Denim trends 2023: 7 key upgrades to our favorite staple to look out for this season

When it comes to the denim trends 2023, the runways were awash with a huge variety of different types of denim. And while many of your core staples can remain in your closet, there are 7 trends to note if you're looking to up your denim game this season.

The mere mention of the denim trends 2023 will have most wondering if their best jeans are still in style, but when it comes to the runway, the denim trends are about much more than skinny vs straight jeans. Denim fabric was spotted on the runways at the likes of Givenchy, Mark Fast and JW Anderson, covering everything from dresses and jackets, to jeans and skirts, hailing a whole new set of denim trends for 2023. 

Capitalizing on the obsession with '90s fashion trends, long denim skirts made a comeback, while the Noughties favorite - denim chaps also made a surprising return to the runway. These were balanced with fabric technology updates, featuring softer, more touchable denim fabrics, which resulted in more fluid silhouettes. While after seasons of blue jeans ruling the roost, designers introduced new denim washes to the runway, with everything from lilac to dark and dirty - designer Masha Popova even sent jeans with tire marks down the runway.

Of course, denim is a true classic, so if you want to stick to your mom jeans, the basics are going nowhere, however, if you fancy injecting something new into your wardrobe, these are the denim trends 2023 to look out for this season.

7 denim trends 2023 to look out for this year

Denim stylist Sam Remer, who offers virtual jeans fitting service on ilovejeans.com, says the major denim trend 2023 to keep an eye on is volume.

“Denim will be voluminous across the board. For lots of reasons, oversized denim is a key trend, serving up baggy puddle hemlines that billow over your shoes,” she says. 

“Wide leg jeans (high or low rise) have been a favorite and will continue throughout 2023. The barrel leg is a hybrid of the mom jean and straight leg jeans and are the best jeans for curvy women as it's wider at the thighs and tapers in at the ankle.”

Here are the seven denim trends 2023 to have on your radar.

1. DOUBLE DENIM REVISITED

Double denim outfits haven't had their moment in the spotlight since Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake went all matchy-matchy in 2001 at the American Music Awards. But now it's back, and with a thoroughly modern twist.

While the traditional Canadian tuxedo comprises of the best denim jackets paired with jeans, this year designers have taken the double denim to a whole new level. Gigi Hadid walked the runway at Givenchy wearing an oversized denim jacket with a cargo-style denim skirt, finished off with a white kitten heel. Over at Dion Lee, a more feminine silhouette emerged as a denim bustier was mixed with flared jeans.

At first glance, it seems an easy look to style at home, however, Lisa Baranello from the iconic denim brand, Miss Sixty says to make the look work you need to match tones.

“When styling double denim, match the denim color wash of each piece to achieve a synchronized look,” Lisa says. “To break up the monochromatic tones, you can always pair with a cropped length top, statement belt or accessory.”

What to look out for:

• Jackets: The mainstay of this look is definitely a jacket, so choose the style that suits you most. Not sure how to style a denim jacket this way? Keep it simple by either buttoning it up or layering it over one of the best white t-shirts.
• Utility skirts: While jeans obviously work for this trend, a skirt adds a nice summery vibe to the double denim look. Choose one with military or utility detailing, such as oversized, side patch pockets to bring it up to date.
• Jumpsuits: Find matching your denim too stressful? Then take the easy way out and buy a denim jumpsuit. There are flattering jumpsuits for every shape, but you can’t go wrong with a simple boiler style that ties in the middle, as it is easy to wear and suits all body types.

2. LONG SKIRTS

The denim trends 2023 have drawn heavily on the Noughties making long skirt outfits particularly pivotal to this look. The long denim skirt is a favorite of the Noughties, often worn with a strapless bandeau top, it's the perfect casual look for late spring.

The first time around this look had a distinct boho style, however fast forward to the denim trends 2023, and long denim skirts have been given an edgier makeover. Givenchy's version featured darker, dirtier denim, while Blumarine toughened theirs by adding utility-style pockets and straps.

“The long denim skirt is a brilliant season-less wardrobe staple, just change up your footwear for the occasion,” advises Sam. “Burberry's high-waisted paneled denim skirt is a fabulous example of this returning trend.”

Not sure what to wear with a denim skirt? Runway designers matched their long denim skirts with teeny, tiny bra tops, making the look more wearable by swapping out denim bras for a simple t-shirt or vest top, as seen at the likes of Altuzarra. This was the first time the fashion house had included denim in its collection, proving what a huge trend denim is.

What to look out for:

• Skirts over jeans: Wondering how to style skirts over pants? Try wearing your long skirt over your best skinny jeans or more tapered straight-leg jeans. Keep your top half simple and sleek to avoid too much bulk.
• Cargo-style skirts: While cargo pants have become a style staple, it’s time for the trusty denim skirt to get a utility makeover as well. While it adds interest to a simple skirt, it can add some bulk to the hip area.
• High-waisted skirts: Low-slung skirts and jeans made a big return to the runway last season, to the horror of many, however, a high-waisted version that is expected to make its mark in 2023 is much more wearable in everyday life and looks great with a simple blouse or a tucked in top.

3. WIDE LEGS

As denim skirts get longer, jeans are getting wider. This denim trend 2023 gives more of a nod to '90s baggy jeans, as opposed to the '70s flares and is a great one to invest in as it is likely to stick around for some time. As comfortable as your best joggers, this is a chic option for more smart casual outfit ideas.

“For SS23, the wide-leg jean continues to grow in strength and dominance, and you can expect to see a lot of brands adding to their wide-leg offering in a variety of lengths and styles”, says Lesley Torson, the founder of leading denim retailer, Trilogy Stores, who predicts shorter lengths in wide styles will become popular in the summer months.

Wide-legged denim was particularly popular on the runway, spotted at the likes of Tibi, who tucked blazers into uber baggy pants, to Rejina Pyo and Nensi Dojaka who both showcased two-tone wide-legged jeans. 

And while integrating a new jean style into your closet can be tricky, you can easily get the hang of what to wear with wide-leg pants, according to Miss Sixty's, Lisa Baranello.

“Style with a fitted or cropped length top to balance out the shapes,” Lisa says. “Fun additions like cut-outs and asymmetric waistlines always add intrigue, but try to avoid wearing equally baggy untucked tops or jumpers to steer clear of burying the figure.”

What to look out for:

• Pretty color washes: Mark Fast sent lilac jeans down the runway, championing the WGSN Color of the Year 2023. Pretty pastel washes will work well for spring/summer, bringing playfulness into denim and lilac and pinky hues were spotted across the board for next season. Team with a lace blouse or puff-sleeved t-shirt for a super cute look.
• Two-tone jeans: Jeans with a darker shade on the outside and a lighter shade of denim on the inside give new interest to this classic shape. Keep the rest of your outfit simple to let your trendy denim take center stage.
• Dark, creased flares: If you want to look professional, choose a darker pair with a crease down the middle as seen on the Eftychia runway. Team with a blazer and white shirt for a timeless outfit.

4. LIGHT WASHES

While dark denim is always a safe bet when you want to look smart, lighter washes are definitely back on the agenda when it comes to the denim trends 2023. 

“Typically, lighter shades are popular for spring/summer, with denim staying authentic and light washed in a Y2K feel,” says Lesley. “White and cream jeans are also very on-trend for spring, with offerings in all leg shapes.”

Acne Studios and Tibi sent super light denim washes down the runway, with both choosing slouchy fits, emphasizing just how important this new, relaxed silhouette is. However, the beauty of this wash is that it works for all shapes from baggy to barrel, so you can pick the shape that slots most effortlessly into your capsule wardrobe.

This look is also very much anchored in nostalgia with denim brands looking back through the archives for design inspiration.

“Denim brands and designers are looking back to move forward by re-releasing collections dating back to the 2000s, inviting GenZ influencers to collaborate for a new lease of life,” explains Sam.

What to look out for:

• Baggy jeans: While all denim shapes were showcased in a light wash, baggy jeans are the silhouette that probably looks most modern in this hue.  Not sure how to style baggy jeans? A more fitted top half, such as a slim-fitting white t-shirt or tucked in blouse is the way forward with this style.
• Light grey wash: If super washed-out blue jeans aren't for you, a light grey is a stylish alternative. Just as versatile as black jeans but fresher for spring, these will be your go-to jeans come the warmer months.
• White jeans: While the light blue wash is bang on trend, you can never go wrong with white jeans. Team with your best sweater in a bright hue or your best leather jacket for totally modern white jeans outfits.

5. UTILITY

Statement pockets were seen all over the runways, making it one of the biggest style trends for next season. Spotted at the likes of Givenchy and Blumarine who created statement utility jeans with XL pockets on the side. This look gives a nod to the Gorpcore trend that places practicality at the heart of the style.

Lisa explains that the style is popular once more because it can be dressed up or down and is also super practical with all those pockets, with Miss Sixty offering several cargo-style jeans in its latest collection. While Givenchy styled its light wash baggy utility jeans with smart tweed jackets, Diesel matched its voluminous cargo pants with a belted halter neck top, for a very youthful and directional look.

Skinny jeans, while not out of style, are not as heralded as they once were and while you can still wear them, if you're after a more trend-driven look, straight-legged or slightly flared utility-style jeans are gaining in popular and certainly give the cargo jean a more modern feel.

What to look out for:

• Big pockets: For 2023, pockets are supersized, making this trend feel really modern. Don’t be afraid about being swamped by this style as they are actually quite slimming jeans, especially when teamed with a more fitted top.
• Skirts: Don’t save this pocketed trend for jeans, it works really well with skirts as well, especially the new style maxi skirts, that have really taken on that cargo pant inspired shape. Perfect for hot summer days or when you don’t know what to wear to a festival, but still want to keep items to hand.
• Raw edges: The pockets on Act N°1’s cargo skirts had raw, unfinished edges, which gave this classic look a modern twist.

6. SOFT DENIM

Rigid denim has long been the mainstay of any jean collection, however, the denim trends 2023 ushered in a new direction with softer, more fluid, denim styles being showcased by designers.

Sam says part of this is the move to sustainability and the use of Lyocell in many more designer collections.

“We will definitely see and feel softer denim going forward that lends itself to fluid and draped designs,” she says.

“It’s all due to the many denim mills working with The Lenzing Group's Tencel Lyocell, a sustainable fiber made from natural raw wood pulp. It's fast becoming a go-to fiber for denim due to its low amounts of water, low carbon footprint, and softness. The biggest direction for denim in 2023 is definitely sustainability.”

A.W.A.K.E created soft denim shirts that hung seductively off shoulders, while Batsheva teamed soft culotte-like denim shorts with a pretty puff-sleeved blouse to create a smart casual look.

What to look out for:

• Denim shirts: While tougher denim works well for jeans, when it comes to a denim shirt, soft and fluid is best as it can be worn a variety of ways. If you’re not sure how to wear a denim shirt, try another of the denim trends 2023 and team it with your favorite jeans, or alternatively, tuck it into a leather or floral midi skirt for a smarter look.
• Loungewear: The softer nature of this denim lends itself so well to leisurewear. Think soft denim jogging bottoms with elasticated waists, teamed with a simple tee, which makes a great alternative to mom jeans outfits.
• Dresses: When the warmer months hit, denim dresses are a great alternative to jeans, especially when made out of softer fabrics. Look for styles that drape, perhaps even a one-shoulder neckline to give it a glam feel.

7. DENIM CHAPS

Brought to a generation thanks to Christina Aguileria's 'Dirty' music video, chaps are making a surprising resurgence as part of the denim trends 2023. Perhaps less in your face than Aguilaria's version (although not by much), this denim trend is not for the faint hearted.

“Have you noticed the people who wear Chaps have a not so hidden agenda - they have a great butt!” laughs Sam.  “It’s not surprising Beyonce included a pair of denim chaps in the previous Ivy Park Collection.”

Stella McCartney did faux brown leather chaps over jeans, while Christian Cowan went for dark denim chaps over lighter-washed denim shorts.

“Chaps don’t have to be revealing,” says Sam. “You can wear them cowboy-style over your jeans. I like the mix of denim and suede, or jeans with the faux leather legs.”

To make this look wearable, follow Sam's advise and slip on over jeans to add interest to everyday denim. You could lean in fully to the look and pair with the best cowboy boots too.

What to look out for:

• Faux leather legs: Sam says this is the easiest way to wear this look as you can just pull on the jeans and go. Her favorite pair are Harley by Agolde, a dark denim body with a faux black leather chap-style leg. 
• Dark and light denim: With two-tone denim being another big trend for 2023, wearing darker denim chaps over a lighter pair of jeans is the perfect way to combine two denim trends in one.