Denim is always a go-to seasonal staple. Whether it takes the form of jeans, jackets, skirts, shirts, dresses and even shoes, you can wear demin 365 days a year. The only thing that changes is the denim trends, which can be tricky to keep up. That's where we come in.
In an effort to make pulling together your spring outfits easier, we've broken down the latest denim trends and the best ways to style them. Once again, we're relying on the street style set to help illustrate. Since it's spring and summer will be here before you know it, both seasons are taken into account.
How to Style Mom Jeans
Since mom jeans usually have a higher waist and straight legs, balance is important. Try tucking a colorful short-sleeve shirt into the waistband and cap things off with vibrant pumps. (The heels will help elongate the legs.)
If you prefer your mom jeans on the slightly baggy side, a crop top and a light-hued leather jacket are the way to go. Swap out the boots for cool kicks.
How to Style Flare Jeans
When it comes to flares, opt for the more subtle variety. In other words, no bell-bottoms allowed. Top off a darker wash with a boxy denim vest in a lighter shade. You'll definitely want to wear pumps or heeled sandals or boots to make sure you don't lose the flare.
Cropped flares are made for warm weather since they supply extra ventilation. A graphic sleeveless tee and backless shoes will pull everything together.
How to Style Baggy Jeans
One of the most difficult iterations, baggy jeans can seem a tad intimating. Have no fear, though. Anyone can pull them off as long as they have the right guidance. Top off a slouchy pair with a crop top and a cropped blazer. Platform sandals will also help battle that extra bulk.
Another way to go is to pick a top with an asymmetrical hem. That way some of the focus is taken off the jeans. Pointy shoes that will peek out in front also help your cause.
How to Style (Extremely) High-Waisted Jeans
Not for the faint of heart, if you're digging a high-waisted silhouette, keep the rest of your look simple. Tuck a white tank top into that sky-high waist and slip a long cardigan on top for the best ratio. Heels are another way to balance out the look.
How to Style Skinny Jeans
The skinny on styling skinny jeans really hasn't changed much. You want to stabilize them with a boxier top or jacket. Feeling especially brave? Tuck them into denim booties.
An open button-down over any kind of top works to counteract the skin-tight nature of skinny jeans.
How to Style Wide-Leg Jeans
The key is to keep things streamlined up top. A bra top gets the job done and will keep you looking and feeling cool in the scorching sun. Accent the jeans with a draped belt or two and round-toe footwear.
Cargo jeans are still trending so style a wide-leg pair with a patterned bodysuit. Somewhat pointy-toe pumps or sandals help round out the look.
How to Style Low-Rise Jeans
Low-rise jeans may seem so early aughts, but they're still a part of our denim lexicon. Make them more modern by embracing current crushes. Like motocross accents, but make sure your top plays a little peekaboo to get the full effect.
You can also rock two trends at once with wide-leg, low-rise jeans. They kind of offset each other. Sport with a button-down where only a few buttons up top are buttoned and white accessories.
How to Style Printed or Patchwork Jeans
Want a healthy dose of personality with your jeans? Then go on and pick up a patterned or patchwork pair or two. Regarding the former, make sure to snag the matching jacket or shirt. You don't always have to wear them at the same time, but at least you have that option. Work in a plain white tee and metallic shoes to polish things off.
Patchwork needs something equally as bold so style your go-to version with a neon top and stark sandals. White shirt and denim jacket optional.
How to Style Barrel Jeans
Perhaps nothing is as vexing as figuring out what to wear with barrel jeans. Their balloon legs and tapered hems can really stump people, which is why they avoid them. Face your fear head-on by rocking a pair with a colorful patterned scarf top. The point of the top is a nice contrast. Platform sandals FTW.
You can also accomplish the feat via double denim.
How to Style Double Denim
Speaking of double denim, you CAN sport it in both spring and summer. Give cutoffs a Western spin by teaming them with a denim, fringe-accented shirt. Skip the cowboy boots, or boots in general, in favor of strappy sandals.
A bleached cropped shirt and matching pleated midi skirt are designed for spring and summer. Simply add in sneakers or sandals and you're all set.
How to Style Denim Skirts
Rebel against the no pants trend with a denim maxi skirt. In order to keep cool, wear with a denim vest and open-toe sandals.
Or go with a high-waisted midi style. Add in a short-sleeve denim top and sandals to punctuate the look.
How to Style White Jeans
Forget that tired rule that you can't wear white after Labor Day. Summer is definitely the prime time for stark jeans, however, but skip anything too skinny or too baggy. Styling white flares with a white button-down and neutral footwear is our new seasonal uniform.
You can also go with a pair with slightly wide legs and complete the look with a seasonally-appropriate sweater and sandals.
