In 2026, there’s one denim trend that’s stealing the spotlight—and it’s not your typical skinny or baggy jean. Meet the ‘Baggy Skinny,’ the hybrid silhouette that’s redefining casual chic. While haute couture once felt like an exclusive playground for the elite, its influence has trickled down to the masses, thanks in part to our collective fascination with celebrity red carpet (or subway platform) moments. Remember Kylie Jenner’s lion’s head ensemble in 2023? But here’s the thing: the runway looks that truly stick—the ones that end up in our closets—are often the simplest. And this is where Chanel’s pre-autumn 2026 collection comes in, staged on a New York subway platform last December. Model Bhavitha Mandava, fittingly scouted on the subway, strutted in a look that’s been living rent-free in our minds ever since: a quarter-zip jumper paired with jeans that defied categorization. They weren’t skinny, straight-leg, or overtly baggy—they were just right. We’re calling it the ‘Baggy Skinny,’ and it’s everywhere.
But here’s where it gets controversial: is this trend a nod to the minimalist, off-duty style of ’90s icons like Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow, or is it a fresh take on low-rise denim that’s been reimagined for a new generation? As a 30-something, I see it as a more polished, grown-up version of the low-rise trend—one that ditches the ‘Sk8ter Boi’ vibes of the early 2000s. The silhouette is unmistakable: a mid or low-rise waistband, a boxy straight leg, and a slouchy, floor-grazing hemline. Add a belt, à la Chanel, and you’ve got a look that’s effortlessly cool yet refined.
Celebrities are already on board. Dakota Johnson paired hers with pointed heels and a cardi in LA, while Margot Robbie rocked a turned-up version with heeled boots in London. But this trend isn’t just for the A-list—it’s popping up on street-stylers and stylish Londoners alike. The beauty of the Baggy Skinny lies in its versatility: it blends the relaxed vibe of wide-leg jeans with the sleekness of a tailored straight cut. And for those of us who lived through the low-rise era, it feels like a welcome update.
So, how do you get the look? One trick is to size up in a pair of straight-leg jeans (new or second-hand) for that perfect slouch. Exploring the men’s department can also yield longer, shoe-grazing lengths, especially if you’re tall. Brands like Cos and Weekday have already jumped on the trend, offering ready-to-wear versions in various washes. But here’s the question: is the Baggy Skinny a passing fad, or is it the future of denim? Let us know in the comments—and while you’re at it, scroll down to shop our favorite picks. Is this the denim silhouette you’ll be wearing in 2026? Or is it a trend you’ll leave on the runway?
