Denim is everywhere for spring 2024, so to help you strategically shop the top denim trends, we asked stylists to break down what they’re seeing this year. According to the fashion experts we chatted with, versatile denim spring dresses — both sleeveless and button-front — are trending, but when it comes to pants you’ll see three distinct and nostalgic styles: straight-leg, wide-leg and flared.
“Flared jeans are really having a moment right now, along with ultra-baggy and wide-leg jeans,” says fashion expert Melissa Rivers. “I think we’ve moved on from skinny jeans for the last couple of seasons, and people are selecting more straight styles if they want a cleaner line.”
But within the wide-leg category, different styles are trending right now. “The first one is high-waisted and fitted in the hips with a wide leg opening (these can be cropped or full length),” says fashion designer, senior global design director for Gap and founder of Vetted Jamie Lewin. “The other wide-leg trend is very loose and baggy, sitting low and slouchy in the waist and wide throughout the entire leg.”
Barrel jeans, or horseshoe jeans, are the extreme version of the wide-leg look. “They sit higher on the waist, have a horseshoe leg shape and taper off around the ankle,” Lewin explains. “If you are someone who likes to wear a trend first, this one’s for you.”
But no matter which trend you decide to shop, stylist Christina Stein has one piece of denim advice that won’t go out of style. “I always say this going into a denim shopping session: do not get hung up on the size on the tag. Sizing is simply not consistent anyway because your clothing is made in different countries that rely on a sizing system that has not been updated,” she says.
Instead, concentrate on the fit and how you feel. “When in doubt, get the larger size and have them tailored,” she says. “It’s like getting a custom pair of denim.”
With all of this in mind, we rounded up fashion experts’ picks for the top denim jeans and dresses to shop right now.
Straight-leg jeans
Vigoss Jeans
“Offering a flattering straight-leg cut, these Vigoss Stevie Crop Straight Jean are the perfect wardrobe staple,” Stitch Fix stylist Ray Carter says. “They can be dressed down for a casual weekend look, or elevated with a pair of your favorite heels and oversized blazer for a polished desk-to-drinks look.”
$68
Levi’s 50, 90’s Jeans
Nineties straight-leg jeans are classic-cut jeans that look good on everyone, explains sustainable style consultant Monica Diaz. “The new ‘90s straight leg is a little more relaxed with a slightly wide leg,” she says, recommending Levi’s (“the original maker of the ‘90s straight-leg jeans,” she notes) for a relaxed and comfortable fit.
$98
$78
Blanknyc Franklin Straight
Stein recommends these straight-leg jeans made from a lightweight metallic coated denim fabric. “I love the rips on the bottom and the price is right to try this trend,” she says. The style also comes in a variety of washes at Amazon.
$62
$128
Madewell The Perfect Vintage Jean
Straight-leg denim, like this pair from Madewell, is the perfect everyday, go-to when it comes to denim, according to Vici co-founder Aimee Dudum. Madewell’s Perfect Vintage Jean comes in five washes and four fits from petite to taller and Dudum says the cut is perfect for showing off your footwear
$65
$100
STS Blue Carley Straight-Leg Jean
“Comfortable and made with premium denim quality, STS Blue’s Carley Straight-Leg Jean is a great everyday option,” Carter says. “Under $100 and available in multiple washes, these are worth investing in more than just one pair.”
$68
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