How to Style Classic Straight-Leg Jeans

Photo: Clément Pascal/

As we usher in a new season of the Jess Edit, the keyword here is ease. The Cut’s fashion director, Jessica Willis, is cutting out the noise and embracing a wardrobe that’s easy, comfortable, and not fussy. And of course, still looks really good. Now she’s showing you how to do it. Starting with the everyday jean and elevated with pieces that shine from Cartier, Willis has created a chic look you can wear anywhere. Here’s the full breakdown and how you can get the look.

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Willis’s choice of denim, a high-rise straight-cut pair in a classic wash from Nili Lotan. “It’s the cut of the season, it’s not flared or baggy,” she explains. The jeans slightly open at the bottoms, making them the perfect pants for a boot. Willis wanted to a play on opposites; you could wear this with a T-shirt and sneakers or a look which is more dressed up. She chose to dress them up.

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Don’t underestimate the importance of a great coat. It can be the whole outfit. Willis’s go-to is this tailored jacket from Fforme. “It has a nice structure but cinches in the waist so it gives you definition but doesn’t overwhelm your body,” Willis says. The floor-grazing length also helps to elevate the look. Willis vouches for the coat: “You could wear the same base outfit over and over again, but if you change your coat and your shoes, it completely changes the look,” she explains.

Photo: Clément Pascal/

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This crisp top from Celine makes up the base layer of Willis’s look. Unlike your cotton button-down, it’s a heavier weight that looks and feels more dressed up. It has pearl-button details that are Western-inspired.

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Here’s something easy to do with all those silk scarves you have. Willis draped a burgundy silk twill scarf from Cartier over her shoulders, a nice bit of texture to contrast with the wool outerwear. The colors in the scarf also complement the Celine shirt.

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Lastly, she finished off the look with some gold pieces from Cartier, a watch, studded earrings and a ring you can wear with anything. Consider these investments you’ll wear again and again.

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Leaning into the Western look of the top, Willis added on a pair of cowboy-inspired Schiaparelli ankle boots with gold details that complement her jewelry.

Here are two pairs of classic denim to get the look.

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