Fall’s Best Denim Trends

It’s time to pull out all of your cozy sweaters and pair them with this season’s most stylish jeans.

Denim is an essential part of our wardrobes and this fall we’re seeing a huge variety of chic trends we can’t wait to try. Here are our top picks!

1990s

Jennifer Stamper, owner of Juniper Boutique, says, “The ’90s are back in a big way. One trend I’m loving is denim on denim, a classic denim button down shirt paired with jeans. The key to keeping this look fresh and not too ’90s is to make sure the tone of your denim doesn’t match. Try light denim on the top with dark denim on the bottom or vice versa. Another tip is to keep the denim fitted and sleek, not sloppy. Pair your denim ensemble with feminine accessories like a pretty necklace and pointy-toe shoes in a bright color or print—but absolutely no cowboy boots!”

Try: Treasure & Bond Boyfriend Fit Denim Shirt, $68, Nordstrom  

Ripped

Don’t throw away a pair of jeans just because they’ve acquired a few holes. Ripped denim, also called distressed and destroyed, is big this fall, particularly in boyfriend or ankle-length cuts. You can even mix distressed jeans with a dressier top or sequin blazer. The juxtaposition is edgy, especially when paired with sexy heels.

Try: Rag & Bone Boyfriend Jeans, $220, Shopbop

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The New Bell-Bottom

Long live disco! The bell-bottom is back, but this time it’s a less severe “bell” and a subtle flare that starts at the knee. Pair this style with a bootie or wedge to really elongate your legs. To make the look more current and less Woodstock, wear it with a ladylike blouse or fitted turtleneck.

Try: House of Harlow 1960 Maeven Denim Pants, $88, Shopbop  

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Crop Skinny 

“A great transition trend you can wear during fall and bring back for spring is high-waisted ankle-cut denim,” says Kristin DeHaan, director of operations and buyer at Valentina. “I love the re-emergence of high-waisted denim and a slim ankle cut looks great with booties!”

Try: J Brand 8227 Mid Rise Ankle Skinny, $218, Shopbop

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Gray 

Even if you’re a classic blue jean lover, consider gray this fall. “Gray is the new black when it comes to denim,” Stamper says. “It’s super cool, easy to wear and right on trend for fall.” And, since gray is a neutral shade, it looks fabulous paired with cream, colors, black and prints.

Try: MIA & MOSS Cashmere Sabine Skinny, $99

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Plaid

“I’ve seen a ton of amazing plaid incorporated into not only denim but also into leggings, and I love this look for the holiday season,” says DeHaan. Plaid jeans are definitely unexpected and a fun change from your go-to blue jeans. Remember, if you’re wearing plaid on the bottom, stick to solid colors on top to avoid looking too busy.

Try: Joe’s Mid Rise Skinny Winter White Plaid, $218

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Shaping

These days, denim does more than just hug your curves; it can actually lift your assets. Stamper suggests trying denim that does double duty. “With their four-way stretch technology, wearing DL 1961 Instasculpt jeans is like getting lipo on your thighs, hips and stomach. They really are that amazing,” she says. “Unlike a lot of denim with shape wear, the Instasculpt are also crazy comfortable. We can’t keep them on the shelf at Juniper.”

Try: DL 1961 Instasculpt, $179, Juniper Boutique

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Denim Care 101

Keep your jeans looking new for longer by following these basic laundering rules.

  • Don’t wash your jeans when they are brand new (unless you are having them altered). Wear them for a while so they fade naturally.
  • Resist washing your jeans often. The less you wash them, the better. If you have a stain, spot clean it.
  • Hand-wash your jeans. If that seems like too much hassle, wash them on a gentle or delicate cycle. Wash jeans inside out in cold water so color doesn’t fade as quickly.
  • Never use bleach on your jeans.
  • Make sure you zip and button your jeans before washing them to prevent the zipper from catching on anything.
  • Wash jeans with other jeans only. Don’t throw in other clothes, which can create unwanted friction thus thinning or fraying the denim fabric.
  • Always hang them to dry so they don’t lose their shape or break down. Heat is one of the worst factors for jeans

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