Denim Trends for Spring 2024 | Jo-Lynne Shane (2024)

What are the biggest denim trends for Spring 2024?

These are the most popular trends this spring, as I see it, and the ones that I feel are the most wearable for the everyday woman. There are plenty of other styles and silhouettes that look current; these are just the ones that feel particularly fresh to me this season.

#1. Wide Leg Silhouettes

photo credit: Anthropologie

The most fashion-forward denim silhouette this spring is by far and away the wide leg jean. We’re seeing all lengths, from cropped to full-length styles. They usually have a high rise (11-12 inches), but there are some mid rise (9-10 inch) options out there too.

The key to styling wide leg jeans is to wear a top that highlights the waist, whether it’s fitted, tucked in, or a cropped style. A structured jacket can also help achieve this goal.

I realize this is not a silhouette that appeals to everyone, nor is it flattering on every woman, but if you’re drawn to them at all, you should give them a try. You may be surprised by how much you like them, and you don’t have to wear a super dramatic wide leg to participate in the trend.

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Personally, I try to find wide leg styles that are cut closer to the hips and upper thighs, such as the PAIGE Anessa and KUT from the Kloth Jodi. I find those easier to wear than those that create an A-line shape from hip to hem.

In fact, there’s a fine line between a looser flare leg and a slim wide leg, and that’s the line I try to walk when wearing this trend.

Here are some wide leg jeans to consider!

#2. Darker Washes

photo credit: Anthropologie

While light washes are still relevant, we’re starting to see more of the deep blue shades popping up, and I’m happy to have the variety. I feel like the popularity of the darker washes will only continue to grow over the next few seasons.

My only caveat to this “trend” – which, of course, is not really a trend at all; dark wash jeans are always out there – but that’s the thing about it. It can easily look dated or frumpy, so keep your silhouettes loose and relaxed for a modern take on this traditional denim wash, and be sure to style them in a current way.

Shop dark wash denim here:

#3. Ecru

photo credit: Anthropologie

I included this in last year’s denim trends post, but I didn’t really see it taking off until this year. Now it’s everywhere in the mall stores and gracing my favorite influencers.

I love how this off-white shade plays into the neutrals but can be paired with bright and bold colors as well. If you don’t care for the newer leg styles, consider updating your spring/summer wardrobe with this natural wash in your favorite denim style.

Shop ecru denim:

#4. Cargo & Utility Details

photo credit: Evereve

Cargo pockets and other utility details have popped up this season on all denim silhouettes, and this trend is taking off big-time. I think it’s because it’s not that foreign to us; cargo pants seem to always be around in some capacity, some years a little more of a prominent trend than others. So cargo pockets on jeans is something many of us are willing to try.

It is a bit of a rugged look, so that doesn’t appeal to everyone, but I’ve seen some that look more sophisticated, and they can be styled to look more elevated, as I tried to do here.

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The other nice thing about this trend is you can find utility details on jeans in all silhouettes, so if the wide leg isn’t for you, you can still participate in this trend. I especially like the KUT from the Kloth Reese Utility Straight, as there are no bulky cargo pockets on these, and the slim straight ankle-length style is easy to wear for most women.

#5. Big Cuffs

photo credit: Evereve

I’m seeing big cuffs everywhere right now on all denim silhouettes, so I definitely wanted to give this trend its own category. The nice thing about this one is, you can purchase jeans already cuffed, or try it out by cuffing a pair you already have.

A lot of ladies feel like this is hard to pull off if you are vertically challenged, but I’m going to make a case for trying it anyway, if you like it. It might just be a matter of balancing the overall proportions of the outfit. It’s afun and an easy way to add a trendy element to your outfit without having to make a big investment.

Shop cuffed jeans here:

#6. Barrel Leg

photo credit: Everlane

The barrel-leg silhouette has been steadily gaining traction for a while, and this year I’m seeing more of it across the board. They’re also called horseshoe jeans. Basically, they fit loose in the thighs and narrows toward the ankle, and they can be subtle or quite dramatic.

These jeans are definitely A Look, so they might not be your cuppa tea, but I wanted to give them a mention because they can fit a variety of body types and personal style aesthetics.

Shop barrel jeans:

#7. Pintuck Jeans & Front Patch Pockets

photo credit:J.Crew

I’m combining these two in one because they’re smallish details, and I feel like they both give your denim a more elevated look and feel. Plus, you can incorporate these details onto any denim silhouette.

The front patch pockets (sometimes called a bardot pocket) are a carry-over from last year, but the pintuck detail is one I’m just starting to notice this spring, and I really like it.

Last year, the white PAIGE Leenah with the front patch pockets were my go-to white jeans for dressier looks, and I can’t wait to pull them out and start wearing them again. I just ordered a couple pairs of the pintuck jeans to try.

Shop pintuck jeans and patch pockets here:

#8. Denim Skirts

photo credit: Gap Factory

Denim skirts are BACK and I could not be happier. They haven’t been on the forefront of the fashion scene for many years, and I love this alternative to jeans.

The midi and maxi lengths look the most fresh and modern to my eye, but if you don’t care for the midi lengths, try this A-line style with the released hem. I would just steer clear of the knee-length pencil skirts, they don’t look nearly as current as the other styles.

Shop denim skirts:

What Denim Styles are OUT?

I’ll make this section brief, but I think it’s helpful to mention the styles and silhouettes that you may want to retire or at least move to the back of your closet for a while, if looking current is important to you.

Everyone always asks about skinny jeans, so I’ll reiterate that the low-rise painted-on legging skinny jeans we wore for so long have been “out” for some time, but slim-cut jeans with a mid or high rise can be worn without looking dated if they’re styled in a current way.

Low rises look more dated than mid and high rises at the moment, and denim with excessive distressing and all over rips and tears is looking very tired to me. If you like distressed jeans, a fresher look is the clean rips to the knee as opposed to all-over distressing.

Unless it defines your personal style, jeans with a lot of embellishments and embroidery aren’t really a thing right now. A more current way to add interest to your jeans is with dramatic hems (released hems, big cuffs, exaggerated trouser hems, etc.) or interesting seaming details.

I’m sure there are more I’m not thinking of. What other questions do you have??

In Conclusion

I can hear the protests in the comments already, lol! Once again, you should always wear what you like and what feels most authentic to your personal style. Maybe you’re ready to jump right into some of these new trends, maybe you want to wait a while and see how they play out, or maybe you’re going to sit them out entirely.

Like all matters of style, the way you interpret these trends is up to you. I’m open to new trends, but I don’t like to take big risks with fashion, so I’m a bit of a slow adopter with those trends that don’t immediately resonate with me. The most important thing is to have fun with it, and wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident!