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Denim's never looked so good.
While fashion trends change with the seasons, you can always count on denim to show up in the mix. Throughout the years, this utilitarian-turned-trendy material has been remixed and reimagined into countless silhouettes and staples. Case in point: the SS24 and FW24 runways were rife with denim in enough easy breezy and heavyweight iterations to last all year long. Ahead, we’ve rounded up 2024’s best denim trends for every aesthetic and occasion inspired by the runway and ready to go IRL.
Fans of classic blue jeans will likely pull inspiration from the Coach and Retrofête Fall/Winter 2024 runways where the controversial low-rise jean trend was tempered with baggy and straight-leg silhouettes. Both brands applied the same relaxed-fit approach to outerwear through oversized blazers and retro jean jackets.
For more adventurous denim enthusiasts, there were looks aplenty to love on the Lapointe, Ulla Johnson, and Stella McCartney FW24 runways. Here, voluminous fringe, daring cut-outs, ruffles, and two-tone textural treatments featuring leather and glittering embellishments reigned supreme. Whatever your vibe, read on for 13 trends redefining the way we'll be wearing denim this year.
Layered Textured
Sometimes, the formula for a show-stopping statement look can be as simple as adding texture to tried-and-true denim. From all-over lacing to sheer panels, there are endless possibilities when it comes to this multidimensional denim trend. For even more visual impact, grab a matching set.
Feathery Fringe
Ripped jeans, but make it fashion. 2024's take on the distressed denim trend is less about showing skin and more about volume. We've been captivated by featherlight fringe since we saw the frothy texture walk the Lapointe Fall/Winter 2024 runway and we love that you can tone this trend up or down for impact.
Wild West Silhouettes
You don't have to be rancher to wear chaps as this year's western-inspired denim trend proves. Jeans with leather panels like those spotted on the Stella McCartney runway during Paris Fashion Week are the boldest take on this trend, but you can deliver the same vibe with a two-tone all-denim approach.
Super-Cinched Corsets
While undeniably fresh and fashion forward, denim corsets are actually quite practical from a craftsmanship perspective. While other corset-style tops can be flimsy, the structure of non-stretch denim is sturdy so you’ll be well and truly cinched. A cropped denim corset with baggy jeans is casual ‘fit perfection, but you can elevate this piece by taking a cue from Sergio Hudson’s lookbook. The designer sent longline denim corsets paired with wide-leg trousers down the FW24 runway.
Multi-Wash Patchwork
This trend is especially well-suited for girlies who love a wide-leg jeans outfit. The bigger and baggier the jeans, the more space you’ve got to show off a patchwork denim effect. If you live in your skinny jeans and accept no substitutions, we recommend trying an oversized patchwork denim jacket.
Denim Blazers
Denim blazers are business casual with an emphasis on the casual. Even so, the silhouette of this trending denim staple — spotted on the Valentino SS24 and Coach FW24 runways — pulls focus, making a denim blazer a great choice for upscale occasions.
Comfy Cargoes
The rise of the baggy jean has continued into 2024, subsuming other baggy pants styles as it goes. The result? Cargo jeans as one of the year’s top denim trends. Pro-tip: If baggy cargoes aren’t your thing, you can still create a cargo-esque vibe by wearing more-fitted jeans that feature a pair of oversized pockets on the legs.
Romantic Ruffles
Another volume-centric trend, ruffled denim brings a heady dose of romance to this wardrobe staple. For a subtle look, opt for denim pieces that feature ruffles along sleeves or hemlines. To amp up the drama, try a tiered ruffle dress as seen in the Ulla Johnson FW24 runway show.
All-Over Adornments
While recent runways have been awash with treated denim of all kinds, we especially love the versatility that top-to-bottom embellishments brings to jeans or denim separates. With this trend, the higher the contrast, the more eye-popping the effect. For subtle shine, look for dark wash denim with dark-toned rhinestones. Conversely, gray denim with silver studs or stoning delivers intense textural impact.
Vintage-Inspired Outerwear
The vintage vibes were strong on the FW24 Retrofête and Zimmerman runways where both brands delivered denim aviator jackets in oversized silhouettes. Ekhaus Latta's SS24 collection brought that same old-school energy courtesy of a '90s duster silhouette. Both approaches bring a vintage feel to casual outfits and we expect this trend to reign supreme all the way from spring into chillier weather.
Statement Maxi Skirts
No shade to denim mini skirts, but denim maxi skirts are the standout style of 2024. This '90s-throwback trend works equally as well with a long-sleeve crop top as seen on the Marine Serre FW24 runway or as past of an ensemble jeans cast in a denim-on-denim look.
Creative Cut-Outs
Unlike other cut-out trends that are all about showing skin, 2024's trending denim approach to cut-outs is all about exciting structure. From garter-style pants-and-shorts combos to striped waist cut-outs, the vibe isn't nearly naked, but rather cleverly crafted.
Playful Patterns
While not objectively a springtime trend, the youthful cheekiness of printed or patterned denim puts us in mind of sunny weather. For a runway-ready OOTD, try pattern-matching your jeans and top for a polished vibe spotted on the Marine Serre FW24 runway, or keep things simple with a printed denim mini dress.