlight unless the fabric is white, and never tumble dry. Ironing is optional due to the relaxed nature of the shirt but is recommended for a pressed finish. It's an easy fabric to iron: make sure the shirt is reversed, use low-medium heat, and finish by steaming. We would always recommend rolling instead of folding to help reduce wrinkles. Personalisation Whether it's for yourself or a gift, our monogramming service is the perfect personal touch to add to your WNU shirt. For inspiration and to learn more, take a look at our Monogramming Page As mentioned above, a pair of gingham boxer shorts can work well in a co-ord with a matching (or contrasting, if you're feeling wild) gingham shirt for a nice lunch date or a cute day out. You can also style with a baseball cap, t-shirt and trainers for a more low-key, comfy look (FYI, it works v well as an airport fit). If you're meeting friends or a date for an al fresco dinner or cocktails, a gingham mini dress can be a great option. There are so many different variations, from a more structured, strappy gingham dress to a short and sweet cutesy, gingham, mini dress with a peter pan collar. Regardless of the style, you can tap into a western/prairiecore vibe with a pair of cowboy boots or go more preppy with a pair of ballet flats or Mary Janes. If you're looking for a statement summer wardrobe piece, look no further. On holiday, everyone needs a lightweight pair of trousers, and selecting a gingham pair in an eye-catching colour is a great outfit hack. Dress up with statement jewellery and a strappy top and sandals, dress down with a pair of Birkenstocks, a denim jacket and a simple tee. This product has a smaller fit than usual. The easy pull-on style of these green and white gingham wide-leg trousers makes them perfect for pairing with dressed up or down outfits, made from a comfortable cotton blend with an adjustable elasticated waistband and side pockets. Regular fit Elasticated waistband Wide leg Cotton-blend Side pockets Short to fit inside leg 27" x 69cm. Regular to fit inside leg 29" x 74cm. Long to fit inside leg 31" x 79cm. XL Tall to fit inside leg 33" x 84cm. 65% Recycled polyester, 35% Cotton. Items with the curve logo are available in sizes 18 and above., Our tall collection is designed to fit women 5'10" and above. This has been proportionally increased through the body, leg and sleeve to achieve the perfect fit. Available in sizes 8-20. Midi skirts are a staple of two major summer trends: westerncore and boho chic. With gingham, you're taking things well up a notch. Wear with a peasant blouse and boots for the former, and a long tank top and a medallion belt (yep, those are back) for the latter, during festival season. You can also rock a more structured, contrasting top in a neutral like black or white and put on a pair of smart sandals and you've got the ideal look for a garden party, dinner at a friend's house, or a particularly trend BBQ engagement. 'Gingham' and 'tailoring' aren't words that immediately seem to go together but, like with peanut butter and jelly and other unlikely yet iconic duos, they work together perfectly. From blazers to waistcoats or smart trousers, there are a number of gingham tailoring options out there, which tend to work well when styled with smart sandals, loafers or ballet flats (the latter in leather/pleather, not mesh or jelly, if you're going into the office). We recommend opting for either a larger check and/or darker colours to make this one work appropriate, if that's your aim. Heading on a beach holiday this summer? An easy way to tap into the gingham trend is with gingham swimwear, either a one-piece or a bikini. Despite obviously having a purpose by the beach or pool, depending on the level of support required, bikini tops can also double up as a tiny crop top in a pinch (specifically in a laidback club or bar, or for a relaxed day of mooching). Level up your poolside look with a pair of heeled flip flops and a straw sunhat. Composition & Care While it's summer, we still need a cover-up from time to time. A gingham jacket works perfectly for chillier days when styled with regular capri pants and a t-shirt, or with a full gingham look (bonus points for contrasting colours). This one's great for the weekends or for nippy evenings on holidays. Gingham can serve major retro vibes and nowhere is this truer than when applied to gingham capri pants. Capri pants have had a major resurgence this summer for their 90s-chic energy, but a pair in gingham throws it back even further, channelling a Sabrina Carpenter 1960s nostalgia. Rock yours with with some matching headgear (see below), a crop top, and some espadrilles for a party-perfect, TikTok-ready look for when you're bopping around to Sabrina's latest single on the dance floor. House of CB is a leading British womenswear brand, internationally acclaimed for its feminine, luxury and versatile pieces. Scruncies are a fave for a reason, a way of delivering a fun hair look even when you're between washes. When it comes to the gingham trend, a fun hair accessory in the pattern can be an easy way to dip your toe in and see if the look works for you. Try it in a bright colour to inject some boldness into an otherwise lowkey look. Our red bandana scrunchie features a gingham edge trim. We suggest pairing it with our Macy tote bag, available in the same print. More about me Bandanas, particularly in gingham, are going to be a major hair look this summer. They work well with festival attire like handkerchief tops and short-shorts, or with a more westerncore look like denim shorts and cowboy boots, or even your bikini. Megan Wallace (they/them) is Cosmopolitan UK's Former Sex and Relationships Editor covering sexual pleasure, sex toys, LGBTQIA+ identity, dating and romance. They have covered sexuality and relationships for over five years and are the founder of the PULP zine, which publishes essays on culture and sex. In their spare time, they can be found exploring the London kink scene and planning dates on Feeld.