It’s the start of a new era. For so long, skinny jeans were a fundamental part of our wardrobes. But this year, they are officially out of fashion as everyone’s go-to denim shape. That’s because we’re making room for this year’s denim trends.
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Are Skinny Jeans… Out?
While skinny jeans will never really be out of style, more and more fashionistas have been putting their skinnies on the back burner in favor of looser silhouettes. Comfortable, well-fitting jeans are key.
For example, wide-leg, straight-leg, and mom jeans have been skyrocketing over the past few years, and flared jeans have also been gaining some serious fashion momentum.
So what now?
The sudden surge of comfortable bottoms has opened the doors for a variety of non-skinny denim trends. Whether you prefer your jeans slim or as wide as possible, there’s a denim trend for everyone!
Below, we’ll share the best denim jean trends of the year, and we will also present you with all types of denim outfits that will definitely make you look ten out of ten amazing!
Tips for Wearing Denim in a Modern Way
Here are some tips for wearing denim in a modern and stylish way:
- Try out different denim cuts and silhouettes to find the ones that flatter your body shape and align with current trends. Options like high-waisted jeans, wide-leg jeans, or cropped flares can add a modern touch to your denim collection.
- Don’t be afraid to explore denim in different washes and colors. Opt for lighter washes for a casual and relaxed look, or go for dark indigo or black denim for a sleek and polished appearance. You can also experiment with colored denim, such as pastels or bold hues, to add a pop of color to your outfits.
- Create interesting and contemporary outfits by pairing denim pieces with contrasting fabrics. For example, pair your denim jeans with a silk blouse or a tailored blazer. This combination of textures adds depth and visual interest to your overall look.
- Experiment with proportions by balancing fitted and loose-fitting denim pieces. For instance, if you’re wearing skinny jeans, pair them with an oversized denim jacket or a flowy blouse. This contrast creates a modern and effortless vibe.
- Layering is a great way to add dimension and style to your denim outfits. Consider layering a denim jacket over a dress or a turtleneck under a denim jumpsuit. Mixing denim with different textures and garments can create visually appealing and contemporary ensembles.
- Elevate your denim look with the right accessories. Statement belts, colorful scarves, stylish sunglasses, and contemporary footwear can add a modern touch to your overall outfit. Accessories help personalize your denim look and make it feel more current and on-trend.
Denim Jeans
1. Straight-Leg Jeans
Consider these the skinny jeans for those who aren’t quite ready to lay their skinny jeans to rest.
Straight-leg jeans are slim along the leg, but they don’t have the tapered ankle that skinny jeans do. This loose ankle means that straight-leg jeans don’t fit into booties the way that skinnies do, but they do fall perfectly over them, which looks so chic! I also love the look of frayed hems on straight-leg jeans – I think it’s such a cute and edgy detail.
Straight-leg styles are just as easy to style as your beloved skinnies, too!
For a classic and trendy look, follow Hailey Baldwin‘s lead by tucking a button-up cardigan into your denim and pull the look together with a chic belt. Or go full fashion-girl mode by pairing your denim with a sleek pair of black boots and a slouchy, oversized blazer:
2. Loose-Fit Jeans
Otherwise known as “mom jeans”, “dad jeans” and even “grandpa jeans”, loose-fit jeans are the sweatpants of denim. This 2020 denim trend is straight and ultra-loose, but with a tapered ankle to add some shape.
The overall shapelessness can be polarizing for some, but styling this trend comes down to playing with proportions! Since the bottoms are so loose, your top should be tighter to balance the look. For example, a tight-fitting turtleneck or sweater would look so cute and casual, especially if paired with some trendy sneakers.
For an edgier look, pair your loose-fit jeans with a fitted bodysuit or crop top. Add a belt to cinch your waist, and throw on some sleek booties to finish off the look.
I picked up my loose-fit jeans at a thrift store and decided to go the extra mile by hand-embroidering some details onto the rolled-up cuffs! If you’re a fan of edgy details, I highly recommend trying it out. Plus, I feel like embroidery is really going to have a fashion moment this year.
3. Kick Flare Jeans
Kick-flare denim is basically the beginner phase of flared jeans. If you’re into the flared denim trend but you’re not sure if you can pull it off, a pair of kick-flares is the perfect place to start.
This denim trend is skinny through the leg and flares out just a bit at the ankle, as if you had kicked the denim to add more room at the hem.
Since the flare isn’t too dramatic, styling this denim trend is just as easy as styling your favorite pair of trousers. You could even channel the fashion-girl uniform mentioned above by pairing this denim trend with a turtleneck, a blazer, and a gorgeous pair of boots. Or, roll up the flared hem for an exaggerated cuff and add a pair of statement socks and your favorite sneakers. Casual, trendy, and definitely street-wear approved.
4. Wide-Leg Flare Jeans
No more training wheels – these flares are for the bold. Flared denim is slim from the waist to the knee, where it starts to spread into an a-line shape. How far they spread depends on the pair — it’s up to you how bold you go!
If flares are new to your wardrobe, I recommend starting slow with a black pair before moving up to blues and other colors. As for styling these bold bottoms, opt for a heeled shoe, like an ankle boot or a mule. Flares can look a little chunky with all the loose fabric, so a heel provides needed balance.
5. Ankle-Cropped Jeans
Ankle-cropped jeans are a stylish and adaptable choice for your wardrobe, allowing you to showcase your personal fashion.
Whether you pair them with ornate, embellished heels for an elegant touch, classic ballet flats for a stealth wealth look, or casual sneakers for a laid-back vibe, these jeans provide just the right amount of skin exposure without venturing into the territory of pedal-pushers. This versatile length strikes a perfect balance, making it a go-to option for many occasions.
6. Cargo Jeans
When incorporating cargo jeans into your denim collection, you have the opportunity to embrace the utilitarian trend while adding a touch of nostalgia to your wardrobe. Pair them with cropped tops, graphic tees, or oversized sweaters for a laid-back and effortlessly cool look.
Wondering what shoes to wear with them? The options are endless. Experiment with different styles, such as chunky sneakers or combat boots to keep with the utilitarian vibe.
7. Tapered-Leg Jeans
Tapered-leg jeans offer a looser fit through the thigh area and gradually narrow down to a more polished and fitted silhouette at the ankle. This design is a little bit retro and adds an interesting and fashionable element to your overall outfit.
These jeans are a particularly great addition to your wardrobe if you’re seeking a trendy yet comfortable option that nods to ’90s fashion.
Their versatile nature allows you to experiment with different looks, making them suitable for both daytime and nighttime ensembles. Whether you opt for a ’90s or 2000s outfit or mix and match with contemporary pieces, tapered-leg jeans are sure to add some fun to your wardrobe.
8. Boot-Cut Flares
Boot-cut flares are a classic style of jeans that evoke a ’70s retro vibe. These jeans feature a slight flare starting from the knee and extending down to the toe. The flare is not as dramatic as traditional bell bottoms but provides enough width to create a distinctive and flattering silhouette.
When creating an outfit with boot-cut flares, consider adding other ’70s-inspired pieces to complete the retro look. For example, you can pair these jeans with flowy blouses, turtlenecks, or vintage-inspired accessories to enhance the overall throwback style.
Boot-cut flares are also super cute with this season’s cowboy boots trend. They are meant for pairing with boots, after all! Use them to create the coastal cowgirl outfits of your dreams.
9. Pleated Trousers
Pleated trousers are a versatile and stylish clothing item that has come back in recent seasons. The high-rise, pleat-front design adds sophistication and interest to the trousers. Unlike the pleated jeans of the ’90s that might have been associated with frumpy mom ‘fits, these modern pleated trousers are fitted at the waistband, offering a more tailored and polished look.
Consider pairing them with heels or pointed-toe flats to elevate the dressed-up appeal of pleated trousers. (Hello, Sofia Richie vibes!) These shoe choices can further elongate your legs and add a touch of elegance to the outfit. For a more relaxed and casual look, you can opt for sneakers or loafers, depending on your personal style and the occasion.
10. Low-Rise Jeans
Low-rise jeans are a style of denim that sits low on the hips, harkening back to the early 2000s when these were everywhere. This trend has remained popular and continues to make a fashion statement. While 2000s celebrities chose to show off their thong straps with this fit, there are various ways to style low-rise jeans for a more laid-back and normal look.
Adding low-rise jeans to your wardrobe is a fun and fashionable way to incorporate a touch of nostalgia into your wardrobe. This style allows you to experiment with different top choices, from oversized sweaters and bodysuits for a more laid-back appearance to matching denim bustiers for a stylish and daring look.
It’s important to note that while low-rise jeans can be a trendy choice, they may not suit everyone’s body type or comfort preferences. Choosing clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable is essential so skip this trend if it doesn’t feel good to you!
11. Patchwork Jeans
Patchwork jeans are a creative and artistic take on the classic denim look. These jeans feature a design incorporating various patches and mixed-material panels, which can include different fabrics like cotton or faux leather. The patchwork style adds a unique and textured element to the jeans, making them stand out in your wardrobe.
When styling patchwork jeans, consider embracing the artsy vibe by adding creative, boho-inspired accessories or other textured elements to your outfit. Experiment with different shoe choices, such as ankle boots or platform heels, to elevate the look and add more dimension to your appearance.
Patchwork jeans are an excellent choice for those who love to stand out and express their individuality through fashion. This trend allows you to play with different textures, materials, and colors in a fun and artistic way, creating a truly unique outfit that showcases your true blues with a touch of creativity and flair.
Other Denim Outfit Options
12. Denim Mini Skirts
Denim mini skirts have made a stylish comeback and are one of the year’s hottest fashion trends. If you’ve been holding onto your favorite denim skirts from years past, it’s time to bring them out of the closet and rock them confidently.
Denim mini skirts are versatile and easy to style, making them a go-to choice for various occasions. Whether you want to create a casual and laid-back look or dress up for a night out, denim mini skirts offer a fashionable foundation for your outfits.
13. Denim Maxi Skirts
Denim maxi skirts are a must-try trend this year, offering a nod to the ’90s silhouette while allowing for versatile and fashionable outfits. This trend has been embraced by fashion-forward brands like Tibi, showcasing a range of interpretations from minimalistic styles to grunge-inspired designs.
The denim maxi skirt is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down, making it a great addition to your wardrobe. You can create a chic and polished look by pairing it with a tucked-in blouse or a fitted top, along with some stylish sandals or heels. This combination is perfect for a daytime event or a casual yet put-together outfit.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different tops, accessories, and shoes with your denim maxi skirt. The options are endless here — make it work for your aesthetic and vibe by playing around with the pieces in your closet.
14. Denim Jackets
Denim jackets are a timeless and versatile wardrobe staple that never goes out of style. They can be worn throughout the year, making them a reliable layering piece for any season.
Whether you opt for the oversized, cropped, or more traditional silhouette, a denim jacket can effortlessly elevate your outfit. They can be dressed up or down, making them suitable for various occasions and styles. Pair a denim jacket with a sundress and sandals for a laid-back summer look, or layer it over a turtleneck and trousers for a more polished and transitional outfit.
With so many reimagined options available, denim jackets offer endless opportunities to express your personal style. Their ability to complement a wide range of looks and the ease of layering makes them a consistent closet classic for every fashion-savvy individual.
15. Denim Jumpsuit
Denim jumpsuits are a cute and versatile fashion trend that pays homage to the ’70s throwback style. These all-in-one garments offer a chic and effortless look, making them a go-to choice for this season’s fashion enthusiasts. They have resurfaced in the fashion world, so you can find a wide range of options in stores, often at reasonable prices.
The beauty of denim jumpsuits lies in their ease of wear and the ability to create a complete outfit with just one piece of clothing. They can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion and your personal style. For a casual and laid-back look, pair a short denim jumpsuit with sneakers or sandals, perfect for a day at the beach or a weekend outing.
So, if you’re looking to add a touch of retro flair to your summer wardrobe, a denim jumpsuit is the perfect choice to achieve that laid-back and chic ’70s-inspired look.
I want to hear from you!
For more on the trends you need in your wardrobe, see our guide to spring-summer fashion essentials.
Are you into any of these denim trends? Or are your form-fitting skinnies still calling out to you? Let’s swap outfit ideas below!
Are you also a denim lover? If you enjoyed our denim trend tips and ideas, you may want to explore some of the articles from our archives below –
I don’t think I can wear Skinny Jeans any more. I find them so uncomfortable and weird. I love my flared and loose jeans. Thanks for the inspiration, as usual.