Could it be? Are the blue sky days of spring finally here? After what’s felt like the longest, greyest winter, I’m sure we’re all looking forward to the change of season—at last. But, as us Brits know, spring is highly unpredictable. A cheering series of sunny days can quickly be interrupted by a sudden downpour. In large part thanks to this, I can’t help but think that jeans will continue to be my daily go-to.
All is not lost. The brilliant thing about jeans, after all, is that they are incredibly versatile. And these days, denim is a more than acceptable sartorial choice for most situations. Trending wide-leg jeans can be paired with a classic white t-shirt and trainers for a casual day look, while the newly popular barrel leg silhouette can be dressed up with heels and a blazer for evening plans. And with a few accessory switches, these looks can continue to be a part of your rotation without feeling like you’re endlessly outfit repeating.
The most important thing is to find a pair of jeans that feels just right, giving you the silhouette that will imbue you with confidence. Fortunately, these days the options are truly endless, and there are seriously good options for every price range. High-street staples like Mango, H&M and COS make some of the best denim around—just ask our editors.
After doing some extensive Instagram scrolling, I’ve discovered plenty of outfit inspiration for making the trusty jeans feel exciting again. From the classic spring looks to chic new outfits incorporating some of 2024’s top trending styles, scroll on to find my pick of the best ensembles I’ll be replicating this season.
1. Suede Jacket + Ballet Pumps
Style Notes: When it comes to spring outerwear, a suede jacket is such a chic option that will instantly elevate your jeans. And when paired with the still-trending ballet flat, the whole look has a certain French flair. Minimalist elegance at its best.
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This jacket is lightweight but warm—perfect for spring.
My go-to white t-shirt.
Black straight leg jeans come in so handy in spring.
A nude ballet flat is so versatile.
2. Bouclé Jacket + Wide-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: You know team Who What Wear are huge fans of bouclé jackets, which continue to be one of the most popular jacket choices for today’s fashion lovers. I love how Abi has dressed down the polished look of the jacket with wide-leg jeans, one of this season’s top trending denim styles.
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The Nineties style is well and truly back.
Such a chic jacket.
These flats are supremely elegant.
3. Waistcoat + Loafers
Style Notes: This is preppy meets casual at its very best. A simple waistcoat makes straight-leg denim look that bit more polished, and loafers are the flat that just keep on giving. Add a matching blazer for cooler days.
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A beige waistcoat is so handy, and works equally well with jeans and tailored trousers.
A classic blue jean is always a good idea.
A chunky loafer adds just the right amount of lift.
4. Cardigan + Blazer
Style Notes: My kind of spring layering. Cardigans worn as tops keep popping up on my Instagram feed, and I’m absolutely sold on the look. Adding a blazer ups the elegance, and in my opinion makes it work appropriate.
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This colour would work with blue, black or white jeans.
I love the oversized, slouchy shape—perfect for layering.
A light blue wash helps balance out the formality of the cardigan and blazer.
5. Leather Blazer + Slingback Heels
Style Notes: Aside from a suede jacket, a leather blazer is my other new season outerwear must-have. The combination of the leather and denim texture looks so effortlessly cool, and adding slingback heels really completes the whole look.
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The most polished leather blazer I've seen.
I'm a big fan of Reformation's denim.
The square-toe is such a cool touch.
6. White Jeans + Sweater Vest
Style Notes: Now’s the time to break out the white denim. Follow Louisa's lead and opt for light layers by styling with a simple shirt and a sweater vest.
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You can always trust Arket to deliver high-quality staple pieces.
An oversized blue shirt is such a useful styling piece.
The linen-blend keeps it light for spring.
7. Double Denim
Style Notes: The Canadian tuxedo isn’t going anywhere in 2024. Keep it city chic by styling with a low heel and a a luxe bag.
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My top requirement for a denim shirt? It has to be as soft as possible.
Barrel leg is another key denim silhouette this season.
A truly tempting investment bag.
For a touch of sophistication.
8. Silky Shirt + Suede Bag
Style Notes: The jeans-and-shirt is a classic combination that always looks good. But this season, I’m swapping my staple cotton button-down for a silky alternative. And I love how Jessica has played with textures by adding a suede bag. I'll definitely be copying that.
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You can't go wrong with a classic straight leg jean.
This shirt has such a retro feel to it.
I'm loving this burnt orange colour for spring.
9. Colour Pop Trainers + Shirt + Jumper
Style Notes: A colourful trainer is the easiest and most joyful way to make a denim look feel fresh. Complete with a shirt and jumper and you’re set.
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The perfect relaxed jean.
Is there anything more classic than an Oxford shirt?
Uniqlo is my go-to for layering jumpers.
These exude spring joy.
10. Leather Coat + Colourful Heels
Style Notes: On colder spring days, you’ll want something more than a jacket or blazer. Enter the leather trench, which is both warm and weather-proof—and looks especially good with jeans.
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Nappa leather is so deliciously soft that you won't want to take this coat off.
These pleated jeans are such an easy way to look put together.
These add a much-needed jolt of colour to keep you in the spring mood.
11. Sculptural Bustier + Cropped Jeans
Style Notes: On the opposite end of the fashion spectrum, for warmer days consider balancing out the heaviness of denim with a bustier top. This sculptural design is really elevated, while the French-approved slides give the whole ensemble a beautifully effortless feel.
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A high-rise fit makes a cropped jean look especially flattering.
I mean, this is a work of art.
These feel very Parisian.
12. Cardigan + Mary Janes
Style Notes: As our favourite influencers keep proving, wide-leg jeans are an incredibly versatile denim silhouette. One of the top ways to wear them this season? With the classic flat that is making a major comeback: the Mary-Jane.
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These are at the top of my spring wish list.
A crew neck cardigan worn on its own is such a luxe option.
Sorry, but I just can't resist a little sparkle to brighten up this otherwise understated look.
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