The Millennial-Coded, High-Rise Denim Trend Gets a Bella Hadid Refresh in Paris
Hadid may dress like a 22-year-old, but she's just a millennial at heart.


Bella Hadid may dress like a born-and-raised Gen Zer, but she can still pass for a millennial woman. Her 1996 birthday is smack in-between the generational divide—and it shows in her favorite denim trends. One day, the model pulls on a dangerously low-cut denim style fit for Zoomers; the next, she reverts back to the light-wash, high-rise jeans millennials can't seem to quit.
Over the last few months, the star has abandoned her favorite Y2K denim silhouette almost entirely, reaching instead for belly button-grazing styles—often with an overlong inseam and an exaggerated, baggy fit. Hadid continued this streak on April 14, while filming her new series, The Beauty, in Paris.
She embodied the show's title in high-rise jeans that puddled around her ankles, paired to a mesh, puff-sleeve blouse featuring an early 2000s-era patchwork print. She styled it with another prominent trend of the decade: a chunky leather belt. (You know, the kind you wore in middle school with flared Hollister jeans.)
Bella Hadid revives light-washed, high-waist jeans in Paris.
Her generation-spanning jeans featured a high-waist cut and a slouchy fit throughout. The only remnant of her favorite resurgent style era was in their wash: Hadid chose a light blue style, the likes of which haven't been seen since 2005.
In addition to her newfound love of full-coverage denim, Hadid has also been playing favorites with a new accessory. Without fail, she cinches each pair with a chunky leather belt—usually brown, like the above. The styling choice effectively introduces a bit of '00s flavor to 2025's favorite denim trend.
Bella Hadid: Gen Z and millennial style icon.
Shop Bella Hadid's High-Rise Jeans Look
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

Kelsey (she/her) is a freelance fashion editor and writer, specializing in e-commerce and fashion news. With more than ten years of experience in digital media, Kelsey has a knack for turning top-performing content into top-selling content. At Marie Claire, she provides witty celeb style commentary, unpacking the style choices of stars like Zoë Kravitz, Dua Lipa, Selena Gomez, and her fashion superhero, Rihanna. When she’s not tracking the personal style of Hollywood’s elite, Kelsey also covers designer collabs and industry news.
Before taking her talents to Marie Claire, Kelsey was the Senior Fashion Editor at Bustle, where she oversaw the site’s fashion coverage and launched a successful luxury handbag series called Secure The Bag. Prior to Bustle, she came from a six-year stint at Seventeen, during which she managed the team’s fashion and beauty verticals and led e-commerce strategy. In her freelance era, Kelsey contributes to publications like InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and more. She also offers consulting services and content creation, in addition to writing and editing. Follow @klstieg on Instagram for 'fit pics and travel recommendations.
-
Sofia Richie Grainge Styles Zebra Pants With Flip-Flops
Next stop on the tour: her elegant wedding venue in the South of France.
-
Gigi Hadid Pairs Metallic Track Pants and Mesh Flats
The controversial shoe trend is most definitely gaining steam.
-
Body Language Expert Says Kate Can't "Mask Her Emotions"
"We also saw William...mirroring the same emotions as Kate."
-
Bella Hadid Summer-ifies Her Aspen Ugg Micro Boots With Jean Shorts and a Bomber Jacket
Take notes for your next road trip.
-
Jennifer Lopez's 5 WorldPride Outfit Changes Include a Flame Bikini and a Plunging Bodysuit
J.Lo's wardrobe also featured a latex catsuit, a spidery gown, and a mirror bodysuit.
-
Dakota Johnson's Backless Gucci Gown, Horsebit Bag, and Diamond Earrings All Scream Romance
The actress was the epitome of rom-com heroine for the New York premiere of 'Materialists.'
-
Jennifer Lawrence Doubles Up on Controversial Summer Trends in Jorts and The Row Flip-Flops
She also played into 2025's sardine fashion trend in an unexpected way.
-
Kylie Jenner and Her $54,000 Diamond Cartier Watch Just Went Instagram Official
She's truly attached to this timepiece.
-
Kaia Gerber Revamps Her Capsule Wardrobe With On Sneakers and Summer's Freakiest Sunglasses
Ballet flats are gone.
-
Kylie Jenner Packed Knicks-Themed Lingerie for Her Game Night Date With Timothée Chalamet
The date-night pieces are from a fan-favorite brand.
-
Dakota Johnson Swaps Her Favorite Sneakers for the $978 Pumps Loved by Kylie Jenner and Gigi Hadid
Stilettos might actually be back for good.