No, Not White or Blue: New Yorkers Know Black Jeans Are the Biggest Denim Trend of 2026—Here's How They Wear Them
Meet the cool girl of pants.
Blue denim adds a classic vintage spin to any ensemble, and white trousers offer a crisp, fresh feel. Still, New Yorkers are looking in the other direction, gravitating toward a cooler, edgier option: black jeans.
The moody trend is most often spotted in a relaxed wide-leg silhouette, giving off a chic, nonchalant vibe. Still, cigarette styles and bootcut picks are just as popular, and the hue anchors the look.
There isn't just one shade of black when it comes to jeans, either. Stone-washed variations, deep hues, and charcoal designs coexist, allowing for wardrobe customization. The selected intensity mingles with the rest of the outfit, propelling the look into a polished or grunge direction.
However, successfully donning brooding jeans doesn't end with choosing a shade of black. Knowing how to style them is key, especially when it comes to footwear. Slip on the wrong shoes and your It-girl pants may look dated. Thankfully, NYC trendsetters are giving a master class on the best way to style black denim.
From the West Village to Williamsburg, the coolest women are pairing their vampy pants with chisel-toe boots. In between square-toe and pointed-toe styles, the exaggerated front barely peeks out from underneath the hemline, elongating the leg. A slight heel adds just the right amount of height while staying walkable.
This foolproof outfit combo easily translates from the office to happy hour and may even pass the night out test. Keep reading to secure the jeans-and-boot look that's all over New York.
Shop Black Jeans
Shop Chisel-Toe Boots

Ruby Ford-Dunker (formerly Ruby McAuliffe) is a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle journalist featured in InStyle, the New York Post, Brides, Teen Vogue, Page Six, Shape, and more. When she’s not reporting on her latest fashion obsession or spotlighting beauty finds, she can be found listening to Taylor Swift, hunting for the best matcha latte, playing with her cats, or smiling her way through a dance workout. Email Ruby at therubybrand@gmail.com and keep up with her on Instagram @rubyymcauliffe.