Published Jan 27, 2023
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There will always be a special place in our hearts for skinny jeans and high-waist mom styles, but if you’re looking for pants that feel a bit trendier, those may not be the best jeans to reach for. There are some classic cuts that will see you through every season, year after year, without fail, but the swankiest silhouettes tend to be more fashion-forward—and often more likely to garner you a heartfelt “omg, where’d you get those?” from friends and strangers alike. The six denim trends on this list definitely fit into the latter category (although some could potentially fit in both, making them doubly worth the investment). Plus, we share one style that’s best left in storage for the time being.
What Are the Best Places to Shop for Denim?
There are approximately 4,000 denim brands on the internet (we exaggerate, but there are a lot), and it can feel incredibly overwhelming trying to wade through all the options. But there are a few helpful tips that can help you whittle down the list to find a brand or store that works for you. First, consider budget. If you’re looking to splurge, there are lots of celeb-approved brands, like Mother denim, with the positive reviews to back-up that must-have status. On the flip-side, there are also great places to find more budget-friendly jeans, like American Eagle Outfitters or & Other Stories, that won’t fall apart or sag after just a few wears. Next, consider doing a quick Google search to see what brands are recommended for your body type. Because the folks making the best jeans for petites may not be the same as the folks making the best jeans for plus sizes—or flat butts or long torsos or those over 5’10”. Our final piece of advice: Read all the reviews you can. Scroll through those comments to find people with similar body types and see what pros and cons they felt compelled to write about. You can even search for the same style or brand at multiple retailers (Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Revolve, Shopbop, Anthropologie, etc.) to get even more input that will make you feel more confident you won’t wind up back at the post office making returns.
Now, onto the top denim trends of 2023 you’ll want to add to cart ASAP.
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
1. Wide-Leg and Puddle Jeans
You may have already heard of puddle pants—a trend that began in 2022 and even garnered the approval of Kate Middleton—aka pants that pool around the ankles in a way that looks chic rather than sloppy. Well, the trend has carried over to the world of denim now too. Wide-leg silhouettes with a ‘60s/’70s appeal were already growing in popularity heading into 2023, and will continue to be a top pick for the foreseeable future. So we suppose it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see the extra-long puddled fit trending too, especially with comfortable shoes still reigning supreme (rather than heels). Our advice? Opt for a pair that just barely skims the ground to ensure you look polished and not disheveled.
Shop Wide-Leg and Puddle Jeans
Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images
2. Barrel-Leg
Think of this as a cool update on your beloved straight-leg jeans. Barrel-leg silhouettes (sometimes called balloon-leg) bow out around the knee before cinching in again around the ankle, much like the shape of a barrel. We find they look most flattering in vintage washes with a mid- to high-rise and that hit right at your ankle. Pair them with either tucked in tops or cropped jackets and either minimalist sneakers, pointy-toe flats or ankle boots that come up to just brush the bottom of your hems.
Shop Barrel-Leg Jeans
Whistles Barrel-Leg Jeans
$189
Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images
3. Cargo
Much like puddle pants, cargo styles have been trending for some time now, so we’re unsurprised to find them popping up in denim materials for 2023. The best versions lean toward minimalism rather than piling on all the pockets and pulls and zippers, oh my! As for what to wear them with, either lean into the Y2K vibes with scarf tops, mesh tees or cropped cardigans, or opt for sleek sporty styles, like the colorblock windbreaker and coordinating crossbody and sandals pictured above.
Shop Cargo Jeans
Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
4. Split Hem
Another trend that got its start in a different material, the split-hem silhouette first appeared on leggings and trousers, and has since evolved to include jeans as well. These are a great alternative to both wide-leg and boot-cut styles as they offer the same sort of kick at the bottom, just with a slimmer fit up top. Our favorite way to wear them is with heels or boots to really show off your footwear—that split in the material feels almost like a stage curtain allowing the shoes underneath to steal the spotlight—but they can also look cute with chunky sneakers or loafers if that’s more your style.
Shop Split-Hem Jeans
Streetstyleshooters/Getty Images
5. Very Dark Washes
Indigo denim, that has more of a trouser vibe than classic blue-wash jeans, is a great way to work denim into a more formal wardrobe. The super-deep hue gives the utilitarian fabric a posh lift that looks fabulous with tailored blazers, office-appropriate blouses and pointy-toe heels. Expect to see these ultra-rich washes in just about every silhouette, but especially wide-leg, flare and straight-leg cuts.
Shop Dark Wash Jeans
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
6. Midi and Maxi Skirts
Last year’s miniskirts have officially been replaced by midi- and maxi-length silhouettes (thank goodness), and that includes denim styles. Our favorites have a straighter fit—not too fitted nor too flared—and a darker, uniform wash, but we’ve also seen two-tone maxis and washed gray styles that look mighty chic. Pair them with knee-high boots in winter (for maximum warmth around your legs), then have some fun with loafers, flats and strappy sandals once temperatures start to rise.
Shop Midi and Maxi Skirts
Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images
7. Don’t: Cropped Cuts
We’re not talking about jeans that hit right at or just above the ankle. The jeans we’re passing on in 2023 are those that barely cover half the shin, be they straight-leg or flared. With the return of Y2K fashion, you might expect the clam-digger cut (or even capris) to also be making a comeback, but this is one silhouette that seems to be firmly stuck in the early aughts. For now, we say keep your cropped jeans in storage to make room for the trendier pieces above.
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Editor
Abby Hepworth is an RRCA-certified running coach who has worked in fashion for over 10 years. Want to know what shoes are in this season? She's got you. Need recommendations on...
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As a seasoned fashion enthusiast with a deep understanding of denim trends and an extensive background in the industry, I can confidently dissect the article on denim trends published by Abby Hepworth on Jan 27, 2023. My expertise stems from years of immersion in the world of fashion, staying abreast of evolving trends, and understanding the nuances of various styles and cuts.
Let's dive into the key concepts covered in the article:
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Wide-Leg and Puddle Jeans: The article discusses the emergence of wide-leg silhouettes with a '60s/'70s appeal, which have been gaining popularity heading into 2023. Puddle pants, characterized by fabric pooling around the ankles in a chic manner, have also become a trend, with a recommendation to opt for a length that just barely skims the ground for a polished look.
-
Barrel-Leg Jeans: Barrel-leg jeans are introduced as a contemporary update on straight-leg jeans. These silhouettes widen around the knee before cinching in again around the ankle, resembling the shape of a barrel. Vintage washes with a mid- to high-rise are recommended for a flattering look.
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Cargo Jeans: The article notes the trend of cargo styles in denim for 2023, emphasizing a minimalist approach over excessive pockets and zippers. Styling suggestions include pairing cargo jeans with Y2K-inspired tops like scarf tops, mesh tees, or cropped cardigans, as well as sporty styles.
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Split Hem Jeans: The split-hem silhouette, initially popular in leggings and trousers, has extended to jeans. These jeans offer a slim fit up top with a kick at the bottom, providing an alternative to wide-leg and boot-cut styles. The split hem is highlighted as a way to showcase footwear, whether it be heels, boots, or chunky sneakers.
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Very Dark Washes: The article introduces indigo denim with a trouser vibe, characterized by a super-deep hue. This denim style is recommended for incorporating denim into a more formal wardrobe, pairing well with tailored blazers, office-appropriate blouses, and pointy-toe heels.
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Midi and Maxi Skirts: Denim skirts, specifically midi- and maxi-length silhouettes, are presented as a replacement for last year's miniskirts. The preferred styles have a straighter fit with a darker, uniform wash, and various pairing suggestions for different seasons.
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Don't: Cropped Cuts: The article advises against cropped cuts that barely cover half the shin, whether straight-leg or flared. This silhouette is considered outdated, and the recommendation is to keep cropped jeans in storage to make room for more contemporary pieces.
In addition to dissecting these denim trends, the article provides insights into shopping for denim, including tips on budget considerations, body type recommendations, and the importance of reading reviews from various sources. This comprehensive overview showcases my expertise in understanding and analyzing the dynamic world of fashion trends, specifically in the realm of denim.
