This year, I decided I want to wear what I own more often. It may sound silly because, of course, we wear our own clothes, but what I mean is I feel as though I’ve neglected some of my much-loved pieces over the past couple of years. So with this in mind, I had a try-it-on session at home, digging out some of my trusty favourites. While I found some gems (hello, vintage Dior jacket I had forgotten about), when it came to denim, I realised my initial plan failed. My favourite H&M jeans I wore on heavy rotation throughout 2018 and 2019 split (literally) at the seams when I tried to put them on. And the rest of my denim collection didn't quite make me feel good anymore. And ill-fitting, tight denim can really put a dampener on how you feel about an outfit.
So after taking some jeans to the charity shop that no longer worked for me, I asked some of my fellow fashion editors and influencer friends about their favourite denim brands. J Brand, Boyish and sustainable label Seventy + Mochi were among the favourites, along with high-street heroes & Other Stories, M&S and Weekday. Denim with a recommendation is worth looking into, and as I started my search for some new jeans, I discovered spring/summer 2022’s hottest denim trends—from retro flares to baggy '90s styles—have all been ticked off by these brands. So to save you the epic search of finding the best jeans you can invest in for spring (and beyond), I’ve rounded up five styles, cuts and colours everyone is already backing, with inspiration on how to wear everything from blue denim to flamingo pink.
1. Baggy '90s
Style Notes: With '90s loose-fit jeans all over the runways at Balenciaga, Molly Goddard and Peter Do, of course, Linda is quick to jump on the trend. Here's proof they work so well scrunched at the bottom with sporty kicks.
Style Notes: Making a case for '90s baggy jeans with heels, Renia always inspires me to try out new high/low combinations. As for the double denim with the Prada bralette, I'm well and truly sold.
Shop baggy jeans:
The full '90s feel.
High-rise jeans never fail in the outfit department.
The baggier at the bottom, the better.
A staple.
2. Retro Flares
Style Notes: A tight-fitting (at the top) pair of flares always manages to lengthen legs when you pair it with heels. This flower-print style Aisha's wearing is ticking off the '70s trend that's mega for spring/summer 2022.
Style Notes: If you struggle to find flares that don't require you to be at least six feet tall, look to the kick-flare. Cropped around your ankle, it's so much easier to wear with heels or flats if you're on the petite side.
Shop flared jeans:
A subtle flare will ease you in.
Add platforms to complete the vibe.
Tap into the '70s trend in full force.
Of course VB is championing flares.
3. Bright and Bold
Style Notes: Nnenna chose to go bold from head to toe, and her look is all centred around those "wow" turquoise jeans. Like most things for spring, even jeans are getting a colour injection.
Style Notes: The co-ord of dreams does exist. I can't get enough of this punchy, pink, matchy-matchy denim set worn by Scandi style girl Emili. Unisex brand Pangaia has a pair (below) that'll allow you to follow suit.
Shop coloured jeans:
See, denim is never boring.
Bottega green is still a thing.
Made from organic and recycled cotton.
So many fashion people have been wearing these already.
4. Light-Wash Ripped
Style Notes: Arriving with the return of Y2K trends are ripped jeans. These remind me of boy bands circa 2000, and to achieve it, make like Amira, and opt for knee rips.
Style Notes: Sylvie ticks off multiple trends in one with these baggy, high-waist, light-wash jeans with rips. Luckily, I've found the exact pair she's wearing, and you can shop it below.
Shop ripped jeans:
Sylvie's exact jeans.
Yep, knee slashes are back.
You can never go wrong with Levi's.
Try with heels and a nice top.
5. Cropped Straight-Leg
Style Notes: A much-loved favourite of the likes of Bella and Gigi Hadid, straight-leg crop jeans are loved by all. Never out of style, these look just as good with sandals (as seen on Karina) as they do with boots. This style is a seasonal winner and a personal favourite.
Style Notes: Any pair of off-white or ecru jeans gets a yes for spring/summer, and an easy way to pull them off is with a universally flattering straight leg. And the likes of Arket, & Other Stories and Mango are leading the way with these cuts.
Shop straight, cropped jeans:
The perfect white jean does exist.
One of & Other Stories new denim cuts.
Arket never fails.
Next up, eight denim brands fashion editors and influencers swear by.
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