Let's talk about jeans–and I mean really get into it. I made the conscious decision a while ago to phase jeans out of my wardrobe, not because I wanted to, but because I found the process of finding "the ones" so laborious that I almost swore off them altogether. Many brands proclaim to have the best jeans on the market, but when it came to finding a versatile pair with the right fit, wash and price, I'd give up one store into a try-on session. That was until one pair of M&S straight leg jeans changed my mind.
It's funny how one pair of good jeans can transform your entire wardrobe. And after going from a dress devotee, to owning more pairs of jeans than I ever have my life, my M&S favourites have since split after being worn on heavy rotation, but they did give me the inspiration I needed to fall in love with denim all over again. My go-to? A classic pair of straight-legged mid-blue jeans with a firm hold, but after being swayed by some A-list approved wide leg jeans, and seeing baggy jeans dominating the runways, it's clear that this season, denim trends are getting experimental.
"We had a long time of everyone being in sweat pants during the pandemic and I think we're rediscovering being in denim again," notes Amy Roberton, Creative Director at sustainable denim brand Seventy + Mochi. "That being said, I've worked in the industry for nearly 20 years and denim has always had moments when it was both in and out of fashion. I think designers have learnt to play with denim again which is why we are seeing so much of it on the runaways. It's such a versatile fabric that can be really playful which is something we all need more of right now. You can have denim in so many different weights, construction, colours and washes, it’s never ending, but we did have a long time when we were only doing 5 pocket jeans. Now it’s everything from suits to shoes, '70s inspired or noughties influenced– it's all going on!"
To save you the challenging search of finding the best pairs for a multitude of jeans outfits, I've scoured the runways, searched through socials, and asked my fellow fashion editors for tips on their favourite denim brands to bring you the 6 spring jeans trends you're about to see everywhere in 2023. From retro washes to a new loose-legged silhouette, there's something for everyone this season, so you're bound to find the pair that will change your wardrobe for the better. But, just a hint, this time around, there aren't any skinny jeans in sight.
1. THE DENIM JUMPSUIT
Style Notes: Okay, so this all-in-one isn't technically a pair of jeans, but it is in fact so much more. Practical, chic, and with plenty of retro charm, a buttoned up jumpsuit takes the guesswork out of outfit pairings–after all, it's an outfit all on its own. Take tips from Ilirida Krasniqi and wear over a turtleneck with a pair of ankle boots for the perfect transitional uniform.
SHOP DENIM JUMPSUITS:
& Other Stories' loose, laidback, jumpsuit is perfect for weekend downtime.
Play up this jumpsuit's Western feel by wearing with pointy ankle boots and a bandana neckerchief.
This all-in-one's super soft feel comes from organic and recycled high-performance stretch denim, designed to score low on the Environmental Impact Measurement scale.
Throw on, roll up your sleeves and go.
2. BARREL FIT JEANS
Style Notes: It just wouldn't be a denim round-up without a buzzy new style, and this spring belongs to the barrel leg. While the runways tried to convince us that supersized, low-slung, baggy denim was the only way to go, we're looking for something a little more wearable, and the barrel leg manages to take the classic straight leg and up the volume. The fit is traditionally high-waisted, curving through the leg to be widest at the knees, before tapering in again at the ankle. The perfect jean for wearing with trainers, ballet flats, sandals, loafers...
SHOP BARREL JEANS:
Arket don't just do incredibly good tailoring, their denim fit is on point too.
They might be pricey, but these are the kind of quality denim that will last you a lifetime.
If you haven't already explored House of Dagmar's extensive edit of cool, new denim, this is as good a place as any to start.
3. CONTRAST STITCHING
Style Notes: Looking for a micro trend that's still faithful to your favourite denim? Contrast stitching is a subtle way to make a pair of simple jeans feel a little more modern. Forget rips, tears, and frayed hems, this elegant detail makes sure your jeans still feel premium, and with the added benefit of a creating a visually sculpting effect.
SHOP CONTRAST STITCH JEANS:
The inky blue colour and front seam stitching make this jeans look designer.
The perfect hybrid of on-trend cargo trouser meets relaxed denim.
These jeans come in seven different washes, so from black to stonewashed blue, you're spoilt for choice.
4. ULTRA HIGH WAIST
Style Notes: When it comes to jeans, high-waisted jeans are the secret weapon to confidence. We all know the discomfort of an ill-fitting waistband that cuts your tummy in two, but when an ultra high-rise pair hit just right, they nip in at the waist and create an enviable hourglass, while the length of denim draws the eye down making legs look even longer too. What's not to love? Whether a kick flare or straight leg fit, Levi's led the charge with last year's clever "ribcage" jean, and whether you're wearing a cosy cardigan or an oversized shirt, a high waist is perfect for tucking in tops.
SHOP ULTRA HIGH RISE JEANS:
If you thought seven different washes was impressive these come in no less than 24 colours. There's grey, white, brown leather, medium blue, light, distressed...
The trendsetting O.Gs.
Curve enhancing jeans from the denim-fit experts Good American.
5. WHITE DENIM
Style Notes: Clumsy eaters and accident prone readers, avert your eyes now. Along with the pastels and prints we've come to love and expect from spring trends are palette cleansing white, cream, and ecru jeans, light enough to wear throughout summer too. If you hear white denim and your first thought is "skin-tight-see-through-jeans", I assure you, the answer is far more stylish. The coolest jeans now are loose or wide-leg, and come in cream coloured, thick cotton that immediately looks luxe when worn with slouchy knits and comfortable flats.
SHOP WHITE DENIM:
A subtly embellished jean you can wear for evening too.
Seventy + Mochi's Mabel jean now comes in understated ecru. But you're going to have to join the queue.
Looking for a pair of jeans you can wear with heels? Just found them from Reiss. The kick flare hem is long enough to be worn with a heel and still cover the shoe.
Go double denim and pair with a blue denim jacket. Trust me, it works. (And Boden's denim selection is supremely good right now).
6. ACID-WASH LOOSE LEG
Style Notes: It might be a Marmite trend, but love them or loathe them, acid wash jeans are once again making their presence felt. From 1960s California surf culture to the Noughties denim obsession (with a little ’80s punk scene thrown in for good measure) denim and distressed detailing go hand-in-hand, and if you want your jeans to look fashionably "lived in", the acid wash is the style for you. I love Kim Turkington's take on high/low dressing by pairing rough and ready jeans with a ladylike cardigan and shoes, but the Bally runway made the most of worn in, subtly bleached denim with slick leather and plenty of eyeliner.
Just the right amount of distressed denim without overdoing it.
There's something '80s reminiscent about these high-waisted, acid washed, tapered jeans.
Wear with an easy flat and casual tee.
Mother denim always gets jeans right, abd the Kick It style is no exception. Dress up with a blazer and heels, or keep it cool in a tee and trainers.
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