The 4 Major Denim Trends Editors Are Backing for Spring

I'll never forget the first pair of trendy jeans I bought for myself. I was 15 years old, and the year was 2009. So, yes—that means the trend du jour involved lots of rhinestone adornments. (Specifically, my jeans had rhinestones on the pockets, but I digress.) Do I miss those jeans? A little. Would I wear them now? Absolutely not.

While the denim industry has changed a lot over the past decade or so, one thing hasn't: Each season continues to bring exciting new denim trends. For spring and summer 2022, Who What Wear editors are backing four particular styles, all of which our friends at PAIGE are already all over. This is unsurprising since the brand always strikes that perfect balance of trend-forward, classic, and wearable pieces. Below, see the denim styles our team is most excited about—and of course, how they're styling them right now.

"During the winter, I got really obsessed with slit-hem leggings, but since I'm such a denim person, I've been wanting to test out the same style in denim instead of jersey. The best part of the style is how it shows off your shoes, whether you decide to wear a statement pair or just a classic pair of boots. I just got PAIGE's Constance jeans, which are high-waisted and have a super-chic hook-bar fastener instead of a standard zipper or button fly. I chose to wear an easy combination of a white muscle-style tank top and a light-gray oversize leather jacket. This trio alone could be styled up or down, but since I'm a sucker for dressing up, I chose to add a pair of heels and some gray sunglasses." — Eliza Huber, editor

SHOP THE LOOK

"It's not every day that I decide a pair of jeans is worth squeezing into my cramped closet, so you know when I endorse a new pair, it must be really special. I've been stalking the trends that are ruling both the runways and Instagram, and wide-leg jeans are going to be huge this year. I love how relaxed they make any outfit feel while still pulling it together. The second I tried on these jeans, I called one of my best friends, and she reminded me that I've been raving about PAIGE denim since freshman year of college. First of all, these jeans fit flawlessly. They elongate my legs and accentuate my waist. And since spring is kind of like a soft launch of summer, I love wearing a pastel cardigan like this one with my denim." — Sierra Mayhew, associate editor

SHOP THE LOOK

"While I have some standby styles that I wear again and again, I'm always on the hunt for the next cool denim trend. This season, I've been most excited about the white denim trend that I'm seeing all over the market and on the fashion set. It feels so fresh for spring and helps me tap into the neutral looks I've been gravitating toward recently. When I spotted this pair of white jeans in PAIGE's spring collection, I immediately knew I wanted them in my closet. With the high rise and long inseam, these jeans are super lengthening, even when styled with a low pair of sandals. I also love the unfinished hem that adds a cool, undone element to an otherwise polished outfit." — Kristen Nichols, senior editor

SHOP THE LOOK

"Colored denim is really speaking to me this year since traditional blue-wash jeans can feel a bit too casual at times. The string-waist detail on this pair is what really caught my eye. I've seen stylists tie shoelaces around the waist for a similar effect, and I like how this pair incorporates that trendy note. Ultimately, there's still a timeless appeal to this look, which is reinforced by the easy gold jewelry and subtle neutral pieces. Plus, I can never say no to a good mule, so naturally, I added those into the mix." — Inyda Brown, market editor