Admit it, there are just some denim trends that you love to hate on. We already know that nothing gets people more divided than a good old controversial jean trend, and at some point, everyone decided to unanimously hate on acid-wash jeans. It's not the jeans' fault that they're so tricky to wear, but hey, there's a fine line between acid wash that's done right and acid wash that makes you look like you're wearing an '80s Halloween costume. So it's not hard to see why people avoided the denim trend for so long, but with the emergence of all things '80s lately, it was only a matter of time until acid wash started bubbling up again.
On the F/W 19 runways, Proenza Schouler and Givenchy were among the designers to include acid-wash pieces in their collections, a surefire sign that it's becoming a thing. We've even spotted it on some of the most trend-forward influencers on Instagram and, ahem, Hailey Bieber was testing it out as early as last fall. So now more than ever, acid wash feels a lot less fear-inducing and a lot more approachable for 2019.
Ahead, we're charting the trend's path from runway to Instagram and, soon enough, your shopping cart. Keep reading to see and shop all the best acid-wash jeans and then go tell a friend that the denim trend is back.
Acid-Wash Denim on the F/W 19 Runways
Designers leaned into the '80s trend with pieces like button-front jackets, exaggerated cinched waists, and strong-shouldered silhouettes that gave a nod to the decade's OTT style.
Celebs Who've Tested Out the Trend
When we started spotting the A-list crowd in acid-wash jeans, that's when we knew it was legitimately a thing.
WHO: Hailey Bieber
WHO: Shailene Woodley
WHO: Dua Lipa
WHO: Giorgia Tordini
Fashion Girls Wearing the Trend on Instagram
In the world of fashion Instagram, only the most trend-forward crowd has been testing out acid-wash denim as of late. Their cool outfits prove that it goes way beyond a pair of jeans—they're making acid-wash jackets, jumpsuits, and denim skirts look cool as hell.
Style Tip: A cinched jacket makes the tricky denim trend a touch more approachable.
Style Tip: Acid wash naturally evokes a rebellious, punk vibe so choose more structured pieces like a blazer to bring the denim trend into 2019.
Style Tip: Weirdly enough, a jumpsuit is the easiest way to pull off the trend.
Style Tip: If all-black everything is your MO, try out darker acid washes.
Style Tip: Wardrobe basics are the perfect way to anchor an acid-wash piece.
Style Tip: Pretty accessories downplay the denim's punk feel.
Style Tip: Tie-dye and acid wash. Think about it.
Shop the Best Acid-Wash Jeans
Fashion girls will style these jeans with a boxy white tee and some colorful heels.
The stitching! The belted waistline! The tapered fit! Everything going on here is good.
If you're considering any pair of '80s jeans, you might as well shop them from the decade's iconic denim brand, Fiorucci.
Wear them just like this with a boxy T-shirt and strappy heels.
The dye pattern on this pair is about to earn you so many compliments.
These are 100% office-approved.
You can't go wrong with a pair of high-waisted jeans.
Take a cue from the model and style these with crisp white sneakers.
I'm obsessed with the subtle pleats on this pair.
This wash feels subtle enough to wear as an everyday jean.
Yep, all your ankle boots will love these jeans.
Acid wash isn't the only divisive denim trend that's coming back. Next, see bootcut jeans.
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