Bootcut jeans are the only noughties denim trend I’m on board with—here’s how to style them

Bella Hadid is one such crush who has entered her bootcut-jean era, leaning into her own equestrian obsession and stepping out in a variety of Western-inspired ensembles: think bootcut jeans styled with cowboy boots, leather belts and fitted shirts.

I, for one, am convinced that I will never find the strength to return to the Y2K skinny, and I don’t think I could get away with traipsing into the Vogue offices in the raggedy, heel-trodden jeans that defined my Avril Lavigne years. But, for some reason, I feel myself being pulled back into the bootcut jean’s orbit. The question is, how am I wearing them second time around?

Shoe-wise, bootcut jeans look great with a pointed, low-heeled boot, but if you want that slouchier finish, a retro sneaker will do the job nicely. Meanwhile, when it comes to fit, I’m leaning towards a more subtle kick flare, which skims – not clings – the thigh and tapers out at the hem. While those braver than me might experiment with a hip-skimming waistband, I’ll be sticking to a high-rise fit and a cinching belt, which, together, look the part when styled with a tucked-in shirt – à la Hadid – or a white T-shirt and an oversized blazer.

Of course, I have no doubt that Gen-Z fashion plates will be going full Marissa Cooper with a layered top and a boho bag, but I think I’ll be leaving that combo to my past self who is forever immortalised in a world of disposable cameras and dial-up internet.