2023 Must-Try Jean Trends
If you’ve been a longtime subscriber, you know how obsessed I am with jeans. I wear jeans pretty much every day and love how I can dress them up or down for every occasion. Each year and season, we see new jean trends on the runways and in street style. You’ve probably noticed that denim trends have swayed to a baggier, more relaxed fit. This year, we’re still seeing baggy silhouettes…but we’re seeing some fun new details too!
Disclaimer: Every time we talk about jean trends, we’ve found that you either love them…or very strongly dislike them! Remember that just because something is “in” right now, doesn’t mean you have to try it. Let us know (kindly) what you think in the comments at the bottom of this post…are you going to try these trends or pass this year?
If you’re interested in seeing how denim trends have evolved since 2020, check out this post where we featured the denim trends that year.
#1) Wide-Leg
Wide-leg jeans are one of the easier jean trends to try and wear because there are so many options out there and you can find a pair that’s the right amount of volume for you. They have become increasingly popular over the past ~3 years and I LOVE them! Longer, wider-leg jeans with heels can make your legs look a mile long. Or you can wear cropped wide-leg jeans with sneakers or sandals for a more casual look. I’m wearing a pair of wide-leg jeans by Mother. These are some of my favorite jeans and I have them in multiple washes and versions (with a frayed hem, cropped, etc.). I styled them with a pair of platform booties by Veronica Beard that are chic, comfortable (for heels), and make my legs look super long with these jeans. Then I kept it simple with a gorgeous white blouse by L’Agence that has pretty lace details at the cuffs, covered buttons, and a flattering v-neckline. Find more of my favorite wide-leg jeans linked below…
#2) Extra Wide-Leg
If you like wide-leg jeans but really want to take it up a notch, these Frame jeans have everything you love about a wide-leg…but more! These are called the Palazzo jeans and have a super wide-leg silhouette. I love the dramatic look of an extra wide-leg jean but know it’s not for everyone. This pair of jeans runs a little long so I’m wearing the same black platform boots, but you can see how they sort of puddle on the floor…which is actually another big jean trend!
#3) Split-Seam
Split-seam jeans are also very on-trend right now and you’ll see these details in many ways. This pair of EB Denim jeans is SO cool, sexy, and unique. They have a deconstructed waistband that highlights the waist in a very flattering way. You can see on the front of the jeans that the split seam detail starts at the waistband and has a slightly different wash on the outside of the leg. It continues to the back of the jeans where there are missing pockets and a darker wash. These jeans also have a split hem detail (which is a trend I talk about more below) and a fun frayed hemline.
I’m wearing the jeans with a Free People bodysuit I’ve had for years and own in multiple colors. It’s super lightweight, comfortable, and flattering. It’s completely open in the front but the way the fabric sits isn’t too revealing, and you can wear a regular bra or a cami if that makes you more comfortable. On my feet, I’m wearing a pair of Stuart Weitzman sock booties that are a heavy hitter for me every year. They also work perfectly with this split hem!
#4) Split Hem
Similar to the split seam is the split hem! Sometimes split hem and split seam are used interchangeably but I wanted to show you a second split hem option. The great thing about split-hem jeans is that they beautifully frame your shoes so you can show off those statement booties, heels, or whatever you want. In the last pair of jeans, the split hem was on the front, but on this pair, they’re on the side. Both are great options and super flattering. These jeans are a little longer than the last pair so I styled them with the taller platform booties. Whether you try a pair of jeans with a split hem or split seam (or both), this style feels super fresh and modern.
If you’re wondering what heels to wear with jeans, make sure you check out this post next. It has tons of great tips and outfit ideas!
#5) Baggy
This jean trend can be a bit trickier to pull off, but it’s super cool. The difference between baggy and wide-leg jeans is the fit in the hips, butt, and thighs. With baggy jean styles, you have more room in those areas versus with wide-leg jeans where it’s still pretty fitted. This pair of jeans by Alice + Olivia is super comfortable, the denim is stretchy (but not too stretchy), and the fit is great. I’m wearing them with the same black Free People bodysuit and platform booties.
Pro tip: Pair a form-fitting top with your baggy jeans to balance proportions and create a more flattering look.
#6) Cargo
We’ve seen cargo take over this year, and I am here. for. It! Believe it or not, cargo jeans are a super easy and edgy way to wear the trend. These Mother jeans are much more wearable than you think…they have a flattering wide-leg and high-rise, they’re comfortable and soft, and the cargo pocket placement is good. I prefer to wear cargo jeans and pants with pockets placed below the thigh so that there’s no added bulk on the hips!
#7) Denim Sets
The “Canadian tuxedo” got a facelift this season! Matching sets are majorly on-trend with elevated cuts and tailored fits but for fall, we’re going to see a lot more denim sets. I know this trend is a bit of a wildcard but it’s too fun not to share! I’m wearing a matching denim set by Cinq à Sept that’s SO edgy, modern, and cool! This blazer has 3/4 ruched sleeves, contrasting stitching, and it’s super lightweight but still structured. I’m wearing the matching denim cargo joggers for a super chic fashion-forward look. The joggers are comfortable, have great pocket placement, and are a great length on me (I’m 5’4”). I completed the look with the black Free People bodysuit and black Stuart Weitzman sock boots. If you want to try this trend without making a big investment, consider pairing your favorite jeans and a denim jacket together to create your own matching set…you don’t have to buy an exact matching set like this.
Which of these jean trends are you going to try? Let us know in the comments below!
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Hi Erin ,
I love them all. I have two pairs of wide legs..one more fitted, one a little bit baggy, no cargo jeans but cargo pants, and no split hems just because I have been in shorts and tees all summer. It is in the nineties. Hopefully, I can expand my jeans in the fall and winter. You look gorgeous in all styles . I see people in the really skinny jeans and think mine will only be for boots. I don’t like the feel of them now…but never say never right??? Thanks Erin and team..you are the best!
It sounds like you are almost set, Rita! Good luck on finding those last few denim trends on your wishlist. I’m sure you will find just the right ones for you. I totally agree, it’s hard to wear the super tight and skinny styles after feeling how comfortable a more relaxed fit denim can be… A tapered leg is probably where I’ll stick on that front! Thank you, as always, for your sweet words and support! ~Erin xo
I love the matching set trend and particularly the Cinq-a -sept set. Will definitely be trying this trend for Spring Summer in Australia.
SO glad you are loving these denim trends! Thanks for sharing your favorite with us. We’re all loving the denim set too!! ~Team Busbee
I love the wide leg jean today as much as I did 50 years ago! Even the denim sets, which I also wore! All of us would often let our jeans drag on the floor to get the frayed edges. Since I’m now retired, I wear jeans almost every day. I love the “new” styles except the baggy. I’m 5’ 3” and I seem to disappear in them. Thank you for your blog. You make fashion so fun!
Fashion is always cyclical. We see the trends come and go and come back around again! I think it is SO exciting when the trends and styles that we love make their way back for us to enjoy again! Especially with jeans, it is easy to try out different styles and really find what works for each one of us. Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Linda! Glad you are enjoying these styles. ~Erin xo