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’90s Straight Leg Deep Indigo Ultra-Baggy Barrel Leg Jeans Polished Pleats
The groundhog didn’t see his shadow, so we’re optimistic that spring weather is right around the corner. The spring 2024 runways brought a whole range of trends, with twists on textures like leather, sequins, and denim taking center stage. Spring is all about laid-back dressing, finding fresh takes on staple pairings like a white button-down and jeans. Many designers are sticking to classics like a ’90s straight leg, while others are tweaking beloved styles and adding elevated updates with pleats and pooling. We got two fashion experts’ thoughts on the most sought-after denim styles of the season: Keep reading to discover the ten top spring denim trends to try this season, complete with tips on how to style them.
Gray Denim
This spring it’s all about gray denim, as classic blue and black are taking a backseat to the unexpected yet wearable trend. “A gray jean is the perfect transitional spring jean from winter to summer,” says fashion stylist Audree Kate López. “If you’re not a dark black jeans or light wash jeans person, a good middle ground is gray.” The higher the hem, the more on trend, as with the Totême High-Rise Straight Jeans ($390).
Styling Tip: If you're looking to update the trend for 2024, López says to look for a looser, straight- leg silhouette. "[Opt for] a thicker, raw denim feel versus stretchy skinny jeans," she tells us.
Puddle Jeans
Another Y2K trend is having a resurgence, and it’s chic and wearable (just not on rainy days). Puddle jeans can take on a dressed-up look with heels, or you can let them “puddle” over sneakers or loafers for the ultimate cool girl look. “Puddle jeans are ‘cool girl’ coded and give off effortless styling, casual meets fashion girl [energy], and the perfect mix of Y2K flare jeans,” López says. “Puddle jeans are the updated, cooler version of JNCO jeans from the late ’90s to early ’00’s.” We love Frame’s Extra Wide Leg jeans ($388) for bringing that nonchalant vibe into 2024.
Styling Tip: Swap out your '90s pinch-waist denim for a relaxed-fit pair that's both stylish and comfortable. Complete the look with a cropped tee and shoulder bag for a wearable, everyday spring look.
Flare Jeans
Whether you want to admit it or not, flare jeans are a wardrobe staple. This style works well with almost any aesthetic and comes in an array of styles to fit your preference. “Whether you prefer a dramatic flare like DL1961’s Rachel Flare Ultra High Rise ($219) jeans or a more relaxed, subtle flare like our Desi Boot High Rise ($229), this silhouette adds a unique focal point to any look,” says DL1961 founder Sarah Ahmed.
Styling Tip: Ahmed says to "style with a ribbed tank, oversized blazer, and killer heels for a minimal, refined look."
Shorts Galore
When thinking about spring and summer denim trends, shorts always come to mind. But this season, all kinds of shorts, from short-shorts to knee sweeping Bermudas, are trending at once—leaving plenty of room for personal style. “A pair of shorts can be a simple warm-weather clothing item or a true statement piece,” Ahmed shares. Opt for a style like Agolde’s Parker Long High-Rise Denim Shorts ($185) or Good American’s Good ’90s Shorts ($129) for a capsule wardrobe staple.
Styling Tip: There are countless ways to style denim shorts, but the key is simplicity for an effortlessly chic look. "Simply tuck in a strapless, figure-hugging top and pair with a strappy sandal for cool, off-duty summer look," Ahmed tells us.
Ecru Wash
“Nothing screams spring more than an ecru wash,” Ahmed says. Warm weather is all about soft, light, and airy colors, and a striking pair of white jeans can be intimidating to style. An ecru wash offers more longevity, and can be worn well into fall. Try a style like Abercrombie’s High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean in Bone ($90) and “throw a sweater over your shoulders when the office gets a little chilly.”
Styling Tip: "The warm, off-white hue pairs well with almost any color or pattern and offers a refreshing pivot to cool-weather dressing," Ahmed tells us. Have fun with the trend and style your favorite pastel accessories with a relaxed pair of jeans and a baggy tee.
’90s Straight Leg
There’s no denying the wearability of a pair of ’90s straight leg jeans. Styles like Re/Done’s 90s High-Rise Straight Jeans ($302) are closet staples, and the cult-favorite silhouette is a versatile style that looks good on everyone. “If I were asked to give my top denim recommendation to a client, I would suggest that everyone has a ’90s straight leg in their wardrobe,” López tells us. “I love a clean, classic denim silhouette. You can choose between a high-waisted or low-rise option, but the overall look and silhouette of classic straight leg denim is timeless, super versatile, and wearable.”
Styling Tip: Pair your ’90s straight leg denim with an oversized blazer and tucked in button-down for a polished, professional look. An outfit like this can transition from the workplace to drinks after hours by swapping from loafers to heels.
Deep Indigo
“Deep indigo is the new black,” Ahmed says, adding that the intense blue color will become a cult classic. Deep blue jeans are gaining more attention and are reminiscent of a classic pair of jeans you may have seen in your parents’ closet growing up. The Khaite Abigail Jean ($460) is an easy-to-wear straight leg style that comes in a classic indigo colorway.
Styling Tip: A black belt pairs well with deep indigo jeans. Style the look with a black top and shoes to really allow the blue denim to pop.
Ultra-Baggy
Ultra-baggy denim’s reputation has gone from drab to fab, becoming a staple in high-fashion styling. “This style of jeans is universal—we are seeing menswear swing into a more baggy silhouette with pants, and we’re also seeing that with women’s bottoms—baggier trousers, full maxi skirts and now baggy, puddle, barrel leg, and flare jeans,” López says. Good American’s Good Ease Relaxed Jeans ($259) are a rigid pair with a mid-rise waist for optimal styling.
Styling Tip: In order to modernize the trend, López says to pair the jeans with contrasting pieces. "A feminine top, blazer, jewelry, a belt, and heels—this dresses the denim up but gives the overall look a cool, relaxed effortless feel," she says.
Barrel Leg Jeans
There’s no denying that “barrel leg jeans are the ‘it girl’ uniform of 2024,” Ahmed shares. Also sometimes called horseshoe denim, the balloon-like shape gives a model-off-duty look, tapering at the ankle and ballooning at the thighs. CO’s Paneled High-Rise Wide Leg Jeans ($595) make a statement either alone or styled with a coordinating denim jacket for a chic, Canadian tuxedo look.
Styling Tip: Accentuate your waist with a form-fitting shirt to contrast the volume of the pants.
Polished Pleats
Pleats are wildly popular with tailored looks, but they’re now migrating to more casual everyday pieces like jeans. “Denim has become a wardrobe celebrity the past couple of years, and people are wearing denim for everything—the office, date night, and even a night out,” López says. “The pleated denim trend is a nod to ’90s trousers and makes ultra-baggy denim feel more refined. It adds a little tailoring to the overall silhouette and allows you dress up the denim a little more.” Opt for a style like Anine Bing’s Carrie Jean ($250), which encompasses numerous denim trends in one.
Styling Tip: Dress up pleated jeans with an on-trend pair of kitten heels plus a silk blouse. If it’s a chilly spring night, you can throw on a lightweight knit.