Dakota Johnson Just Wore the Jeans-and-Shoe Pairing That Downright Dominated the '90s

Dakota Johnson is one of those few style icons who are craft a look that simultaneously champions new-season trends, whilst also looking entirely timeless. Doing just that this week in New York, the actor styled a typically relaxed ensemble that subtly showcased the season's favourite finds.

Taking her cue from a popular '90s silhouette, Johnson selected a relaxed pair of light-wash straight leg jeans to form the base of her look. Unlike darker indigo or black jeans, the light-wash styles that prevailed across the the '90s had a relaxed, lived-in feel that spoke to the era's laid-back, minimalist approach to fashion—and as such suit Johnson's similarly low-key style in 2024.

Plucking another retro favourite, Johnson styled her denim with a sleek black leather shoes. Countering the casual energy of Johnson's loose jeans, her shiny black loafers imparted a polished effect that worked to neaten up her casual look. Whether in the form of shiny black lace-up shoes, or patent leather loafers, the shiny black shoe trend was a wardrobe non-negotiable across the '90s. Paired with baggy jeans, pencil skirts and straight-leg trousers across the decade, it's no surprise that this trend is reemerging for 2024, alongside these once forgotten trends.

Cindy Crawford wears light wash jeans and shiny black shoes in L.A. 1993.

Wearing her retro jeans and shoe pairing with a classic cotton shirt, Johnson opted for a vivid red style that brought a playful flush of colour into her outfit. Styling her look with rounded sunglasses and a suede shoulder bag, the actor's off-duty outfit was seeped in her signature nonchalant energy.

Read on to shop Johnson's look here, as well as discover our edit of the best light wash jeans and shiny black shoes below.

SHOP DAKOTA'S LOOK HERE:

Mango

Pocket Oversize Shirt

£36

The easiest way to add a splash of colour to your autumn wardrobe.

Zara

Z1975 High-Rise Straight Jeans

£28

These also come in a mid-wash shade.

COS

Chunky Square-Toe Leather Loafers

£135

Trust me—these won't be in stock for long.

SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST LIGHT WASH JEANS + BLACK LEATHER SHOES HERE:

Abercrombie & Fitch

High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean

£72

These also come in 17 other shades.

& Other Stories

Chunky Leather Loafers

£145

These also come in a deep merlot shade.

& Other Stories

Straight Jeans

£87£47

Shop these whilst they're on sale.

Marks & Spencer

Patent Lace Up Flat Brogues

£35

Style with crew socks or wear these on their own.

Agolde

Dame High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans

£330

I always come back to Agolde for their chic denim collection.

Maison Margiela

Tabi Split-Toe Glossed-Leather Loafers

£950

Fashion people can't get enough of this controversial shoe.

Stradivarius

Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans

£30

Style with loafers or wear with pretty mary janes.

G.H. Bass

Easy Weejuns Penny Loafer

£160

These will quickly become your most-worn autumn shoes