The Return of Long Jean Skirts is Here

Marie Danker seen wearing Carolina Lemke black oval sunglasses, diamond earrings, Skims black body with long sleeves, Zara shiny leather strap heels, black leather clutch bag, Zara blue long denim skirt, black leather belt, on February 25, 2023 in Berlin, Germany — Getty Images

Some denim wardrobe staples never go out of style — like a denim jacket or pair of bootcut jeans — while others have more fleeting fashionable moments (we’re looking at you, jean micro minis). The long jean skirt is a style trend that has had its moment in the sun, yet can also be labelled as dated and frumpy for its sometimes stiff and form-hiding shape.

The history of denim maxi skirts

Denim maxi skirts have been a staple since the 1970s when repurposing a pair of jean pants into a skirt became a mainstay in fashion. Front snaps and patchwork jean skirts were commonly seen in this upcycled trend that meshed well with the free-flowing flower-child fashion of the decade.

As time went on, the hemlines got shorter and the denim got the acid wash treatment throughout the ’80s. As the ’90s rolled around, the hemlines crawled still higher before denim maxi skirts made their triumphant return in the early aughts. The denim maxi skirt was popping up everywhere again in the 2000s, often rhinestoned, distressed or studded to Y2K perfection. As the decade wore on, however, the trend veered towards the mini again, and the jean skirt reign stayed there for the better part of two decades.

Today, the denim maxi has returned to popularity, popping up all over fashion week and on some of the world’s most influential icons.

Celebs who love denim maxi skirts

Some of the celebrities leading the campaign of rebranding long jean skirts from frumpy to slay are Bella and Gigi Hadid, Hailey Bieber and Olivia Rodrigo, all whom have been spotted rocking the trend. See below for more inspiration on how the stars are styling their denim maxis.

Anitta attends the 2023 Spotify Best New Artist Party in a white sleeveless top and long denim skirt with fringe — Getty Images

Anitta, the Brazilian superstar, shows that a long skirt can be seriously sexy with this low-rise light denim with fringe, that somehow gives chic and not yeehaw energy. It’s an easy look to get yourself by DIY-ing a thrifted skirt with fun fringe and pairing it with a simple top.

Julia Fox is seen on the street in New York wearing full black denim outfit in October 2022 — Getty Images

Julia Fox serves Matrix realness in this day goth denim look. The bold look features a dark wash, low-rise mermaid denim skirt paired with dark boots, a black fringe purse and black gloves to finish it off. If you’re looking for a toned-down version, pair a long black jean skirt with a cropped turtleneck and sunglasses.

Gigi Hadid is seen outside of the Annual Fashion Media Awards wearing a blue long sleeve crop top and long denim skirt — Getty Images

The low-rise trend continues with Gigi Hadid absolutely glowing in a light wash denim maxi skirt that skims the ground. She pairs it with a light blue body-hugging crop, baby blue shadow reminiscent of the early ’00s and a slicked back wet hair look. Recreate her look by pairing a crop or tied t-shirt with a long, loose-fitting denim maxi and finishing it off with a frosted shadow.

Where to buy denim maxi skirts

Thrift shops and vintage stores are a great source for long jean skirts. You can customize your fit by cropping to your desired length, adding a slit or other embellishments, such as lace. Check out a few other options for scoring your perfect denim maxi skirt.

Model wearing a white corset top and a long jean maxi skirt with a slit down the middle. — Reformation

The front slit denim maxi skirt

Denim maxi skirts with front slits are the perfect combination of comfort and style. You can twirl around in the flowy fabric while showing off just the right amount of leg. Whether you’re running errands or hitting the town, this versatile piece will have you feeling like a fashionista in no time.

Tazz Maxi Denim Skirt, Reformation, $268.

A light wash denim skirt with a slit paired with a yellow tank top — Free People

The A-line denim maxi skirt

This versatile long skirt comes in four denim colours and is still easy to move around in thanks to the A-line silhouette.

Come As You Are Denim Maxi Skirt, Free People, $162.

A long denim skirt with buttons and high slit — Amazon

The choose-your-own-slit denim maxi skirt

This classic wash denim skirt allows you to choose how high or low you’d like to wear the slit by buttoning as many buttons as you desire. Go ultra sexy with a high slit or a tighter fit with all the buttons done up.

CELCIE Irregular Slit Denim Skirt, Amazon, $31.

A girl wearing a baby t-shirt and long long-rise denim jean skirt — Urban Outfitters

The low-rise denim maxi skirt

The perfect addition to any ’00s-inspired fit, this low-rise denim skirt with a split back is easy, breezy, beautiful.

OBEY Juniper Embroidered Denim Midi Skirt, Urban Outfitters, $149.

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