Anya Taylor-Joy in the 90s
– 5 min read
Sarah posted about Anya Taylor-Joy yesterday noting how the photos were being labelled: that ATJ may have been channeling Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Carolyn’s style for sure has been going viral lately because of the Ryan Murphy series but Carolyn’s style always goes viral every nine months or so because it’s so classic.
Since yesterday, ATJ has stepped out in two more looks that aren’t just Carolyn-coded, there’s an overall 90s vibe to her outfits this week. This metallic dress, for example, isn’t necessarily exactly like CBK but with the side part and the red lip, and the bridal neckline, the energy is there.
As impactful as her wedding dress was, Carolyn was known for an entire wardrobe, at every level, not just formal occasions but also streetwear – because, unfortunately, she was hounded by the paparazzi. Those of us who were around at the time went crazy for her jackets in particular. I used to daydream about the Prada camel coat.
And, of course, the red Prada too.
Plus, OMG the Valentino.
What made CBK that much cooler is that she was often seen in such sublime outerwear doing the most mundane sh-t, like walking the dog. Which meant that she paired the coats with regular jeans, relatively accessible jeans. This was the decade before “premium denim”, when the price of a pair of jeans soared above two or three hundred dollars. It was really in the 2000s when that happened so, for the most part, CBK wore jeans that were affordable to go along with her luxury coats.
ATJ is giving CBK here in what is an impossibly extravagant Dior jacket worn over jeans, and they’re 90s style jeans – straight leg, mid to high waist.
I can’t picture CBK with that shoe choice but, again, there’s a vibe about it. And the vibe I’m locking into is the denim because this is my whole sh-t right now.
For the last couple of years, I’ve been partial to a baggy wide leg or barrel jean. Back in January though, our ETALK stylist Simone pulled a great jacket that works much better with a slimmer leg. I am usually allergic to any item of clothing described as “slim”, but Simone found a workaround: 90s straight cut jeans but sized up. For our fitting she pulled several pairs one size bigger and… well… it’s not that the barrel jeans aren’t being worn, they’re just being worn less than they were.
There are 90s straight cut jeans all over the place right now and this will continue through the year, guaranteed. The difference between the way they were in the 1990s and today in 2026 is that you can find them in a softer denim. No doubt you’ll be able to find more out there than just the ones I’ve listed below, but I’m recommending these because they are the ones I’ve actually tried.
Let’s start with the classics, Levi’s 501 ‘90s Selvedge - they come in multiple colourways and these fit roomy, even without sizing up, so you can move through the hips and thighs. The medium wash in this is perfect.
The premium option is Agolde’s 90s Pinch Waist Long High Rise Straight - I love the wash that I linked to there and they sit nice at the hip.
Reformation’s Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeans aren’t quite as premium.
Banana Republic’s High-Rise 90S Straight Jean was so much softer than I expected and they’re a pretty standard stovepipe fit.
If you’re not into the high or mid rise though, Aritzia’s 90s Vintage Lo-Rise Straight Jean is your girl. I tried them one size up for the best slouch, they’re so good. And they’re still in my cart right now.
The pair I’m currently wearing though as I’m writing this is …no f-cking surprise… Gap’s High Rise 90s Straight Jeans. And I’m wearing them like Anya Taylor-Joy, generously cuffed so that they sit right at the ankle. I now have TWO pairs of these jeans, and I play with the cuffs all the time. They’re so comfortable, they adapt to the body so well, and… they’re under $50. This is not a typo. Most sizes and washes are available for under $50.
Please note, this article contains affiliate links. Let's go shopping for some jeans!
Anya Taylor-Joy out in Paris, March 4, 2026 and at the Grand Dîner du Louvre at Musee du Louvre on March 03, 2026 in Paris, France
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