Gwen Stefani Just Wore the Cool-Girl Pants I Forgot About

Jennifer Lopez and Taylor Swift are also fans.

By

Ruby McAuliffe

Published on February 15, 2024 @ 03:00PM

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My closet looks like a storefront overflowing with wide-leg, high-waist, skinny, and straight-leg jeans. You see, I practically wear denim on a daily basis; heck, I even got engaged in denim! So when I saw Gwen Stefani step out in the iconic throwback style I forgot about, my eyes lit up.

Spotted at Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Stefani wore a fuzzy leopard-print coat and ankle-breaking pumps. Her platform shoes boasted the ‘It’ color of the season — cherry red — that’s been seen on Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lawrence, and Selena Gomez. While each of the pieces are iconic in their own right, her cargo denim is what really stood out, making me do a double take.

Kut from the Kloth Jodi High-Waist Wide-Leg Cargo Jeans

KUT from the Kloth Jodi Fab Ab High Waist Wide Leg Cargo Jeans — Nordstrom

Buy on Nordstrom $119

Hidden Jeans Cargo Pocket Dad Jeans

Buy on Nordstrom $88

Her throwback pants featured a wide-leg cut and slightly baggy fit that was effortlessly cool. The worn-in design took them up a notch, while plenty of front pockets separated them from average-looking trousers. Jennifer Lopez wore a similar look before, donning an ultra-loose style, while Sofía Vergara opted for a jogger-like version. But let’s not forget about Oprah, Swift, or Kate Middleton, who’ve all sported their own cargo denim in the past.

I get the hype; cargo jeans instantly elevate an outfit by adding a grungy edge without having to try too hard. Throw on a white tee, bomber jacket, and dad sneakers for an everyday, cool-girl ensemble. Or, you can dress them up just as easily with platform boots, a leather-like bodysuit, and studded headband.

They may not look like it, but Stefani-inspired pants are surprisingly comfortable, too. The wide pants let your legs breathe instead of feeling restricted like skinny jeans. Opt for a style with an elastic waistband, like this Urban Outfitters find, for an even comfier take on the look.

If you’re like me and own way too many pants to count, or you’re in desperate need of some new denim, Stefani’s laid-back pants are the way to go. They’re practical, universal, and start at $40, below.