If the colder temperature has you thinking of updating your jean collection, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the need-to-know denim trends dominating the sartorial world. The beauty of this day and age is that these trends have a much longer shelf life than other sectors of the industry. For example, the fashion world has been leaning towards wider, voluminous silhouettes for a few years now. Whether it’s a cocoon-shaped pair of barrel jeans or a low-slung, knee-hovering baggy short, the evolution of trends moves at a slower pace, which is comforting for those who have ever dealt with buyer’s remorse.
If you’re a fashion-curious shopper looking for the best updated styles to add to your closet, you’ll find six denim trends worthy of the investment below.
Long Story Short
The Bermuda short is no longer reserved only for the summer. One of the coolest ways It girls are updating their fall outfits is by grabbing denim versions and wearing them with tall, over-the-knee boots. On the fall 2024 runway, Dries Van Noten showed us how it’s done with a model wearing a shorts-and-boots combo with a ribbed tank top and a glamorous cropped jacket.
Shop Long Short Jeans
Mango Hazel Denim Bermuda Shorts
Wilfred Snapshot Denim Short
(Stove) Pipe Down
The secret to longer legs: stovepipe jeans. The elongated silhouette and the straight fit from the thigh to the ankles create a vertical frame that draws the eye’s attention upwards. If you’re wondering what the difference is between the stovepipe and a straight-leg jean, think of the former as a more fitted variation that sits a bit more closely on the body like a tailored pant. For outfit inspiration, you’ll often see Kendall Jenner dashing between modeling gigs while wearing her Khaite Danielle stovepipe jeans with a sleek blazer and kitten heels.
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Khaite Danielle Ankle Jeans
Madewell Mid Rise Stovepipe Jeans
Twist and Shout
Twisted seams have become a hallmark sign of cool, lust-worthy jeans. Even designers who aren’t necessarily known for denim are giving way to the cool-girl ease of a pair of jeans with a leg-wrapping seam. Victoria Beckham has a low-rise design called the Gigi that will be released with the spring 2025 collection. The same goes for Versace, which debuted a sinuous silhouette on the runway during Milan Fashion Week.
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Maison Margiela Diagonal Seam Jeans
Now 14% Off
Apiece Apart Meridian Jeans
Toteme Twisted Seam Straight-Leg Jeans
String Fling
I love when a functional addition—like an adjustable waistband—turns into a sought-after trend. That’s what’s happening with the latest batch of drawstring jeans. The little detail has the power to turn a casual T-shirt outfit into an effortless work of art. For an instant closet upgrade, be sure to get your hands on Citizens of Humannity’s bestseller, the Brynn—that is, if it hasn’t sold out again.
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Citizens of Humanity Brynn Drawstring Trouser
Abercrombie & Fitch Low Rise Ultra Loose Jean
COS Wide-Leg Fluid Denim Pants
Gap Wide-Leg Pull-On Jeans
Fit & Flare
Boho is officially back. Of course, that includes the retro-inspired flare jeans, too. If you love fitted denim that also offers a bit of volume, the curvy silhouette strikes a happy balance. Join the Chloé cult and wear yours just like the model during the latest spring 2025 show with a sheer, lace-trimmed top—and don’t forget to finish the look with a bohemian belt.
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Mango Violet Flared Jeans
Frame Le High Flare Jeans
Veronica Beard Beverly Skinny Flare Jeans
Victoria Beckham Julia Flare Jeans
Load the Barrel
If the lack of structure in the baggy jeans trend turns you off, here’s a sculptural take on the oversized denim movement. The pièce de résistance belongs to Alaïa’s runway-worthy creation, which initially caught our eyes back in 2023 during the fall/winter presentation. Two years later, we’re still in love with the cocoon-shaped design. Remember what I said earlier? The shelf life of trends continues to expand. So if you’re looking for a splurge-worthy treat, style yours with Alaïa’s coordinating denim shirt.
Shop Barrel Jeans
Alaïa Rounded Leg Denim Pants
A.W.A.K.E. Mode Curved Barrel Jeans
Everlane The Way-High Curve Jean
Nili Lotan Shon Barrel Jeans
Alexis Bennett Parker is the Commerce Content Lead at ELLE.com. In this newly created role, she oversees all shopping-related stories online, from fashion-forward trend pieces to the most coveted beauty buys on the market right now. Alexis has worked in the publishing space for 11 years, and seven of those years have been dedicated to helping shoppers make informed purchases—no buyer’s remorse here! Before joining the team at ELLE.com, she worked in the editorial departments of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and InStyle, to name a few magazines. Not only has Alexis worked closely with several brands and tested hundreds of products over the course of her career, but she’s also won awards for her work as a shopping journalist. Namely, she was an honoree at the Pynk Magazine Gala in 2023, received the Condé Nast Commerce Content Award for Best Article by a New Hire in 2021, and was included on the Top 40 Under 40 Heir’s List in 2018.
