True blue-lovers, rejoice! 2023 is set to be a huge year for denim. There’s no doubt jeans remain a staple in our year-round wardrobes‚ but we couldn’t help but notice just how much designers decked the runways with the versatile fabric—featuring a whole host of washes, silhouettes, and fresh styling ideas—leaving no sartorial denim craving unsatisfied. And naturally, we’re not mad about it.
We’ve already covered some of the biggest jeans trends to look forward to, so today we’re focusing on the fresh denim trends fashion people will be wearing this year that aren’t jeans—and there are plenty of them! From denim maxi skirts to Y2K-inspired styles, if you love denim as much as we do, take a look below for the denim pieces to be seen in this year.
Gen Z queen Olivia Rodrigo just did the unthinkable and wore skinny jeans. (I apologize for the hyperbole.) It’s not something we’re used to seeing the Y2K-loving musician wear. But rumor has it that skinny jeans are coming back with a vengeance in 2023, so perhaps she’s getting a head start.
The outfit I’m referring to is one Rodrigo wore while out this week in NYC. She paired the aforementioned skinny jeans with a ribbed gray sweater and her go-to Converse Chuck Taylor high-tops. What took the outfit from cool to chic was the addition of a leather blazer, a trend that’s been percolating for several seasons now. Having polished basics that go with everything (like a leather blazer) is key because you can wear them with easy, casual pieces and look like you made an effort every single time.
Scroll to shop Rodrigo’s casual-chic look, along with some of my favorite leather blazers on the market.
These days, it seems like denim washes, fits, and rises cycle through periods of popularity every week rather than a decade. (Remember actual trend cycles? Me neither.) Because of that, reporting on such changes in the jeans space can, at times, feel repetitive. I’m not going to do that. Instead, I’ve chosen to focus my time and energy on the ways that chic people are wearing their jeans as opposed to the types of jeans they’re wearing. And in 2023, there’s one particular styling method that’s taking the fashion world by storm.
Canadian tuxedos aren’t exactly new, but then again, what is? Like everything else in fashion, the trend of wearing denim with denim has a tendency to return to the sartorial zeitgeist every few years, always with a fresh, modern look that makes us remember why we loved it so much the last time it was cool. And by the looks of my Instagram feed, 2023 is gearing up to be the latest year afflicted. Ahead, see how fashion girls are doubling up on denim in the early stages of the new year.
Jeans are arguably the most versatile and long-lasting item in any wardrobe. They come in myriad different hues, shapes, sizes, styles—you name it. And while it’s easy to pair your favorite denim with a graphic tee for a casual look, figuring out how to dress up jeans in order to make them perfect for any occasion takes a little bit more creativity.
Luckily, there are so many street style mavens, fashion bloggers and influencers who have cracked the code for us. During our occasional lack of sartorial imagination, we can turn to these fashionistas and let them inspire us with their effortlessly cool and classic ensembles. Thanks, guys!
To give us all a bit of inspiration, we rounded up a bunch of different ways to dress up all your favorite pairs of jeans. From elevating boyfriend jeans to create the perfect office-ready ensemble to taking boyfriend jeans from day to night, there is no shortage of ways to make your denim look chic. No matter your favorite style of jeans, there’s a way to make them look as polished as you want. Using simple tricks like adding a blazer and heels or pairing a graphic tee with a more polished jacket, these stylish folks can amp up any pair of denim.
Don’t be afraid to go bold, try something new and switch it up. You might find that the top you pushed to the back of your closet looks amazing with your high-rise flare jeans. The possibilities are truly endless, but we rounded up 10 different looks for you to try out below. Go forth and wear those jeans in whatever way you want. Read on to see all of the cute outfits.
iMaxTree.
With a Long Cardigan.
This long cardigan look is comfortable and chic. If you’re headed somewhere fun, like a bar, layer an open cardigan over a bralette (like is shown above) or if you’re headed to the office, simply switch it out for a simple tank.
Tailored jeans with a slight flare will compliment the silhouette of a long cardigan nicely.
iMaxTree.
With an Oversized Blazer.
When in doubt, blazer it out! An oversized blazer is a fail-proof way to look put together. I love shopping for them in the men’s section of secondhand stores but Zara always works too.
Courtesy of Zara.
Oversized Striped Blazer
A striped blazer incorporates a basic patterned element into your outfit without making it look loud.
Courtesy of Free People.
Marx Slouchy Cargo
This pair of cargo pants are ultra soft so you’ll be cute and comfortable.
iMaxTree.
With an Off-The-Shoulder Knit
While a classic sweater always is a good pick to wear with jeans, picking an off-the-shoulder knit top makes the look a little flirtier. This style works well in either a neutral tone or a solid bright color.
I love how the knit is paired with baggy jeans in the street-style photo. This pair from Good American has the right amount of slouch.
iMaxTree.
With Statement Stripes.
The French fashion girls are pros at dressing up jeans and one of their go-tos is a striped sweater, button-down or long sleeve.
Courtesy of Zara.
Striped Knit Sweater
This striped sweater works all year round—wear on a boat over the summer for a nautical look or with boots in the city for a Parisian look.
Courtesy of Mother.
Rambler Zip Ankle
Slightly cropped jeans give you the opportunity to show off a great pair of boots or kitten heels.
iMaxTree.
With More Denim.
Canadian tuxedos are always in style but the shape of the style changes throughout the years. Right now, an oversized button-up denim shirt with matching jeans is the coolest combo.
These cargo jeans are a perfect match to the pocket shirt—a key element of nailing a Canadian tuxedo.
iMaxTree.
With a Trench Coat.
If Karlie Kloss is wearing it, you know it’s a good outfit combo. A long black trench coat is a wardrobe essential and will give your jeans a high-fashion edge.
Courtesy of Ena Pelly.
Beckett Contrast Trench Coat
The large belt on this trench coat and leather detailing will elevate any look.
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Courtesy of Levi’s.
80’s Mom Jean
Take notes from Karlie Kloss and opt for distressed jeans to give the trench coat a relaxed look.
iMaxTree.
With a Biker Jacket.
Biker jackets are one of the “it” jacket trends of 2023—your Instagram explore page is probably filled with them and even Kendall Jenner has jumped in on the trend.
If you’re looking for a classic go-to pair of straight-leg jeans, Everlane makes some of the best.
iMaxTree.
With a Faux-Fur Coat.
My absolute favorite thing to pair with jeans right now is a faux-fur coat. It adds a little drama to a cold winter day and I’m here for it.
Courtesy of Pretty Little Thing.
Plus Cream Soft Touch Shaggy Faux-Fur Coat
This shaggy faux-fur coat is just the one you need to wear with a pair of light-wash jeans. It’ll also look great with a slip dress for a night out. It’s available in sizes L-5X.
Courtesy of Good American.
Good Boy Jeans
The split hem on this pair of light-wash jeans will give them a subtle flair shape. This pair is available in sizes 00-24.
iMaxTree.
With a White Button-Down.
For a timeless look, a white button-down is always chic—but don’t be afraid to modernize it with cropped or cut-out options.
Courtesy of L’Academie.
Norman Built in Bra Shirt
Courtesy of Donni x Madewell.
Low-Rise Loose Jeans
Give your look a little Y2K love with this pair of (slightly) low-rise jeans. They sit lower on the hip without being uncomfortably low-rise.
iMaxTree.
With a Dramatic Blouse.
A puff sleeve, a big bow, eyelet lace and bright florals are all game-changers when it comes to a blouse. A good blouse will take your jeans from the office to happy hour to a weekend shopping date—and you can bet you’ll get a lot of compliments.
Courtesy of Farm Rio.
Sweet Floral Blouse
Farm Rio makes the happiest blouses in all sorts of colors and patterns. This one reminds me of spring.
Courtesy of Rollas.
Rolla’s East Coast Flare Jeans
A flared sailor-style jean always compliments are feminine blouse—these would look great with pointed toe boots.
Move over, skinny jeans—there’s a new denim trend in town arriving to divide the internet. Enter flared jeans, the ‘70s-inspired silhouette that’s taken over the runways and my heart and that’s already being worn by celebrities in anticipation of spring 2023. Although it’s still puffer-season weather in New York City, I’m starting to shuffle in my pair of floor-grazing denim I haven’t touched in months.
While relaxed-fit and wide-leg styles have been all the rage for the last few years thanks to the fashion crowd’s love of slouchy tailoring, flared jeans are the controversial look no one saw coming. Even though it seems like skinny jeans are firmly tucked away at the top of my closet shelf, the latest ultra-flared-denim trend reminds me to never say never when it comes to certain comebacks. It’s 2023—why not stir up a little bit of controversy with some hippie-inspired flares?
Scroll on to shop all of the flared-jeans outfit combinations living in my head rent-free.
Over the holidays, if it wasn’t velvet or sparkly, I didn’t want it. But now that it’s January, that’s far from the case. All I want to wear these days is jeans (and sweatpants, but I’ll save that for another story). I have a hunch that I’m not alone in this and that you, too, may be looking for denim outfit ideas to add to your rotation this season and throughout the year.
As one does when they’re looking for fresh outfit ideas, I took to Instagram to see how people are styling jeans. Seven easy looks stood out to me, and none of them include skinny jeans. Instead, you’ll find outfits featuring wide-leg, straight, cargo, and baggy jeans. If any of those looser denim styles are your go-to’s, you’ve come to the right place.
Keep reading for fresh, easy outfits to build around your loose denim, and shop pieces to make them happen.
If you read Who What Wear on the reg, you know that we tend to make a lot of trend predictions. Based on what we saw coming down the runways, infiltrating Instagram, and landing at our favorite retailers, we called out the next big non–skinny jeans trend when it was first bubbling up. Well, that was at the start of last year, and if you cut to the present day, the denim trend in question—high-rise wide-leg jeans—has fully taken over the fashion scene.
I’ll just say it: We were right. If you don’t already know what we’re talking about, these full-length jeans are defined by a trouser-like wide leg and a waist-cinching high rise. We know that wide-leg jeans can be intimidating if you’re used to wearing more fitted styled (ahem, skinnies), which is why the high rise is crucial here. It hugs you in all the right places and creates some nice dimension for the overall silhouette. Some of the standout pairs defining the trend include the Citizens of Humanity Annina Jeans, a Who What Wear–editor favorite.
We went ahead and sourced the aforementioned pairs along with more of the best wide-leg jeans on the internet right now. You know, just in case you wanted to get in on the trend, too. Keep scrolling to shop all our favorites and glean inspiration on how to style them along the way.
From dating drama to Don’t Worry, Darling, 2022 was quite a year for Olivia Wilde. And, we’re glad to see her end it on a quiet but high note. The actress and director was spotted while out shopping in Paris wearing what might just be the most ideal cold weather denim outfit we’ve seen this season.
Clad in bootcut jeans, an oversize black shearling biker jacket, and sold-out Khaite Calgary boots, Wilde’s style managed to be both accessible and aspirational—lest we forget to point out the Proenza Schouler PS1 Tiny Satchel she was toting—for anyone seeking easy winter outfit inspo.
Paired with a warm turtleneck sweater and red manicure, the fresh-faced star’s look reminds us that a great pair of jeans is essential for all seasons, but it’s the accessories and outerwear that makes even the most basic outfits—jeans and a turtleneck—into the perfect winter denim look.
If you’re channeling big Olivia Wilde energy in 2023, then you’ve come to the right place. Ahead we’ve pulled several black jackets, boots, bags, and, of course, jeans, to help you achieve this O.W.-approved look this season.
Stars, they’re just like us! Well, sort of. Actress Sadie Sink stepped out in a sensational pair of baggy jeans embroidered with pearls from top to bottom. Alright, so the jeans are by Givenchy and sell for over $4,000, but still, it’s a great casual look, right?
Paired with a white Givenchy top and bag, it’s clear that Sink is stepping into the style spotlight (and, in this particular outfit, her Today Show segment) with ease, thanks in part to help from her stylist Molly Dickson. Dickson, who also works with stars like Sydney Sweeney and Mindy Kaling, has a knack for putting together head-to-toe outfits that are both inspirational and aspirational. So, while we may not be grabbing Sink’s pretty pair of Givenchy jeans off the rack right away, we’ll definitely take some styling cues from this casual daytime look now that baggy jeans are officially back.
Keep scrolling to browse baggy jeans (some with embellishments like Sink’s) to try. And hey, if you’re down to DIY your own denim and pearls design, we’re all for it.
Baggy, straight-leg, and flared jeans continue to be denim front-runners for fashion people. While these more relaxed silhouettes will certainly hold strong throughout 2023, skinny jeans could easily be considered a “classic” choice, despite their somewhat polarizing nature. So yes, style setters will also turn to this cut—especially with the rise of the skinny pant trend on the spring 2023 runways.
After scrolling through the accounts of some of our favorite fashion follows, it became quite clear that there are a few specific elevated basics the fashion crowd will wear with their skinny jeans to create chic looks. Although, just about anything pairs flawlessly with them given the classic nature of the cut.
Sherpa-lined aviator jackets and fur bomber jackets are one of my most anticipated outerwear trends of this season. To prove my point, look no further than retailers like Mango and Zara (or Loewe, for splurges) which are staples among Spanish women, spearheading the style across different countries. I picked up a vest bomber jacket during my trip I saw at least six people wearing it on the street, and truth be told, it may have been the best purchase I’ve made in a while.
I am a bit behind on my annual tradition of a closet clean out at the start of the year, but I’m already preparing mentally for what will be an emotionally challenging affair. You see, I have a deep connection with every item of my clothing. I fondly associate a memory with each thing that I own, and that’s especially true with denim. Since denim is so versatile and timeless, my denim drawers are comprised of the most worn items in my closet.
That being said, there are some denim trends that have come and gone as of late. After some difficult conversations with myself, I’ve gathered the strength to part ways with these trends knowing it will be a few years before they come back into play. (Plus, I’m working with a small NYC closet, so I need the space.) Below, find the five trends I’m bidding adieu to.
At Who What Wear, we believe that getting dressed is more art than science. Personal style is, well, personal, and shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all rubric that only changes with the seasons.
However, every savvy dresser is almost guaranteed to keep three wardrobe staples in their closet: sling-back pumps, a perfectly worn-in leather jacket, and relaxed, straight-leg jeans. These three items can be mixed and matched together, or added to an otherwise average outfit for an instant upgrade. And trust us: these pieces don’t have to be expensive to look polished.
Ready to have effortless smart style at your fingertips? Shop a few of our favorite sling-backs, leather jackets, and jeans below, and keep them on standby for when your look calls for a hint of sophistication without becoming too haughty.
While skinny jeans are a wardrobe classic and a timeless denim silhouette, today, we’re shifting gears and focusing on the latest and greatest denim trends for the year. For what is popular in the world of denim this season and beyond, we’re laying out the top three trends to pay attention to.
To ensure you’re as up-to-date as possible on the year’s denim trends, we’re diving deep into every detail that denim-loving readers should have on their radars. From the denim fits that are trending right now, like extremely relaxed shapes, to the iconic (if polarizing) denim rises that are making a fresh comeback, keep reading to see the types of jeans everyone is wearing right now and how fashion people are wearing the on-trend jeans. Ahead, see the 10 types of jeans to know this year, including washes, rises, and fits, and then shop a few of our favorites within each category.
While skinny jeans will always be around (they basically fall into the “classic” category), relaxed jeans have been the denim cut du jour among the fashion crowd for the last few seasons. And yes, the baggy-jeans trend will hold strong in 2023 as well. There are a smattering of items that pair flawlessly with anti-skinny jeans, but I thought I’d highlight the specific shoe silhouettes style setters will probably gravitate toward the most this year.
Below, you’ll uncover the jeans-and-footwear combos that are easy and effortlessly chic. As a preview, you’ll uncover the flats that feel quite elevated with the ever-so-popular puddle jeans.
Keep scrolling for more, including visual and shopping inspiration.
I was (fashionably) late to the jean party. My first foray into pants was experimenting with my mom’s old stirrup leggings, but beyond that, dresses and skirts were strictly my jam. Anything with separate legs felt restrictive and as far as hemlines were concerned, the shorter the better.
That all changed when I discovered vintage in high school. Turned onto the “joy of the hunt” by a friend, I became addicted to the adrenaline rush of discovering one-of-a-kind pieces. My previous grievances against pants were quickly forgotten when I fell for a pair of perfectly worn-in Levi’s. This was holy grail denim: buttery soft, slightly androgynous, and in the most perfect sky blue wash. I was hooked, and my repertoire expanded quickly: frayed cutoffs in lieu of miniskirts, indigo bootcut jeans over slip dresses. My sweaters were set aside in favor of oversized, distressed denim jackets. I’d turned into a true blue-jean baby.
Denim still factors heavily in my closet. I’m in jeans almost every day. Recently, I crossed over to the dark side. Black jeans create a totally different look, and I was keen to switch things up. Revamping my denim drawer made me feel like I was in high school again, chasing a high through different cuts and washes. If you’ve recently fallen into a denim rut, read on to revitalize your black denim spark.
To call True Religion jeans iconic would be, well, a little obvious. The brand’s signature stitching and horseshoe motif have been etched in our collective fashion conscience since the early 2000s, its logo second only to its impressively low low-rise styles and beloved fits. Worn by celebs and fashion-savvy folks alike, True Religion jeans were not just eye-catching. They actually made the wearer look and feel great, too, thanks to fabrications and cuts that flattered a variety of figures.
Today, the brand maintains the same DNA and quality in design but now includes a broader range of sizes to ensure the best fit for even more denim die-hards. In addition to creating new curvy styles, True Religion is also dipping back into the early aughts archives, bringing back fan favorites that feature colorful stitching, white Super Ts, and low-rise classics.
So, whether you’re inclined to leave low-rise jeans in the Y2K era or bring them back full force, there’s a new pair of True Religion jeans undoubtedly calling your name. Ahead, find your perfect pair among 12 of True Religion’s most-loved styles, with fit intel straight from the source: Tina Blake, SVP women’s design and brand image.
Like a certain once-beloved apricot exfoliator, skinny jeans seem to have developed a bad reputation. If you balked at clicking on this article, I get it. Skinny jeans seem downright passé compared to the other myriad of denim options on the market. But hear me out: Sleeping on this style may mean missing out on a highly versatile category of bottoms.
Think of Audrey Hepburn in a turtleneck and topknot. An effortless French woman like Emmanuelle Alt breezing past in a Breton-stripe top. Evergreen Itgirl Kate Moss slinking around London in yet another flawless outfit. What do these looks have in common? All three are anchored by black skinny jeans, cropped at the ankle. The look is equal parts sophisticated, chic, and cool.
Finding the perfect jeans can be a lifelong task. We all have countless pairs in our denim collections, but how many of those can we actually trust to look amazing on us every single time we put them on? For years, skinny jeans have been our go-to jeans style, and we’ve found so many styling ideas to go with the classic look, but recently, jeans with a “baggy yet tapered” fit have been catching our eye. With so many denim styles to choose from these days, we went straight to the experts to find out which will be the most flattering jeans to put on day in and day out.
We reached out to denim experts at 3×1, Paige, and Warp + Weft to weigh in on the matter. While they all have slightly different opinions on the best-looking jeans, they all expressed that, no matter what, the pair that you feel great in will be the one that looks the best on. We couldn’t agree more, but we also wanted to find out exactly which pairs are expert approved. So just ahead, each of them shared the number one feature that makes a pair of jeans look great on any body regardless of shape or size.
Not to brag, but we’ve already called quite a few controversial, celeb-approved denim trends this year. Remember the baggy-jean outfitGigi Hadid sported that launched the anti–skinny jean trend? Or the overalls trend Emily Ratajkowski and Margot Robbie made popular? Or how about the dreaded low-rise jeans trend that Bella Hadid is single-handedly bringing back? We saw all these denim trends coming from a mile away.
However, these celeb-endorsed denim trends blindsided us: Chloë Sevigny’s leg-revealing, split-seam jeans at the Cannes Film Festival, Yara Shahidi’s cargo-style jeans, Olivia Culpo’s jorts. Even we here at Who What Wear headquarters didn’t see these ones coming. Keep scrolling to see the controversial new celeb denim trends that caught us by surprise this year, and then shop them for yourself if you’re feeling bold.
