As spring rolls in, we’re longing to trawl the new collections for the next big trend. From It-bags to the next outerwear icon, it’s all about making the season’s must-have style your own. Yet, while statement buys delight us at the time, they often fall off the radar as quickly as they appear.
A new season also means fresh updates for wardrobe staples, those trusty pieces you reach for again and again. Universally recognised as a closet classic, women’s jeans are not only a tried-and-true outfit foundation. Denim was one of the major talking points across the SS24 runways, with critics honing in on designer’s latest revisions to jeans as well as denim shorts, jackets, and skirts. Hello, this season’s best investment.
Stealing the top spot on every editor’s wish list, time spent finding a good pair of jeans is time well spent. That said, if you want to avoid hours of browsing, we've tracked down the best jeans for women this season, plus the denim trends you need to know in 2024.
What jeans are in style now?
While you’re almost guaranteed that different cuts, washes, and finishes will come back into fashion at some point, we’ve already seen the rise and fall of several denim styles in 2024. If you're curious about the most on-trend jeans for women to update your collection, read on.First and foremost, are skinny jeans out? According to Gen Z, yes, but there have been signs of a comeback for the skinny fit on the runways since late 2023. Mom jeans have gained a similar reputation for being passé, but this retro-inspired style is well-liked for being a fair compromise between skinnies and denim’s new darling, the baggy jean, owing to its fitted waist and slightly wide leg.
But, it’s the ultra-oversized styles that are set to be this season’s staple. With baggy jeans, whether cut to a high waist or low-slung on the hips, what’s key here is the super-slack silhouette through the leg. In short, the baggier, the better.
7 Denim trends for 2024
On the SS24 runways, designers stayed true to the pared-back approach of elevating essentials, and it was no exception in the denim department. Of course, there were a few key design updates to breathe fresh air into this spring’s looks. Retro elements were played up, proportions accentuated, and it wouldn’t feel like the start of summer without the return of cut-offs.
While we’ve all got a go-to pair of jeans by now, the regularity with which we wear them means we can never have too many. Plus, with each season reviving past styles and welcoming new ones, there’s no end to choice for women’s jeans.
From directional details to the latest silhouettes, here are the top seven denim trends changing the way we shop and wear this beloved basic in 2024.
1. Dark washes
Typically associated with the winter months, inky-hued dark washes were spotted across 2024’s summer collections, although bleached denim never fails to make an appearance this time of year. By adding a more polished, grown-up feel to denim, consider a pair of dark blue jeans or a denim skirt as your new office staple on cooler days.
2. Grey jeans
Blue and black jeans tend to dominate in the denim stakes, but fashion observers are increasingly convinced that alongside dark indigo washes, grey will lead the colourways for women’s jeans throughout 2024.
Its faded appearance typically lends itself to casual settings, but if you steer clear of stonewashed or distressed finishes, there’s no reason why you can’t include grey ladies' jeans in your officewear or occasion outfitting.
3. Baggy jeans
Wide-leg jeans have been the style of choice for some time now, favoured by celebrity icons, influential dressers, and brand leaders alike. Luckily, they’re not only the coolest jeans to wear but often also the comfiest - another legacy of pandemic dressing.`
Wide-fitting jeans for women can entail anything from modest flares to MC Hammer proportions, but one of the latest iterations has involved a novel twist on cargo pants. Cargo jeans are yet another Y2K trend, and despite their aloof appearance, are surprisingly versatile. While an equally baggy tee suits dressed-down days, pair these jeans with a nice top, blazer, and tasteful jewellery, and they won’t look out of place at your next VIP event.
4. 90s Straight-leg jeans
With its more understated aesthetic, the 90s-style straight-leg has been much adored by minimalist dressers and continues to rival more oversized silhouettes into SS24.
As this cut of women’s jeans is more streamlined than their baggy rivals, these can feel a more practical choice than the dramatic proportions of wide-leg jeans, making them ideal for refined outfits. As a close fit style, find yours in a stretch denim for sitting-down days.
5. Denim shorts
As expected, denim was taken to new lengths in this season's emerging collections. In preparation for days getting longer, our hemlines are getting shorter, from baggy Bermudas to brazen hot pants. Bring on the summer.
Other than for holidays abroad and music festivals, micro-cut shorts don’t feel inherently wearable for day-to-day, but with the right styling, knee-length denim shorts can be dressed up or down as desired. Paired with a co-ordinated jacket and box-fresh sneakers, you’ll find denim shorts are more than capable of accompanying you from beachside to brunch.
6. Tailoring
Denim and tailoring aren’t first to mind if we’re thinking of power couplings, and yet, it works. In complete contrast to the slouchier iterations that have reigned over the last few seasons, tailored jeans are a new contender for the must-have style of 2024.
At several of this season’s runway shows, darts, pleats, front creases, and pin tucks were expertly showcased, imbuing these prosaic staples with new-found finesse. With this new trend for denim jeans, women who seek maximum mileage from their essentials should rejoice, as these elegant details only serve to make jeans more versatile.
7. Barrel jeans
We couldn’t compile a guide to 2024 trends without discussing barrel jeans. Already spotted in the fashion capitals and their runways, this latest genre of jeans for women is forecast to be this season’s rising star, but its claim to fame doesn’t go undisputed.
Barrel jeans have divided the crowd, but while it feels audacious, this silhouette mostly plays on vintage influences with a high rise fit, voluminous leg, and tapered ankle. For our style trailblazers who love to get ahead of the game, a pair of barrel jeans will see you right.
Inspired to find your next favourite fit? Explore our selection of women’s jeans, from our refined skinny jeans to coveted relaxed styles.
Looking for editor's picks or what's trending? Read more over on our blog.
