Emma Roberts just proved that some style tricks never go out of fashion. The 35-year-old actress was recently spotted in New York City wearing a pair of straight-leg jeans that instantly brought to mind Jennifer Aniston’s signature denim look. It’s a style that the 57-year-old Friends star has been loyal to since the 1990s, and for good reason.
Emma Roberts’ Latest Jeans Look
Roberts stepped out in a pair of classic straight-leg jeans that perfectly balance comfort and polish. She paired them with a simple baby blue T-shirt, a black collarless blazer, and black pumps for an evening event in NYC. The combination was effortlessly chic, proving that a few well-chosen pieces can create a look that feels both modern and timeless.
What drew fashion attention wasn’t just the outfit itself, but the specific denim choice. Roberts opted for straight-leg jeans that fit snugly through the hips and thighs before falling in a clean line to the top of her foot. The length was key—the hem grazed her shoes, creating a smooth, uninterrupted line that visually elongated her frame.
It’s a look that echoes Jennifer Aniston’s approach to denim. Aniston has been spotted in this same silhouette for decades, from her Friends days to recent appearances. The connection hasn’t gone unnoticed by fashion observers, with many noting that Roberts’ recent outfit feels like a fresh take on Aniston’s classic formula.
Why Straight-Leg Jeans Can Make Legs Look Longer
Straight-leg jeans are one of the most reliable styles for creating a longer-looking silhouette. The secret lies in a few key design elements:
The silhouette itself: Unlike skinny jeans that cling to every curve or wide-leg styles that add volume, straight-leg jeans skim the leg without clinging. This creates a continuous vertical line from hip to hem. When fabric flows straight down without being interrupted by a tight knee or flared calf, the eye travels smoothly, making legs appear longer.
Waist placement matters: High-rise and mid-rise straight-leg jeans shift the apparent waist upward, instantly lengthening everything below. This simple optical trick makes legs look as though they start higher on the body.
Hem length is crucial: For maximum lengthening effect, the hem should either touch the top of your shoe or fall almost to the ground. When the hem stops at the ankle or mid-calf, it cuts the leg at its widest point and can make you look shorter. Quince shoppers have noticed this effect too—one 5-foot-2 reviewer said wearing straight-leg jeans made them feel like they were “5-foot-10.”
Shoe coordination: When shoes match the colour of the jeans, they create one continuous column from waistband to floor. Dark-wash denim paired with dark shoes is particularly effective for this reason.
The clean line effect: Straight-leg jeans avoid excessive fabric bunching around the ankle, which can disrupt the vertical line and add unwanted visual weight.
Jennifer Aniston Has Loved This Jeans Style for Years
Jennifer Aniston’s relationship with straight-leg jeans goes back to the 1990s—and she’s never really stopped wearing them. The actress has built much of her off-duty style around classic, understated denim, with straight-leg cuts remaining a constant in her wardrobe.
Aniston’s approach to denim has always been about simplicity. She leans toward clean lines, minimal distressing, and silhouettes that stand the test of time rather than chasing every trend. Her commitment to this style is so well-documented that fashion publications regularly cite her as the ultimate denim muse.
While both women favour straight-leg jeans, they have slightly different approaches. Roberts often styles her pair with a blazer for a more polished evening look. Aniston, by contrast, has been known to opt for a tighter fit through the legs, closer to a skinny straight style. She also frequently pairs her denim with simple white tees, blazers, and understated accessories.
The connection between their styles isn’t exaggerated—it’s a natural case of two style icons appreciating the same flattering silhouette across different generations. One isn’t copying the other; they’ve both independently recognised that straight-leg jeans are a wardrobe workhorse worth holding onto.
Why Straight-Leg Jeans Remain a Celebrity Favorite
Straight-leg jeans have endured because they offer what many other denim trends can’t: reliability. They’re one of the few styles that work across seasons, occasions, and personal aesthetics.
Versatility: You can style them with a blazer for a night out, a T-shirt for errands, or a sweater for a casual office look. They bridge the gap between dressed-up and dressed-down better than most other cuts.
Classic appeal: Straight-leg jeans never look dated. Unlike extreme flares or ultra-skinny fits that come and go, straight-leg denim has remained in style since the ’90s because it doesn’t rely on a particular trend.
Easy styling: There’s no steep learning curve. Straight-leg jeans work with almost any shoe—flats, heels, boots, or sneakers—and pair well with both fitted and oversized tops.
Balance and proportion: The silhouette offers enough volume to balance proportions without overwhelming. It’s the Goldilocks of denim—”not too baggy” and “not too tight,” as one Quince shopper put it.
Celebrity endorsement: Beyond Roberts and Aniston, stars like Katie Holmes, Gigi Hadid, Dakota Johnson, Octavia Spencer, Jennifer Garner, and Reese Witherspoon have all been spotted in straight-leg jeans recently. When such a wide range of style icons all reach for the same silhouette, it’s a sign of genuine staying power.
How to Style Leg-Lengthening Straight-Leg Jeans
If you want to recreate the leg-lengthening effect that Roberts and Aniston have mastered, here are some practical styling tips:
Choose high- or mid-rise: A higher waist creates the illusion of longer legs by shifting your apparent waistline upward. Avoid low-rise styles, which can visually cut the body in half.
Get the inseam right: The hem should either touch the top of your shoe or fall almost to the floor. For petites, look for brands offering shorter inseams—some straight-leg styles are available in petite sizing.
Match your footwear: Pair dark-wash jeans with dark shoes to create a single continuous line. Nude or neutral-coloured heels can also work well with lighter washes.
Tuck or shorten your top: A tucked-in top or a cropped jacket draws attention to the waist and prevents the outfit from looking blocky. Roberts’ black blazer over a tucked T-shirt is a good example.
Consider monochromatic styling: Wearing similar tones from waist to ankle helps create an unbroken vertical line. This is why all-black or all-navy outfits can be so flattering.
Avoid excessive fabric at the ankle: If the jeans bunch around your shoes, they’ll create visual weight that shortens the leg. The hem should just kiss the top of your shoe without pooling.
Focus on a uniform wash: Dark washes and minimal distressing are generally more lengthening than heavily whiskered or faded styles, which can create horizontal breaks that interrupt the vertical line.
Emma Roberts vs. Jennifer Aniston’s Denim Style
While both actresses share a love for straight-leg jeans, their approach to styling them differs:
Fit preference: Roberts tends toward a relaxed straight leg with some ease through the thigh, while Aniston often opts for a tighter fit that hugs the leg more closely.
Styling approach: Roberts frequently pairs her straight-leg jeans with blazers for a polished, evening-appropriate look. Aniston’s denim looks are more varied—she’s worn straight-leg jeans with everything from bomber jackets to crop tops to blazers.
Colour choices: Roberts recently wore a medium blue wash. Aniston has been spotted in everything from light blue to dark indigo to white denim.
Occasion: Roberts’ recent straight-leg look was for an evening event in NYC. Aniston has worn straight-leg jeans for red carpets, date nights, and casual outings, proving the style works for nearly any occasion.
Despite these differences, both women represent a shared appreciation for a silhouette that simply works. Their separate embrace of the same style is less about direct influence and more about recognising a good thing when they see it.
Are Straight-Leg Jeans Still Trending in 2026?
Yes, straight-leg jeans remain one of the dominant denim trends in 2026. Fashion publications consistently cite them as a style that has “established themselves as the dominant denim trend” in recent seasons. Their staying power is unusual for a fashion item—most trends have a shorter shelf life.
The continued popularity of straight-leg jeans can be attributed to their balance. They’re not as extreme as ultra-wide or as restrictive as skinny, so they appeal to a wide range of tastes. They also work across seasons, transitioning from summer to autumn easily.
Many brands now offer straight-leg jeans in a variety of lengths, including petite and tall options, making the style accessible to more body types. Celebrity sightings also keep the style in the spotlight. In 2026 alone, straight-leg jeans have been spotted on Katie Holmes, Gigi Hadid, Octavia Spencer, Jennifer Garner, and Reese Witherspoon, in addition to Roberts and Aniston.
If you’re looking for a denim style that won’t feel dated in a year or two, straight-leg remains a safe and stylish bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What jeans style does Emma Roberts wear?
Emma Roberts has been spotted wearing classic straight-leg jeans. She recently paired them with a baby blue T-shirt, a black blazer, and black heels for an evening event in NYC. The style fits through the hip and thigh before falling in a straight line to the top of her shoes.
What jeans does Jennifer Aniston usually wear?
Jennifer Aniston has been a longtime fan of straight-leg jeans. She’s been wearing the style since the 1990s and continues to rely on it in her wardrobe. Aniston often opts for a tighter fit through the legs compared to Roberts, leaning toward a skinny-straight silhouette.
Do straight-leg jeans make legs look longer?
Yes, when styled correctly. A clean, uninterrupted line from hip to hem—without tight knees, flared calves, or ankle crops—can visually lengthen the leg. The hem should reach the top of the shoe or fall almost to the floor for maximum effect.
What jeans are best for a longer-looking silhouette?
Straight-leg jeans in a high-rise or mid-rise cut are one of the best options. Dark washes that match your footwear and a hem that sits at shoe-level are key for creating a long vertical line. Avoid cropped or capri lengths, low-rise styles, and jeans with heavy distressing that can interrupt the line.
How should you style straight-leg jeans?
Tuck in your top or wear a cropped jacket to define the waist. Choose a pair that fits well through the hip and thigh and falls straight to the top of your shoe. Pair with dark shoes if you’re wearing dark denim to create a continuous column of colour.
Are straight-leg jeans still fashionable in 2026?
Yes. Straight-leg jeans remain one of the most popular denim styles in 2026, worn by celebrities like Emma Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, Katie Holmes, and Gigi Hadid. Their classic silhouette and versatility have helped them outlast trend cycles.
Conclusion
Emma Roberts’ recent straight-leg jeans look is more than just a celebrity outfit—it’s a reminder that some fashion choices stand the test of time. The same silhouette that Jennifer Aniston has relied on since the 1990s continues to flatter and attract attention today. Straight-leg jeans offer a leg-lengthening effect that works across generations and styles, proving that classic denim never truly goes out of fashion. Whether you prefer Roberts’ blazer-and-heels approach or Aniston’s more laid-back aesthetic, straight-leg jeans remain a reliable, stylish investment for any wardrobe.