“How can you possibly not wear jeans?” This was by far the most common question I was asked in the early years of my profession, when I did not, you guessed it, wear jeans. In retrospect, I blame it on never having found the perfect pair. This was before skinny jeans became popular, and before straight-leg designs became as popular as they are now (if you can believe it!). Fast forward around eight years, and I now live in jeans; I’d say six out of seven days of the week, you’ll find me wearing a pair, and I’m always looking for new methods to satisfy my denim addiction.
That’s the beauty of the current jeans market: there are so many options to pick from. Some would even argue that there are too many. Between iconic pairs like Levi’s 501s and Re/Done’s Stove Pipe jeans and the undoubtedly more polarizing styles that have resurfaced as a result of the enduring Y2K aesthetic—here’s looking at you, low-risers—the denim market has never been more thriving or, depending on how you look at it, scary.
You’ll have arrived here via two routes: 1) You were scrolling through social media/Apple News when you saw the article, or 2) you googled “jeans trends 2023.” I’m sure many of you did so via the latter, so you’ll be glad to hear I’m here to do exactly that: show you the best and most notable jeans styles of 2023. From pairs that started trending last year and are still significant contenders to styles that seem brand-new and fresh, scroll on for my pick of the nine jeans trends that will rule the next six months at the very least.
1. Puddle
Puddle hemlines were one of the greatest trouser trends last year, and they’re currently taking over the 2023 jeans scene.
Jeans like this look especially good worn with heels, but chunky sandals also work.
2. Barrel-Leg
Although straight-leg jeans will never go out of style, if you’re seeking for a discreet approach to update your denim, the barrel-leg silhouette will help you achieve just that.
Choose from a white wash denim, black or a deeper true-blue.
3. Flare
Flares were a prominent fixture on the autumn/winter runways, but their influence on jeans is only now becoming apparent. I like the notion of a white pair as well.
4. Cargo
Cargoes are another important fashion offshoot from the Y2K look; right now, I’m seeing more denim variations than ever before.
5. Ombré
Style Notes: You’ll notice that brightly colored or fun printed jeans are yet to appear (keep an eye out for them), but ombré? It’s definitely a thing.
These are currently on sale and too good to miss.
6. Split-Hem
Style Notes: Split-hem leggings have reached their height in popularity, so it stands to reason that jeans are now sporting the detail as well.
Jeans you can easily dress up with heels or down with Converse.
7. Two-Tone
Style Note: While some may associate this denim style with “patchwork,” the linear contrast panels feel far more professional. It is critical to distinguish between the two.
These are just so cool.
8. Wide-Leg
Style Notes: If you bought a pair of trendy wide-leg jeans last year, know that you did not make a mistake; wide-leg denim is here to stay in 2023.
Look for classic shades of blue to make this silhouette feel its most refined.
9. Faded Grey
Style Notes: Black jeans are always a good purchase, but light-wash grey ones feel more current as we enter a new season.
Note the addition of the puddle hemline.
