Denim is everywhere for spring 2024, so to help you strategically shop the top denim trends, we asked stylists to break down what they’re seeing this year. According to the fashion experts we chatted with, versatile denim spring dresses — both sleeveless and button-front — are trending, but when it comes to pants you’ll see three distinct and nostalgic styles: straight-leg, wide-leg and flared.
“Flared jeans are really having a moment right now, along with ultra-baggy and wide-leg jeans,” says fashion expert Melissa Rivers. “I think we’ve moved on from skinny jeans for the last couple of seasons, and people are selecting more straight styles if they want a cleaner line.”
But within the wide-leg category, different styles are trending right now. “The first one is high-waisted and fitted in the hips with a wide leg opening (these can be cropped or full length),” says fashion designer, senior global design director for Gap and founder of Vetted Jamie Lewin. “The other wide-leg trend is very loose and baggy, sitting low and slouchy in the waist and wide throughout the entire leg.”
Barrel jeans, or horseshoe jeans, are the extreme version of the wide-leg look. “They sit higher on the waist, have a horseshoe leg shape and taper off around the ankle,” Lewin explains. “If you are someone who likes to wear a trend first, this one’s for you.”
But no matter which trend you decide to shop, stylist Christina Stein has one piece of denim advice that won’t go out of style. “I always say this going into a denim shopping session: do not get hung up on the size on the tag. Sizing is simply not consistent anyway because your clothing is made in different countries that rely on a sizing system that has not been updated,” she says.
Instead, concentrate on the fit and how you feel. “When in doubt, get the larger size and have them tailored,” she says. “It’s like getting a custom pair of denim.”
With all of this in mind, we rounded up fashion experts’ picks for the top denim jeans and dresses to shop right now.
Straight-leg jeans
“Offering a flattering straight-leg cut, these Vigoss Stevie Crop Straight Jean are the perfect wardrobe staple,” Stitch Fix stylist Ray Carter says. “They can be dressed down for a casual weekend look, or elevated with a pair of your favorite heels and oversized blazer for a polished desk-to-drinks look.”
Nineties straight-leg jeans are classic-cut jeans that look good on everyone, explains sustainable style consultant Monica Diaz. “The new ‘90s straight leg is a little more relaxed with a slightly wide leg,” she says, recommending Levi’s (“the original maker of the ‘90s straight-leg jeans,” she notes) for a relaxed and comfortable fit.
Stein recommends these straight-leg jeans made from a lightweight metallic coated denim fabric. “I love the rips on the bottom and the price is right to try this trend,” she says. The style also comes in a variety of washes at Amazon.
Straight-leg denim, like this pair from Madewell, is the perfect everyday, go-to when it comes to denim, according to Vici co-founder Aimee Dudum. Madewell’s Perfect Vintage Jean comes in five washes and four fits from petite to taller and Dudum says the cut is perfect for showing off your footwear.
“Comfortable and made with premium denim quality, STS Blue's Carley Straight-Leg Jean is a great everyday option,” Carter says. “Under $100 and available in multiple washes, these are worth investing in more than just one pair.”
Wide-leg jeans
“This spring, we’re seeing wide-leg jeans taken to the extreme with silhouettes wider than before in medium- to light-denim washes,” says Carter. “Free People’s Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jean is a trendy choice that offers the same flattering looseness around the hips and thighs for a relaxed yet chic look.”
“If you want to try barrel-leg jeans but don't want to break the bank on such an extreme trend, try this Zara pair in black,” Lewin says.
Both Stein and Lewin recommend this pair of Levi’s wide-leg, mid-rise jeans for the season. “Levi's pleated wide-leg jeans have the fit of a trouser and look so chic, styled casually or dressed up,” explains Lewin.
As wide-leg jeans make their comeback this spring, Diaz says they are bringing with them a relaxed and effortless vibe. “They are characterized by their roomy fit from the hips to the ankles, creating a flattering silhouette for various body types,” she says. “Everlane's Baggy Jean are wide-leg jeans that strike the perfect balance between modern style and vintage inspiration. The high-rise waist and wider legs elongate the body.” She also notes that they are made of 60% organic cotton and 40% tencel, making this pair lightweight, perfect for summer.
“Wide-leg denim is our favorite way to create pulled-together looks for office, weekends and everyday casual,” says Dudum. “Both in a crop and full length, this style is elongating and really flattering.”
Another one of Lewin’s favorites, Veronica Beard's Taylor Wide-Leg, comes in a cropped or full-length style. “They are high-waisted and have a bit of a wider leg opening,” she says. “These are great for someone who wants a bit of a more fashion-forward style. They also come in white, ecru, medium and dark washes.”
Flared jeans
Flare legs have a mid- or high-rise; are fitted in the waist, hips and thighs; and flare out from the knee with a wide leg opening, explains Lewin. “They work great on straighter shapes as they give the illusion of curves. They also work really well if you're taller or have long legs as they generally run long,” she says, but “Frame has such a perfect, classic flare fit that looks great on a lot of people.”
Stein is also seeing flared jeans topping the denim trends for the season and this bright blue wash in a skinny-meets flared silhouette is her top pick. “I love this brand and the color, it’s classic,” she says.
When it comes to flared jeans, Rivers’ favorite is this high-rise pair with a raw hem from Frame. It’s made from the brand’s super-stretch cotton-lyocell blend denim for a trendy yet comfortable fit.
Denim dresses
“You can’t go wrong this season if you’re looking for the perfect denim dress for work or weekend fun,” says Kathryn Sukey, chief creative officer at Draper James. “I love a multi-seamed fit-and-flare frock for the ultimate in feminine denim dressing.”
“The denim column dress is so classic and you’ll be reaching for her in your closet for years due to her simplicity and ability to be layered with everything from blazers to bombers to cardis and dressed up or down with accessories and shoes,” says Sukey.
Sukey says she’s also shopping this medium wash A-line mini for a casual weekend feel, paired with these Veronica Beard denim sneakers to complete the look.
Sukey is also seeing “simply tailored denim shirt dresses” this season and describes this versatile style as the perfect piece that exudes casual feminine polish. “Finally, the humble shirt dress is not so humble — she is so interesting this season in the simplicity of the designs,” she says. “I love a dark-wash denim shirt dress because she’s dressy enough for work but translates easily to weekend fun too.”
Both Dudum and Sukey called out this Givenchy denim dress as a must-have for the season. “Our favorite fabrication just got an upgrade into a day event and work-appropriate dress,” says Dudum. She loves the versatility and ease of denim dresses and this timeless look features an A-line silhouette, spread collar and pockets — which you can also find in this more affordable option from DL1961.