Spring Denim Edit: The Styles I’m Leaning Into This Season
Denim jeans are a cornerstone of my wardrobe, and I have to admit I own quite a few pairs! 👖 I find them easy to style, and (almost) always appropriate for our casual Southern California lifestyle. But in any season, I tend to “lock in” on a few styles that I’ll wear in heavy rotation. Here are the styles I’ve been wearing most often this spring.
While there are a lot of different denim trends this spring (puddle jeans, extreme wide legs, extra light washes), I mostly still favor more classic and trend-proof styles. Jeans can be an investment, and I tend to keep and wear my favorites for years.
Boyfriend (or slim straight leg) jeans
Jean nomenclature can be a bit fluid, so I try not to get too hung up on parsing the definitions of each. But to me, a “boyfriend” jean usually has a mid-rise and slim straight leg. I like this style to hit just above the ankle, so often cuff them.
Boyfriend jeans have been a go-to style for me for the last several years, and this season is no different. I’m short-waisted, so find a mid-rise style works best when I want to tuck (or half-tuck) my tops.
These AG jeans tend to run a little large, so I usually size down.
I also like the rag & bone “Dre” style, and would suggest sizing down in those as well.
“Classic” straight leg jeans
If you prefer a higher rise and full-length style, you might like these “Classic” straight leg jeans. They’re great for pairing with more cropped sweaters and tops. These are also a little more relaxed through the leg. This style is offered in several washes, sizes 23-37, also in Petite and Tall lengths!
My sizes: sweater – S, jeans – 27
And with white or off-white jeans, I also prefer a more relaxed fit. These are from a prior year; here’s a similar style.
Barrel-leg jeans
I’m quite smitten with this style, though I may be in the minority, I’ll admit. They add a fun, funky element to my outfits, and are really comfortable! You can find variations of this style in a lot of different cuts and washes.
Some cuts are “barely barrel,” (relaxed and slightly tapered) and can be a good entry point if you’re curious about trying this style.
My sizes: Jacket – S, Jeans – 1(8) Petite
I find having a few no-fail jeans styles makes it easier to get dressed, without a lot of fuss. This spring, you have a wide variety of denim styles to choose from. Don’t shy away from trends if they appeal to you. They can be a way of adding freshness and modernity to your look. But if not, ignore the trends, and wear what makes you feel most confident and most yourself. What spring denim styles are on your “short list?”
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
Consider the Citizens’ Marcelle pants. They’re referred to as “low slung” but I’d consider them mid-rise. They’re extremely comfortable, and soft so their “slightly barrel” shape isn’t noticeable as they drape a bit. I brought them on a vacation (faded black) and ended up wearing them every day because they felt so good. They didn’t bag out a bit with that daily wearing.
Little consolation for your U.S followers, Susan, but those of us in GB can go to Uniqlo and look at a lovely striped cardigan very much like the Rag and Bone one you are wearing; it is approximately 1/6th of the price and not short on quality. I know, I have one ready to go whenever the rain stops!
Actually, we have Uniqlo here in the US, too, and that cardigan is on its way to me right now – thanks for the recommendation!
I am 100% IN regarding barrel-leg jeans and pants. I’ve always loved Eileen Fisher Lantern Pants, which are a classic barrel leg style but the jeans I wear on repeat are the Pilcro Heritage from Anthropologie. You are right when you say it’s easy to get dressed when you’re wearing a barrel leg, I think they’re amazing and so many of my tops look great with them. After seeing you wear RUTI, I purchased The Wide-ish Pant and I love them. Thanks to your comments, I ordered a petite (even though I never buy petites, I am 5’5″), they fit just like they’re shown on the model.
I love the relaxed comfort of loose and wide-leg pants! Recently, I added some organic cotton/rayon blend wide-leg cargo pants with smooth uppers and flat side pockets and DRAWSTRING elastic waist. Very comfortable. Got a quick wicking version with gentle/loose elastic cuffs for walking in warm weather (eliminates having to add sunscreen on my lower legs. And I am awaiting the arrival of a wide-leg, drawstring waist cargo pant in denim. I have boot leg jeans, some with stretch, in my closet, but don’t like the fitted leg or waist feel at the moment.
I’ve fallen in love with the wide leg jean. Granted, it can be challenging at 5’2” but I buy the Paige Anessa cropped jeans which are more full length on me. Very comfortable and soft. Really sorted through my jean collection and donated the pairs I rarely wear.
Never knew the style I prefer is called boyfriend! I have several Faconnable bought on eBay and after the NYT reviews jeans bought the Lala style in 3 colors, worth every penny. At 81 I have enough to last my lifetime!
I want another pair of boyfriend jeans. Like you said, mid-rise, ankle free, usually cuffed. Only my preferred boyfriend jeans are loser at the hips and have a barrel tendency. Must find a new pair. They were always my go to jeans. I like the wide leg, high waist jeans but they are so much harder for short-waisted me to style.
Greetje
Maybe it is a West Coast thing ( living in Seattle) but I LOVE my jeans. I have quite a few pair. One pair that is a trouser denim with a stitched down center seam, , I have had for 14 years and especially love to wear with Chanel type tweed jackets. I prefer slim leg ankle length. (Don’t have to alter as I have shrunk 1 1/2″). I pair with cashmere sweaters, striped tees, interesting shirts and a variety of jackets and footwear.
I, too, wear jeans almost exclusively. I’ve been burned too many times by pricey brands that promise not to sag in the butt or knees after a few wears, so I recently sauntered into good, old Gap and was very pleasantly surprised. Their “girlfriend” jean ticks all the boxes for me and they didn’t break the bank. Available in several washes, hemmed, or not, ankle length. Just sayin’….. you don’t need to spend $250 bucks on a great pair of jeans.
I’m agreeing with Kathy (Seattle)—I live in jeans, and the style I wear the most is a slim straight-leg ankle-length jean in a dark wash. Like several others, I am short-waisted, so a moderate high rise or medium rise works best for me. I, too, wear them with tees, shirts, cashmere sweaters, Chanel-style tweed jackets, and lighter weight cardigans. I also have a pair of medium blue straight leg jeans that to me seem more casual. I have several pairs of moderately wide-leg ankle jeans, and two pairs of lightweight moderate barrel-leg pants—one black and one olive. I’m really liking the look of the barrel-leg style, as it has ease but also narrows somewhat at the ankle, which I like. All are endlessly versatile.