We shed layers as the weather begins to warm and spring blooms. Every new season is an opportunity to reinvent your style. And the foundation of every good wardrobe is great jeans.
We’re going to see a lot of new shapes this spring. After several years in hibernation, skinny jeans have returned to the runways, both for this February fashion week and last. The Super Bowl, which is not usually a source of style inspiration, was a catalyst for the return of more shapely styles. Kendrick’s choice of bootcut Celine Jeans for his halftime performance prompted a spike in Google searches in the days following. The lengths of jeans are also reaching new extremes. Capris at one end and denim that pools in the middle.
This trend is all about nostalgia. The great thing about the denim trends of this spring is that you already have many of them in your closet. Here are seven styles you should try this spring.
Bootleg Jeans
Since Kendrick Lamar wore a pair that was perfectly fitted around the thighs and flared out past the knees with a slightly baggy hem, bootcut jeans have been enjoying a revival. Vivian Rivetti is the VP of Global Design at Wrangler. She says that bootcut jeans are a Wrangler bestseller. The flattering shape helps to elongate legs and looks fantastic, with a pointed shoe sticking out at the bottom. These look especially good in dark washes.
Skinny Jeans
Rivetti says, “We are also witnessing a possible return of the slim jean following several years where wider cut jeans were at the forefront fashion.” As controversial as skinny jeans may be, they are extremely versatile. The understated proportions are like a neutral shade but for silhouettes. Whether you choose an oversized shirt or something more fitted to go with it, a pair of skinny jeans will work.
Structured Oversized Jeans
This spring, the oversized jeans take on new, structured shapes. The bubble hem is a popular style, but you’ll also see straight hems or seams running down the middle.
Capris
Capris were back on the streets of street-style stars such as Emily Ratajakowski and Bella Hadid last summer. They appeared in The Row’s fall collection and also featured in their line. The first time they returned to the spotlight, they were in more minimalistic versions like the black pair made famous by Audrey Hepburn. This season, denim shorts are the rage. This ultra-cropped style is perfect for transitional pants when you only want to show a small amount of leg.
Dark Wash Denim
Due to the resurgence in raw and Selvidge jeans, we’re all going for darker washes. Rich indigo looks more polished and formal. This is the type of denim you can wear to work or for a nice meal.
Wide Leg Jeans
Wide-leg jeans are universally flattering. They are a classic shape that works with anything. Dakota Johnson wore a pair to a farmers’ market in 2019. I still remember them. This season, wide-leg jeans are more high-rise with less flare and a slight expansion at the waist.
Cuffed Denim
In the last decade, denim styles have swung between cropped jeans at the ankle and those that pool around the foot. We’ve now settled on a middle ground with straight-leg denim featuring a thick and structured cuff. This small detail adds texture and shape to your jeans.