Spring Denim Edit: My Top Styles for the 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 you can find just about any style of jeans this season (skinny, straight, wide, “puddle,” high-rise, low-rise, embellished, etc…), I find that sticking with 2-3 silhouettes reduces decision fatigue. And creating a denim capsule makes putting outfits together a breeze! Don’t worry about what’s “trending,” but stick with cuts (and lengths) that work with your lifestyle, proportions, and style personality.
Straight-leg jeans
A classic, straight leg jean is timeless, but this season I’m leaning into more relaxed cuts.
My sizes: Jacket – Petite Small, Jeans – 28
My sizes: Cardigan – Petite Small, Cashmere Tee – Small, Jeans – 28
When I opt for a straight leg style, these “Palma” jeans from Citizens of Humanity are the ones I wear most often. The softer denim and stretch also make them one of my most comfortable pairs! They’re available in several other washes, too.
For a slightly slimmer fit, I still like this rag & bone “Dre” style, and would suggest sizing down in those as well. If you’re short-waisted like me, you may like the lower rise.
Barrel-leg jeans
I know they aren’t everyone’s cup of Earl Grey, but barrel-leg jeans are still the style I love best and wear most often. 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 – Small, Tee – Small, Jeans – 28 Petite
These darted barrel jeans from Madewell have a subtle shape, and are available in several washes. They run true-to-size, and are available in Regular, Petite, Plus, and Tall.
This barrel-leg jeans style from Ruti is probably the pair I wear most often. They’re incredibly comfortable, too! (Available in Regular and Petite.)
My sizes: Cardigan – Small, Jeans – Petite 8
I like them so much that when they added a dark wash, I jumped!
White jeans
I put white jeans into their own category, because I think they can look more polished and elevated than most blue denim, but are just as easy to style.
My sizes: Blazer – Petite Small, Sweater – XS, Jeans – Petite 28
This straight-leg “Rambler” from Mother is a great all-around white jean style. The fit is classic, but relaxed enough for comfort and a modern look. I often size up in white or light jeans, but my usual size in this style was a good fit.
My sizes: Top – Small, Jeans – 29 Petite
Here’s that Madewell darted-leg jean again, in “Vintage Canvas,” which is a slightly warm off-white. I sized up in this one.
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?”
This article was previously published on April 22, 2024 and has been updated to provide more relevant product suggestions.
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Why size up in white jeans?
Hi Nancy, it’s a personal preference, but with light colored pants/jeans, I just think a looser fit looks better.
You look terrific in all jeans shown. I like your jean styles but the prices? I would definitely wait for sales…
I love the Ruti jeans and they are on sale! I ordered the slouchy soft twill pants in my regular size 4 (27 jeans). They were a little small and the zipper was hard to work. I would like to try the dark wash jeans. I thought I would order a 27 again. Do the jeans run larger than the twill? Is the zipper the same? Thanks for your help Susan. Love your blog and style!
Hi Kathy, I find Ruti pants run small, including the jeans, and so size up one size in all styles.
For me straight leg, wide leg and “loose” styles. Where I live it gets too hot for jeans in July and August, though blasting AC counteracts that on in office days. I tried a slimmer barrel style and just don’t like them so much on me (5’3” short waisted). But these loose jeans! (Mine are from Old Navy and Rag and Bone. ) So thin and comfy yet fit at the waist. I’ve concluded I need a straight leg no matter how wide that leg may be!
I’m with you! I like a looser straight leg and love my barrel jeans. I’m also loving that BR striped sweater you’re wearing. BR says it’s fitted so I’d be inclined to size up to a medium. But the small doesn’t look like a slim fit on you…just looks like it fits but not fitted, if that makes sense! Probably personal preference but I’d like your take…..did you try a medium?
Hi Linda, thanks! This was the only size I tried on. It’s not relaxed, but not snug either.
The Madewell jeans are currently on sale at Nordstrom!
My favourite of all these jeans outfits is the Madewell darted-leg jean in off-white with that darling striped sweater. But all your outfits are great.
Greetje
I have about 12 pair on rotation. Three of the darker, heavier washes, I put away for fall. I prefer the slim cut ankle length since I have shrunk
1 1/2 “. Denim is a staple in the PNW. A couple have embroidery. I love my denim with sweaters, a variety of jackets and lighter weight tees and shirts in the summer. I have one pair of trouser jeans that are 15 years old.
I also have tan, dark brown, black, yellow, grey, cream and white. I guess I am obsessed.