The Jeans Trends Taking Over London, Paris and L.A. This Summer
Britain might not reach the heady temperatures of even its closest neighbour during the summer months, but this means something positive for those of us who have an affinity for a specific wardrobe item: Rarely does it get too hot to wear jeans. Of course, some days will call for lighter layers, such as white cotton or beige linen, but, for the most part, jeans can remain a reliable wardrobe staple for, well, whoever likes wearing them, even in the height of summer. With that in mind, shall we talk about summer jeans trends for 2023?
While there's certainly nothing wrong with a pair of classic blue, straight-leg jeans, brands have worked up some subtle updates to their jean styles this season that you might wish to consider. These aren't, however, flash-in-the-pan jeans trends that will go out as quickly as they came in—I've deliberately selected pairs that 1) have already proven themselves to have a longer shelf life than others or 2) I genuinely think won't date. Proof that even trending items can stand the test of time.
While conducting my research, it became clear that the most avid jeans wearers congregate in three cities: London, Paris and L.A. As such, I thought it would be fun to take a closer look at the summer jeans trends which are most prevalent in each place, too. How's that for organisational skills?
Scroll on to see key summer jeans trends for 2023, as seen on fashion people in stylish cities around the world.
LONDON
1. TURN-UP HEMS
Style Notes: Turn-up jeans have been doing the rounds on social media this week, with Londoners favouring a specific pair from cult denim brand Citizens of Humanity.
Shop the Jeans:
2. STRIPES
Style Notes: So many editors and influencers I know in London have snapped up a pair of stripe jeans. Camille's Mango pair sold out faster than you could say "What shoes should I wear with these?" but there's plenty more to choose from now that the trend is ramping up.
Shop the Jeans:
L.A.
3. SUN-BLEACH GREY
Style Notes: Black jeans are just as timeless as their blue counterparts but can often feel harsh in the summer months. Take the middle ground with a pair of grey-wash jeans—styles with bleached-out fronts or lighter hues overall will feel significantly more summery than charcoal pairs.
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4. CARGOS
Style Notes: It's the trouser trend from last year that just won't quit, so it makes sense that cargo pockets and utilitarian straps have found their way onto jeans this season. Worn with a plain vest top and Birkenstocks, this is how fashion people are channeling the Y2K trend on the daily right now.
Shop the Jeans:
PARIS
5. DAINTY DISTRESSES
Style Notes: Parisians are known for their classy aesthetics, so I was rather surprised to see just how many French women I follow are opting for jeans with rips in them at the moment. Keeping them on the minimal and dainty side, they give a lived-in, I-just-threw-these-on feel to any look, which I guess makes sense in terms of how French women dress. Less is more and all that.
Shop the Jeans:
6. ECRU TONES
Style Notes: What would summer be without a splash of white or cream in your wardrobe? However, if dresses and skirts aren't your thing, rest assured you can still channel lighter colours by way of jeans. Personally, I think cream colours look more expensive than pure white styles, and it would seem Parisians agree with me.
Shop the Jeans:
Next Up: I Love Shoes, But These Chanel Sandals Are Almost Too Beautiful to Wear
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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