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The 8 Biggest Denim Trends of 2023

Cargo, Low-Rise, and 6 More Jeans Trends For 2023

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Denim is a perfect blank canvas upon which anything is possible. But just like with classic wardrobe staples, jeans trends come and go. While denim does, indeed, stand apart with the notion that a straight fit in a true-blue colorway will remain in favor, there are certainly head-turning cuts, of-the-moment silhouettes, and specific decades-old washes that cycle in and out of style. And modern touches (for example, an asymmetrical waistband or an overly exaggerated slit) mean anything is possible.

In 2023, we're seeing a rise in popularity of the ankle crop and distressed treatments that range from unfinished hems to redone patchwork. Pleated trousers, dramatically pooling wide-legs, and formfitting bootcut flares are also everywhere, with these more standout shapes hailing from the '70s, '80s, and '90s. Meanwhile, the low-rise from the early aughts isn't going anywhere, with celebrities favoring the look, particularly when completed with a visible logo brief or a strappy thong pulled high to achieve hip cleavage.

Whether you love to mix up your denim outfits with oversize knits and statement tops or keep the combination understated in a bodysuit or simple white tee, scroll through the following categories one by one to see the top denim trends of 2023 that you can try on for size. Or feel free to skip ahead to the section you already know you're in the market for, and browse a range of washes for all different body types and budgets.

Additional reporting by Sarah Wasilak

Image Source: Darrel Hunter

1. Denim Trend 2023: Pleated Trousers

High-rise, pleat-front trousers in denim are everywhere. With a fitted waistband, these jeans are anything but your dad's favorite pair from the '90s, giving them more leeway to be styled with slim bodysuits and bralettes alike. That said, the roomy leg makes for a fluid silhouette that has dressed-up appeal.

Pleated Trousers: Madewell Baggy Straight Jeans

Go for a dark style ($80, originally $98) that mimics the look of a standard wool trouser but is crafted from good old denim instead.

Image Source: madewell.com
Madewell Baggy Straight Jeans
$80 from madewell.com
$98 $80 Now 18% off
from madewell.com
Buy Now

Pleated Trousers: Reformation Montauk High Rise Jeans

Opt for a style ($168) with a high waist that allows the pleats to form more of an elevated look, rather than a slightly baggier, low-rise one.

Image Source: Reformation
Reformation Montauk High Rise Jeans
$168
from click.linksynergy.com
Buy Now

Pleated Trousers: Nili Lotan Flora Jeans

For an off-duty favorite, you'll love these lower-rise, wide-leg flares ($425) that allow for a slimmer fit in the waist and roomier leg.

Image Source: nililotan.com
Nili Lotan Flora Wide Leg Jeans
$425
from nililotan.com
Buy Now

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2. Denim Trend 2023: Ankle-Cropped Jeans

Whether you wear yours with ornate, embellished heels; classic ballet flats; or casual sneakers, ankle-cropped jeans expose just a sliver of skin without going for a full-blown pedal-pusher moment. What's more, this silhouette is a seasonless classic that can be styled with skimpy silk camisoles and wool overcoats alike.

Ankle-Cropped Jeans: Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Button-Fly Sky-Hi

Go '80s with a light, slightly acid-washed treatment. You'll love these slim ankle-cropped jeans ($50) for their off-duty vibes and lower price point.

Image Source: oldnavy.gap.com
jeans
$50
from oldnavy.gap.com
Buy Now

Ankle-Cropped Jeans: Levi's 501 Original Fit Jeans

There's nothing like a Levi's 501 ($58, originally $108) fit when it comes to the classics, and the American brand has crafted its forever favorite in a flattering ankle crop, offered in nearly every denim wash under the sun.

Image Source: levi.com
Levi's 501
$58 from levi.com
$108 $58 Now 46% off
from levi.com
Buy Now

Ankle-Cropped Jeans: Raey Crop Organic-Cotton Straight Leg

These grayed jeans ($80, originally $160) are great for morning or night. With a straight-leg fit, they're easeful without being too roomy.

Image Source: matchesfashion.com
Raey Crop Organic-Cotton Straight Leg
$80 from matchesfashion.com
$160 $80 Now 50% off
from matchesfashion.com
Buy Now

3. Denim Trend 2023: Bootcut Flares

When it comes to this '70s throwback style, search for a slight flare from the knee down to the toe. A bootcut length means a peek at your shoes, so whether you opt for a pointed-toe flat, an early-aughts look with sporty sneakers, or platform boots to elongate your legs, you'll depend on your footwear for ultimate outfit balance.

Bootcut Flares: Abercrombie Ultra High Rise Flare Jean

Between the ultrahigh rise of the waist and the slight flare of the slim leg, you'll feel taller wearing these Abercrombie jeans ($77, originally $90), whether you're in heels or off-duty sneakers.

Image Source: abercrombie.com
Abercrombie Ultra High Rise Flare Jean
$90 from abercrombie.com
$90 $90
from abercrombie.com
Buy Now

Bootcut Flares: J.Crew Skinny Flare Jeans

These flared jeans ($158) feature a traditional five-pocket design, but what's not visible to the naked eye is that they're made from polyester recycled from plastic, which would have otherwise gone to landfills.

Image Source: jcrew.com
J.Crew Skinny Flare Jeans
$158
from jcrew.com
Buy Now

Bootcut Flares: Frame Le High Flare in Blue Stripe

Take the bootcut flare ($258) to eye-catching status with a blue pinstripe print down the leg.

Image Source: frame-store.com
Frame Le High Flare in Blue Stripe
$258
from frame-store.com
Buy Now

4. Denim Trend 2023: Cargo Jeans

The '90s are back in full force, including the utilitarian trend of cargo pants. This season, allow the off-duty look to infiltrate your denim collection, shopping everything from tailored high-waisted styles to slouchy, baggy silhouettes with a nostalgic fervor that is unmatched.

Cargo Jeans: AGOLDE Cooper Relaxed Straight Cargo Jeans

Keep it classic with a slim bootcut ($171, originally $228) and a single cargo pocket on either side, just like you did in the '90s. You might even want to mix in a sweet pointelle baby tee to really get into the mood.

Image Source: neimanmarcus.com
AGOLDE Cooper Relaxed Straight Cargo Jeans
$171 from neimanmarcus.com
$228 $171 Now 25% off
from neimanmarcus.com
Buy Now

Cargo Jeans: ASOS Design Curve Cargo Jeans in Washed Black

Go for a casual look with a pair of midrise cargo jeans ($49) that also boast oversize pockets but can be worn with a wide range of tops thanks to a dark and versatile wash.

Image Source: asos.com
ASOS Design Curve Cargo Jeans in Washed Black
$49
from asos.com
Buy Now

Cargo Jeans: Isabel Marant Vokayo Pant

For a more head-turning look, shop these straight-leg jeans ($790) that have not one, not two, but nine striking pockets.

Image Source: fwrd.com
Isabel Marant Vokayo Pant
$790
from fwrd.com
Buy Now

5. Denim Trend 2023: Tapered-Leg Jeans

If you're looking for a looser leg through the thigh that comes to a polished nip at the ankle, consider another vestige from the '90s by way of a tapered-leg jean. This slightly bow-legged style adds intrigue to your overall outfit and pairs nicely with combat boots.

Tapered-Leg Jeans: Ganni Stary Cropped High-Rise Tapered Jeans

These black jeans ($215) offer a twist on your favorite '90s straight leg, featuring a tapered ankle that keeps them from feeling too oversize.

Image Source: Net-a-Porter.com
Ganni Stary Cropped High-Rise Tapered Jeans
$215
from net-a-porter.com
Buy Now

Tapered-Leg Jeans: Made in Tomboy Isabelle Wide Tapered Ankle Jeans

These heavyweight Made in Tomboy Isabelle jeans ($412) can be balanced with a lightweight crop top for an effortless daytime look that feels even more relaxed with a distressed hem.

Image Source: neimanmarcus.com
Made in Tomboy Isabelle Wide Tapered Ankle Jeans
$412
from neimanmarcus.com
Buy Now

Tapered-Leg Jeans: COS Tapered-Leg High-Rise Jeans

Style these COS jeans ($120) with a pair of loafers to draw attention to their curvature at the bottom of the leg.

Image Source: cos.com
COS Tapered-Leg High-Rise Jeans
$120
from cos.com
Buy Now

6. Denim Trend 2023: Low-Rise Jeans

The low-rise denim trend from the early aughts isn't going anywhere. While some celebrities are utilizing this fit to reveal briefs and thong straps, you can easily work the slouch with an oversize sweater or bodysuit to give it a more easygoing, covered-up look.

Low-Rise Jeans: Rag & Bone Piper Low-Rise Straight

Just because your jeans are low-rise doesn't mean you're forced to lean into a loose '90s hang. You'll love this classic straight-leg fit ($135, originally $255) that simply boasts a slightly lower rise than the rest.

Image Source: rag-bone.com
classic straight-leg fit
$135 from rag-bone.com
$255 $135 Now 47% off
from rag-bone.com
Buy Now

Low-Rise Jeans: Silver Jeans Co. Britt Low Rise Slim Bootcut Jeans

The '00s are calling in a big way with the subtle bleaching at the pockets of these low-rise jeans ($66, originally $94). The slim bootcut also works nicely with a block heel for a more polished look.

Image Source: macys.com
low-rise jeans
$66 from macys.com
$94 $66 Now 30% off
from macys.com
Buy Now

Low-Rise Jeans: Zara ZW The Loose Fit Jeans

You can easily bare a hint of skin when you rock low-rise jeans ($60) with a matching cropped denim bustier. Add a sturdy Western boot, and your coordinated outfit will feel easier than ever to construct.

Image Source: zara.com
Zara ZW The Loose Fit Jeans
$60
from zara.com
Buy Now

7. Denim Trend 2023: Pooling Wide-Leg Jeans

If you're going to go big, go big. This season, jump head first into the ultrawide leg with jeans that drag behind you and almost entirely cover your shoes. You might even want to size up in your favorite pair to really lean into the look with a fit that's already trustworthy and familiar, since this exaggerated look is for the bold.

Pooling Wide-Leg Jeans: Reformation Cary High Rise Slouchy Jeans

The addition of studs at the seams of the Reformation Cary jeans ($198) make them feel even more timely. Even though they're baggy, they're made from rigid material, so they won't overstretch.

Image Source: thereformation.com
Reformation Cary High Rise Slouchy Jeans
$198
from thereformation.com
Buy Now

Pooling Wide-Leg Jeans: Abercrombie Curve Love Low Rise 90s Baggy Jean

Many reviewers say these Abercrombie jeans ($60, originally $90) come with the perfect amount of bagginess, helping to achieve the model-off-duty look they've become synonymous with.

Image Source: abercrombie.com
Abercrombie Curve Love Low Rise 90s Baggy Jean
$60 from abercrombie.com
$90 $60 Now 33% off
from abercrombie.com
Buy Now

Pooling Wide-Leg Jeans: Raey 90s Organic Cotton High-Waisted Jeans

This Raey style ($255) features a wide leg that isn't overwhelming, and the hem puddles without feeling frumpy. What's more, the waist is a flattering high cut that looks great with slim bodysuits and tucked-in tees alike.

Image Source: matchesfashion.com
Raey 90s Organic Cotton High-Waisted Jeans
$255
from matchesfashion.com
Buy Now

8. Denim Trend 2023: Patchwork Jeans

Go artsy this year with jeans that feature a patchwork design, oftentimes clad with mixed-material panels that incorporate cotton or faux leather. It's a one-and-done way to play with texture wearing nothing but your true blues.

Patchwork Jeans: Magali Pascal Janis Patchwork Jeans

If you want the patchwork look with a slight '70s flair, opt for this style from Magali Pascal ($395), which even come with a matching sleeveless vest.

Image Source: anthropologie.com
Magali Pascal Janis Patchwork Jeans
$395
from anthropologie.com
Buy Now

Patchwork Jeans: Hollister Ultra High Rise Patchwork Dad Jeans

Marry a mix of denim washes and patch sizes for an overall crafty look in these Hollister dad jeans ($20, originally $65).

Image Source: hollisterco.com
Hollister Ultra High Rise Patchwork Dad Jeans
$20 from hollisterco.com
$65 $20 Now 69% off
from hollisterco.com
Buy Now

Patchwork Jeans: Cider Patchy Straight Leg Jeans

If you're a fan of colored denim, you'll love the '70s influence of these Cider jeans ($36) with contrast pockets at the back. Let them fully own the spotlight by coordinating with a fitted white T-shirt.

Image Source: shopcider.com
Cider Patchy Straight Leg Jeans
$36
from shopcider.com
Buy Now

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