Denim trends for right now: Chic cigarette jeans, wide legs, kick flares and more
By clicking on these shopping links, visitors will leave ABCNews.com and GoodMorningAmerica.com, and these e-commerce sites are operated under different terms and privacy policies. ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links. SOME PRICES ARE DYNAMIC AND MAY CHANGE FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. Have questions about ordering or a purchase? Click here.
Denim is an everyday staple for millions of people, but trending jeans styles and shapes seem to change at a rapid pace.
That's where we want to help. At "GMA," we get hundreds of emails keeping us in-the-know on what shoppers are searching for, trying on and buying when it comes to jeans and other denim staples.
Not only are we keen on keeping track of styles, we've seen and studied hundreds of brands trying to keep an eye out for the best.
Below, we're tackling some of the hottest trends in denim for spring and beyond, as well as classic styles that will stay in your closet for years to come.
Keep reading to learn more, then start shopping for your best pair yet!
Are skinny jeans really back?
Since the end of skinny jeans' reign as the dominant denim shape in the early 2020s, loyalists have decried wide legs and flares, avowing to stick to their preferred silhouette regardless of the shifting trends.
This year, those folks will be happy to know the shape is finally back in style -- kind of. While ankle-hugging skinnies aren't all the rage just yet, slimmer shapes are easier than ever to find.
Straight cut, cigarette, stovepipe, pencil jeans -- all of these are names for variations on a jean cut close to the body with a non-tapered ankle that's nearly universally flattering and looks fresh again. Bonus: They're much easier to tuck into tall boots, which is another trend that's picked up steam over the past few seasons.
Check out some of our favorites like Madewell's exquisite Pencil Jean for sophisticated, slimline fun. SPANX is another brand in on the denim game with compressive, shaping jeans inspired by the 1990s. And NYDJ (Not Your Daughter's Jeans) bestseller the Marilyn straight jeans are an option that are sure to fit well and look great season after season.
Wide-leg jeans are here to stay -- with a slight update
Wide-leg jeans continue to be super stylish, but instead of the overly baggy, low-rise styles that caught on with younger crowds, the modern, sophisticated way to wear the look is with a more tailored shape and high waist. Closer cuts on the hips and thighs that flow with and over the body rather than swallow it are the way to look fresh now.
Some great options to browse in this category include LOFT's Rivete Cuffed High Rise pair that flatter a broad array of body shapes and sizes thanks to hitting at the natural waist and offering a fun cuff that draws the eyes down for elongation.
DL1961's Soft Curve High Rise jeans are easy and relaxed with an effortlessly chic look that pairs beautifully with a sweater layered over a white tee.
Wrangler's Bespoke line has been a hit with wearers since dropping in 2024, with the new high rise Trouser jeans offering a closer cut through the hip and seat with roomier legs and great stretch for all-day comfort and style.
Another bestseller over the past few seasons has been the Levi's Cinch Baggy jeans, which offer a more voluminous fit with the options to pull in the waist with a unique button tab that offers a closer fit.
Darker washes
Washes in jeans are less prone to harsh trend shifts, but fashion lovers in the know having been gravitating toward darker rinses this season in keeping with the more reigned-in overall vibe for denim -- and for good reason.
Darker washes offer increased versatility thanks to their more "formal" appearance than lighter jeans. With many folks returning to the office full time, they offer a casual yet pulled-together look that looks fresh at your desk or a happy hour. Pair them with heels for a cute date night look that's as comfy as it is stylish, or dress them up with a blazer and silk scarf for your next professional event for a look that's clean and approachable.
Cropped jeans
With spring approaching, Google searches for women's cropped jeans (mostly wide-leg versions) are up. Two reasons come to mind for this:
First, the return of the capri pant over the past few years has inspired shorter hemlines that look cute with a wedge or espadrille that's perfect for sunnier weather.
Secondly, the popularity of FX's "Love Store: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette" has reignited an interest in the late Calvin Klein publicist's much-lauded wardrobe, of which the more fitted kick flare was a staple. Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's signature style was timeless and elegant, and it's no surprise a generation that grew up emulating her is now merging with a whole new generation of fans to draw inspiration from her impeccable wardrobe.
Below, we've selected cropped favorites with staying power that you can shop now and pair with a tall boot for an elegant, warm look or with sandals once temperatures start to rise. The Levi's 727 Kick Boot is most closely aligned with some of CBK's most photographed choices, while picks from Silver, Gap and even a barrel style from Old Navy have a trendier-for-today vibe.
