Dua Lipa And Miley Cyrus Traded-In Their Dark-Wash Denim for This ‘90s Throwback

By wazup on August 15, 2025 Comments Closed / 66 views

Dua Lipa in Paris wearing light-wash jeans and a blue button-down with open-toe mules. Miley Cyrus flying out of JFK in light-wash baggy jeans and a black cardigan with black ballet flats.

The ’90s called—they want their denim back. Distressed, stone-washed jeans were a favorite among Hollywood’s fashion set, worn by stars like Halle Berry and Cindy Crawford for their casual look, relaxed fit, and grungy appeal. While light-wash denim gave way to dark indigo pairs in recent years, pop stars Dua Lipa and Miley Cyrus have brought the faded style back with a modern, nostalgic twist.

Keep scrolling to see how Dua Lipa and Miley Cyrus styled the light-wash denim, how to re-create their look, and the best ’90s-style jeans on the market.

Dua Lipa Spotted in Paris

Dua Lipa in Paris wears a pair of straight-leg light-wash jeans with a blue button-down and open-toed mules.

In Paris, Lipa rocked light-wash denim with a breezy blue button-down. The shirt complements the relaxed nature of the straight-leg denim. She finished the look with open-toed pumps and black sunnies. I think the singer’s breezy look encapsulates everything the ’90s were about.

Shop the Look

Banana Republic

Mid-Rise 90s Loose Jean

Jeffrey Campbell

Agent Slide Sandal

j.crew

Étienne Oversized Shirt in Lightweight Oxford

Miley Cyrus Flies Out of JFK

Miley Cyrus wears a pair of light-wash jeans with a black cardigan at the JFK airport.

At JFK, Cyrus’s airport ’fit is styled entirely with elevated basics: a pair of loose, baggy jeans and a black cardigan. There is no denying this look is straight out of the ’90s; the shades tell me everything I need to know.

Shop Miley’s Look

ZARA

TRF Mid-Rise Straight Leg Belt Loop Jeans

Steve Madden

Pipa Ballet Flat

Caslon

Wool & Cashmere Cardigan

The Best ’90s-Esque Light-Wash Denim

It’s no secret that ’90s fashion is having its resurgence, between kitten heels and slip dresses, it was only a matter of time before light-wash denim made its reappearance. I’ll admit that I’m partial to the faded look. In true ’90s fashion, I think it looks best when paired with minimalist basics for an underrated sophistication and subtle elegance. Below, the best light-wash denim finds from Levi’s, AGolde, AG, Madewell, and so much more.

PS: I’ve dropped in some throwback celebrity style looks for your inspiration. Something about the clean lines and minimalist pieces is exactly why I think the ’90s were *the* decade in fashion.

Levi

501 Original Fit Women’s Jeans

If you haven’t heard of the Levi 501s, then we’d best start at the beginning. They are the OG denim and the blueprint for all other jeans. They were patented by Levi Strauss in 1873. The 501 Original was designed for gold miners, and now, many years later, it is Hollywood’s favorite denim fit. Makes sense, right? Nevertheless, its history and legacy make the Levi 501s one of the most desirable denim jeans on the market. Shop the iconic silhouette for only $98 above.

Actress Halle Berry at LAX in 1994, wearing a leopard print coat, light-wash straight-leg denim, and a black turtleneck.

Banana Republic

High-Rise 90s Straight Jean

Inspired by ’90s denim silhouettes, these high-rise jeans from Banana Republic have a stovepipe-straight leg fit. Their light-wash is evenly distributed with a concentrated bleached look at the knees and front pockets. They’re also a little stretchy for comfort.

AGOLDE

90’s Pinch Waist Long Frayed High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans

Agolde’s Pinch Waist Jeans are heavily faded for that well-worn look. The light-blue hue and extra-long inseam are entirely inspired by the look of vintage denim. They’re crafted from 100% cotton and super sturdy. These are truly an investment piece that will last for years to come.

Courteney Cox wears light-wash jeans, black boots, and a black turtleneck.

Madewell

The Longline Straight Jean

These longline straight-leg jeans from Madewell are reminiscent of what Courteney Cox wore on the set of Friends. I’d love to see these styled with a pair of black leather boots and a black turtleneck, like Cox’s look above. The vintage cut hugs at the waist and thighs for a snug feel and flattering silhouette.

ZARA

Trf Straight Leg Jeans With a High Waist

This $50 pair from Zara are the best affordable light-wash jeans on the market. The straight leg jean has five pockets to hold your phone, wallet, lip liner, earphones, and a pack of gum (all my essentials). The light blue looks best when styled with a classic white tank.

Cindy Crawford at LAX in 1993, wearing straight-leg blue jeans and a black long-sleeved shirt.

Reformation

Cynthia High Rise Straight Long Jeans

Reformation’s denim is truly underrated. It’s like its designers were secretly listening to everything I love in ’90s denim and then crafted this Cythina High Rise pair just for me.

AG Jeans

Kora

The distressed accents and raw hem all play into the nostalgic ’90s fantasy, but what caught my attention was the pale indigo wash. The soft blue is delicate and pleasing to the eye. It pops when styled with a black top and heels.

Angela Bassett wears a beige vest with a brown belt and light-wash straight-leg jeans.

AGOLDE

Kelly High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans

Another standout pair for AGolde are the Kelly jeans. They’re everything I’d want in a pair of denim. I’m in love with how the loose leg stacks on a pair of loafers. Just like your favorite lived-in jeans, these already have that pre-owned look. See the under-$250 denim above.