The "Dated" Denim Trend I Didn't See Coming
One perennial fact of fashion is that it's constantly drawing inspiration from the past. Nothing is ever wholly new (besides talent)—it's just been repackaged in a way that feels fresh. Once you recognize that fact, it's easy to comprehend when certain pieces, trends, or silhouettes manage to make a comeback. But even with this awareness, the revival of specific items can catch you off guard occasionally. Such was the case for me with the revival of denim accessories.
Denim is far from new, as we see designers take this tried-and-true textile each season and add a trendy twist. When it comes to the prevalence of this fabric, I shouldn't be surprised, yet here I am with my jaw fully agape. And while I'll admit I tend to be a little dramatic, anyone with an excellent memory can recall—and maybe cringe at—how denim reigned supreme in the aughts. It was a time when every It girl (from Beyoncé to Brittney Spears) was wearing a head-to-toe denim look almost to their detriment.
That period is a massive contradiction from the way we've seen this textile used in recent seasons in the form of jeans and maybe the occasional Canadian tuxedo. But with the release of spring/summer 2023 collections and even fall, it became apparent that this fabric has subtly crept off trousers and jackets into accessories. Now, before you opt out of this trend, you'll want to keep reading as I've broken down how it has reemerged on the runway and how the fashion set is styling it. Plus, I've shopped out the 39 best denim shoes, bags, belts, and even hats at every price point.
On the Runway:
Not to sound redundant, but as previously stated, you can always find denim on the runways. In more recent collections, we've not only seen designers use more extensive techniques to revitalize denim, but they've also taken to using the textile for accessories. For example, in Givenchy's spring/summer 2023 collection, Bella Hadid wore a denim bralette and a low-slung matching skirt while carrying an oversize denim hobo bag.
At Diesel, Creative Director Glenn Martens used techniques like distressing to add depth to his denim pieces and had everything from bags to shoes made from fabric. Then, at Sergio Hudson, a denim suit was styled with a matching denim trunk bag from Brandon Blackwood. But it's not just designers that have taken to this trend… so has the fashion set.
On the Fashion Set
Denim is a beloved staple among the fashion set, and we've seen many take this textile and embrace it in the form of accessories. Some have styled complete head-to-toe looks with more trend-forward separates (e.g., relaxed low-slung jeans or denim skirts with moto-inspired denim jackets). Others have used a denim bag, pair of shoes, or belt to break up a look. But no matter which route was taken, it's clear after looking at recent street style images that this formerly "dated" trend has gotten a daring upgrade in the minds of the fashion set. Now, if you're still not sold on this trend, you'll want to keep scrolling to see all the cute denim accessories you can shop online now.
Shop Denim Accessories
Rosette choker necklaces have been trending hardcore, so why not invest in one made from denim?
Leave it to Jacquemus to create the chicest denim bag I've ever seen.
Try styling these boots with black leather trousers, a white T-shirt, and a matching denim jacket.
The studs on this bag are just subtle enough to give it that '00s feel without overdoing it.
You can style this with a white dress in the spring or an all-black look in the fall.
Don't want to commit fully to denim shoes yet? The pairing of a denim strap and wooden heel on this sandal is a perfect balance.
Oh, she's pretty.
Pair these with a three-piece camel or white suit for the perfect work-friendly ensemble.
Sneakers are the easiest way to embrace wearing denim accessories.
Tell me this is not the most elegant denim bag you've ever seen.
You can't round up the best denim accessories without including Diesel's D1 bag.
The raw hem stitching on these boots is sending me.
Pro tip: Ease yourself into wearing denim bags by opting for a dark-wash fabrication.
Denim loafers are the shoe staple you didn't even know you were missing (until now).
I could literally stare at this Bottega Veneta bag all day.
Another great denim belt!
Watch these sandals become your go-to footwear for every wedding you have to attend this spring.
The best thing about this hat is that it will look just as good with a head-to-toe denim ensemble as it would with a beloved bikini.
Next: This Not-So-Subtle Shoe Trend Has Officially Gone Viral—25 Ways to Style It
Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a fashion editor living in New York City. What began as a hobby (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a career dedicated to storytelling through various forms of digital media. She started her career at the print publication 303 Magazine, where she wrote stories, helped produce photo shoots, and planned Denver Fashion Week. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as MyDomaine's social media editor until she was promoted to work across all of Clique's publications (MyDomaine, Byrdie, andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing ) as the community manager. Over the past few years, Jasmine has worked onBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's editorial team, using her extensive background to champion rising BIPOC designers, weigh in on viral trends, and profile stars such as Janet Mock and Victoria Monét. She is especially interested in exploring how art, fashion, and pop culture intersect online and IRL.
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