“How can you not wear jeans?”. This was easily the most common question I was asked in the early years of my career when—yes, you guessed it—I did not wear jeans. Looking back, I put it down to having never really having found the perfect pair. This was a time during which skinny jeans reigned, and before straight-leg styles were as commonplace as they are now (if you can believe it!). Fast forward eight years or so and now I live in jeans; I’d say six out of the seven days in the week you’ll find me wearing a pair, and I’m always on the look out for new ways to get my denim fix.
That’s the beauty of the jeans world as it is now; there’s just so many options to choose from. Some might say even too many. Between classic pairs such as Levi’s 501s and Re/Done’s Stove Pipe jeans to the arguably more polarising styles that have resurged thanks to the enduring Y2K aesthetic—here’s looking at you, low-risers—there denim market has never been quite so booming or, as a subsequence, daunting.
You’ll have found yourself here via two avenues; 1) the headline piqued your interest as you scrolled social media/Apple News or, 2) you Googled the term “jeans trends 2023“. I know many of you will have done so by way of the latter so, you’ll be please to know I’m here to do just that; show you the best and most noteworthy jeans trends of 2023. From pairs that began trending last year that are still major contenders to the styles that feel brand-new and fresh, scroll on for my list of the 10 jeans trends that are set to dominate the next 365 days, at least.
Style Notes: Puddle hemlines were one of the biggest trouser trends of 2022—now, they’re taking over the 2023 jean scene.
These high-street jeans keep selling out.
Jeans like this look especially good worn with pointed-toe shoes.
Style Notes: Although straight-leg jeans will never go out of style, if you’re looking for a subtle way to make your denim feel more current, the barrel-leg silhouette will help you do just that.
Light-wash denim is coming back for 2023, too.
These jeans come in sizes 6-22.
Style Notes: Flares were a predominant feature on the autumn/winter runways, but their influence on jeans is now being truly felt. For spring, I’m into the idea of a white pair.
This Free People pair come in a handful of colourways.
You can always count on River Island to deliver on flared jeans.
Style Notes: Cargos are another vital trend off-shoot from the Y2K aesthetic; right now, I’m seeing more denim iterations than ever.
I expect this Ganni pair will be hanging in every influencer’s wardrobe by February.
I like Monki’s sleek interpretation of the cargo jean trend.
Style Notes: You’ll notice that brightly coloured or fun printed jeans haven’t yet started to crop up (watch this space), but ombré? It’s very much a thing.
These are currently on sale and too good to miss.
Tie-dye has also taken a muted turn for 2023.
Style Notes: Split-hem leggings have hit their popularity peak, so it makes sense that jeans are now boasting the detail, too.
A jean you can easily dress up with heels or down with Converse.
This Abercrombie style comes in an extended size range.
Style Notes: While some might look at this denim trend and think “patchwork”, the linear contrast panels feels significantly more polished. It’s important to make the difference clear.
The contrast pockets give this pair a retro, ’70s appeal.
If you’re a straight-leg devotee like me, this is a great way to upgrade your collection.
Style Notes: If you invested in a pair of trending wide-leg jeans in 2022, rest assured this is no flash-in-the-pan buy; wide-leg denim is here to stay for 2023.
The clue is in the name.
Look for classic shades of blue to make this silhouette feel its most refined.
Style Notes: Black jeans are never a bad investment, but light-wash grey pairs certainly feel fresher as we begin to think about spring.
Note the addition of the puddle hemline.
A cropped pair is ideal for showcasing standout footwear.
Style Notes: I’ve saved the most divisive jeans trend for 2023 for last. Undone seams were a popular microtrend on the spring/summer runways; one that’s slowly transitioning to denim. Mark my words, you’ll see this finish everywhere in just a few short months.
These ACNE jeans tick off the extreme aesthetic of Savina’s pair.
