As fashion editors, we spend a lot of our time pouring over runway shows. Coquette-ish babydoll dresses, XXL totes and lots (and lots) of florals might be setting the tone for the year ahead, but one thing that never goes away, no matter the designer, is denim. Take a humble pair of black jeans or a trusty blue denim jacket, and regardless of the season, forecast or even the dress code, denim always rises to the occasion.
It is, after all, one of the hardest-working fabrics in our wardrobes. And, okay, it isn't quite polished enough for say, a wedding or Michelin-star restaurant, but it's long been considered the best attire for our day-to-day lives. Don't know what to wear to work? Jeans and boots never fails. Running errands at the weekend? Jeans and trainers
is a go-to. Dressing up for the evening? Nothing beats embellished denim and a pair of heels. And so, given our reliance on these versatile trousers, skirts and jackets, it makes sense that denim trends get an upgrade each and every season.
So, as we start the new year wondering which pieces to invest in to update our look for 2024, what better time to whittle down the refreshed denim we've spotted rising to the top over the past 12 months?
From the controversial new jean silhouette that's kicking skinnies to the kerb to a casual take on a workwear staple, these are the six denim trends of note for the year ahead. You heard it here first.
1. BARREL JEANS
Style Notes: If you've been on social media lately, it's likely you're already au fait with the barrel-leg jean. Sometimes called "horseshoe", other times referred to as "balloon" or "curved", the exaggerated silhouette comes from a nipped-in waist and tapered ankle, with the widest part at the knee. The result is a loose-legged, fashion-forward slouch fit with enough crop to show off your expert shoe pairings. Unlike the baggy and boyfriend jean styles, you won't have to wring out your hems should you get caught in the rain.
Don't panic; once these are on, the curve feels less exaggerated.
The raw hem detail is perfection.
Such a versatile wash.
Free People's Good Luck Barrel Jeans come in so many different washes.
2. GREY DENIM
Style Notes: After asking the denim experts at Agolde and Citizens of Humanity for the one trend they're convinced will be everywhere in 2024, the result was a resounding "grey". It makes sense after the A/W '23 runways were awash with fifty shades, and should you be looking for something that is just as easily dressed up or down as blue jeans, grey should be your next port of call. Unsure of how to style this light wash? Take tips from influencers Sarah Louise Blythe and Lydia Tsegay (pictured above) and layer up in different shades of charcoal, mist and ash.
Just the right amount of distressed.
These look great with ankle boots.
Arket's Cloud jeans are already a bestseller.
Ideal for heels.
3. TURNED-UP CUFFS
Style Notes: The '90s called, and turned-up cuffs are back and bigger than ever. Not convinced? One of last year's best-selling pairs, Citizens of Humanity's wide-legged Ayla, is so loose around the ankle that it requires a generous turn-up to keep it off the ground. And the runways agree—inky-blue, straight-leg jeans were turned up to mid-calf at Tolu Coker and Karoline Vitto, reminiscent of girl-band styling. And before you ask, you don't even have to contend with rolling up your own hems, as everyone from Loewe to Anthropologie has pre-folded styles that get the ratio just right.
These come in six different colours, including cream and black.
Just look at that deep indigo.
Cuffs worth showing off.
These look like they've stepped straight out of a '90s Guess jeans campaign, in a good way.
4. MIDI SKIRTS
Style Notes: This year's biggest skirt trend? Undoubtedly, the return of the polished pencil, and luckily for us, the look translates to casual denim too. Sleek, figure-hugging skirts that skim the knee are replacing 2023's heavier maxi skirts, making this the perfect trend for an in-between spring, a balmy summer and a chilly winter, depending on your choice of shoes. Sorry, minis; we're convinced that 2024 is all about pairing up longer layers.
Act fast; this is selling out quickly.
Just add a pair of sleek, tall boots.
Great denim, plain and simple.
Imagine how good this will look in summer with a white tank top.
5. DOUBLE DENIM
Style Notes: Long gone are the days of Britney and Justin's couple dressing, and double denim is now the go-to uniform for getting ready in five minutes or less. The subtle Wild West vibe makes this easy pairing feel rugged, effortless and impossibly cool, but with the addition of some simple heels or polished loafers, you can make the co-ord feel far dressier. Our two moods? Lucy Williams' slippers and socks lounge look and 3.1 Phillip Lim's denim-led take on glam.
Removing the collar really elevates a denim jacket.
The full co-ord looks so expensive.
Wear buttoned-up over a turtleneck or open over a white tee.
An instant outfit.
Next Up: 11 Simple Yet Stylish Ways to Wear a Blazer With Jeans
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