This Chic New Denim Trend Is a Stark Contrast to Skinny Jeans

Before we dive into this denim story, let’s remember that skinny jeans are in no way "out.” Sure, they’re often considered polarizing in nature, but the classic nature of the silhouette means skinnies are more or less a wardrobe staple at this point. That said, there is a variety of fresh denim cuts out there that are giving skinny jeans a run for their money. I recently covered the next wave of non–skinny jeans, but there’s another trend that fashion people are gravitating towards at the moment. Yep, I’m talking about those light-wash, wide-leg styles.

Statement-making in design, this bold denim pick may not be for the faint of heart, but wide-leg jeans could be worth testing out, as they’re inherently cool and can bring that modern yet laid-back vibe to a casual look. In fact, celebrities like Selena Gomez and Dua Lipa have been spotted recently in the silhouette to complete their trendy fits.

Interested in dipping a tone into the wide-leg jean pond? Keep scrolling for a bit of celeb visual and shopping inspiration that may just convince you to try this forward denim trend this season (you know, if you haven’t already of course).

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(Image credit: JosiahW/Backgrind)

On Selena Gomez: Naked Cashmere sweater ($275); Levi's jeans; By Far Bag ($688); Roxanne Assoulin Earrings ($120); Yuul Yie boots

While just about any denim style would work with this simple fit, the wide-leg, slightly distressed jeans bring a modern spin to the look.

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(Image credit: Christopher Peterson/SplashNews.com)

On Dua Lipa: Prada shoes

It's no secret that the '90s are back with fervor. This look leans into that vibe just flawlessly with the baggy jeans, printed tee, long trench, and chunky shoes.

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(Image credit: Clint Brewer/Backgrind)

On Hailey Bieber: Arje jacket; Bottega Veneta bag; Chloe Gosselin heels

These light-wash jeans are slightly slimmer than some of the others here, but they still embody the trend as they're much looser than traditional skinnies. These feel particularly forward with the fuzzy coat. 

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(Image credit: Bauer-Griffin/SplashNews.com)

On Alessandra Ambrosio: One Teaspoon Wide-Leg Jeans ($149); Loewe Gate Bag ($2200)

Need a casual and effortless fit? Consider this ensemble with the long-sleeve white tee, belted jeans, and brown ankle boots.

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(Image credit: Felipe Ramales/SplashNews.com)

On Katie Holmes: Kassl Editions coat

Go for the classic look with baggier jeans, a cozy knit, longline coat, and standard black booties.

Next, check out the denim-and-boot combo fashion people are wearing right now.

Bobby Schuessler
Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retialers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.