Bootcut Jeans Are Trending for Fall: Here’s How Kate Middleton & Meghan Markle Would Style Them

Bootcut jeans, the beloved mid-aughts style that tapers at the knee and loosens at the ankle, are back. We’re ready to refresh our closets, but—because we can’t help but take our style cues from Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle—we were curious: How would these two fashion icons style this particular denim silhouette in 2022? Based on their sartorial preferences, here’s our highly educated guess.

We know that Kate loves tailored basics, but she also favors a bold choice every now and again. So, how might she style a bootcut jean? We selected this pair from DL1961 ($179) for the duchess since they're both structured and chic in order to build the most Middleton-forward fit we could imagine. Here's where we landed.

The Top: Enter a bright—and flattering—pop of color via this mustard-hued sweater (Me+Em, $395). It looks extra lovely layered beautifully over an undershirt (Me+Em, $95) featuring a vintage-y pie-crust collar, the perfect nod to her late mother-in-law Princess Diana.

The Coat: A lightweight jacket—either a trench (Sézane, $305) or this option with a polka dot pattern (Sézane, $335), a nod to her recent love of that motif—fits the bill for fall. The latter is also a boxier shape than Kate typically wears, but is in line with her recent efforts to test the waters with different silhouettes.

The Shoes & Accessories: We could see Kate choosing a pair of sustainable loafers (Rothy's, $185)—after all, Earthshot is coming—plus a necklace with a single pearl drop (Monica Vinader, $180). The Instagram “It” bag (Polène, $420) rounds out the look and is a credit to Kate’s effortless knack for adding a modern twist to a classic, be it a trendy bag or taking the opportunity to step out of her comfort zone.

Get the Look: DL1961 jeans ($179); Me+Em sweater ($395) & undershirt ($95); Sézane parka ($335); Rothy’s loafer ($185); Monica Vinader necklace ($180); Polène handbag ($420)

Meghan’s easy elegance when it comes to fashion is unmatched, but our favorite part is that it’s infused with a hint of cool California style—her roots, of course, but it’s also officially her home turf once again. So, what’s her likely fall style recipe for bootcut jeans? We pulled a pair from Mother ($228), since we know Meghan favors the brand, and from there, extrapolated how she'd wear them.

The Top: We’d choose a classic and well-made button-down (Frank & Eileen, $238) to start. Meghan’s been sporting them all summer, from the polo field to posh lunches, like the one she recently had with Gloria Steinem.

The Coat: An oversize blazer (Everlane, $228) is a fresh alternative to a jacket— and Meghan has all of us coveting a new blazer for fall.

The Shoes & Accessories: Throw on a pair of booties (Margaux, $348), but comfort is key when it comes to the height of the heel. (Keep in mind, with a bootcut style, you want the hem to graze the top of your toes unless the jeans are cropped.) A personalized necklace—like this one (Maya Brenner, $115) that pays homage to a place close to your heart—is a nice touch. Last, but not least, it’s not a Meghan look without a showing by one of her most beloved brands: Cuyana. Their new tote (Cuyana, $248) is elegant and eco and comes in the most eye-catching indigo blue hue.

Get the Look: Mother jeans ($228); Frank & Eileen button-down ($238); Everlane blazer ($228); Margaux boots ($348); Maya Brenner necklace ($115); Cuyana tote ($248)