Denim is the focal point of model, influencer and newlywed Hailey Bieber’s casual California style. The Tucson, Ariz., transplant has created a uniform based in denim, serving laidback SoCal denim looks with touches of streetwear, ’90s nostalgia and Y2K provocativeness. And in 2019, her denim style landed Bieber a spot on the Rivet 50.
The daughter of actor Stephen Baldwin, she stepped into the limelight in 2014 after inking a contract with Ford Models and appearing in magazines like Love, Tatler and V. Soon, the denim brands came running. Bieber appeared in campaigns for Ralph Lauren, walked the runway for Tommy Hilfiger and became a Guess girl in 2016, starring in the L.A. brand’s holiday campaign.
In 2019, she received the dream job of any denim head when Levi’s named her the face of Levi’s 501—the first in the style 146-year history. It’s a role Bieber embraced by taking the lead in the brand’s festival season campaign and by co-hosing Levi’s events, including the 2019 501 Day celebration at Levi’s Haus of Strauss in L.A.
And with these experiences (and ever-growing social media following), Bieber’s denim style has evolved.
Short jean shorts with exposed pockets and ripped jeans were her de facto pieces in 2015. Ankle boots and casual tops like flannel shirts and tees completed the off-duty model look. As a Guess girl in 2016, Bieber stepped out in form-fitting denim jumpsuits and distressed skinny jeans and heels, but her casual outfits began to include more cuffed boyfriend jeans and denim statement pieces like 5:31 Jérôme’s oversized crystal and pearl embellished jean jacket.
The jacket was a precursor to the deconstructed denim and plays on proportion that were to come. Bieber took to the hybrid denim trend with gravitas, wearing Natasha Zinko’s denim and flannel jacket and Adidas’ denim sets. Hints of ’90s supermodel nostalgia came into light when she wore Unravel’s lace-up jean shorts with a leather jacket and a denim set covered in Versace logos. Meanwhile, she channeled Y2K fashion when stepping out in a cropped Fiorucci tee with cut-off shorts and a glittery belt.
Chunky, rolled-up cuffs became a signature in 2019, often balanced with workwear-inspired oversized denim or twill tops. Streetwear elements like Dad sneakers, utility garments and fanny packs added a fresh look.
And though she sometimes swaps out denim for sweats or a T-shirt dress, nowadays Bieber tends to stick with vintage-wash straight- and relaxed-fit jeans. The bottoms are a classic choice for the cozy knits, check blazers and camel coats she’s wearing this winter.
