As we currently face a change in seasons, it’s time for a wardrobe swap, too. Although a season-less category, denim is a power player in fall; something we rely on as an outfit building block as the cooler temperatures hit. New jeans are always a smart buy as you start transitioning your wardrobe, and although we have seen a lot of trends over the past year, from low-rise bootcut to jorts, the fall 2024 denim trends are—dare we say it—downright wearable.
If you haven’t been able to keep up with the latest and greatest, never fear. Along with a slew of bonafide denim experts from all our favorite brands—think classics such as Levi’s, Madewell, Citizens of Humanity, and Frame, to more trend-forward like Still Here and Agolde, we are covering the best jean styles you should be investing in for fall 2024. Spoiler alert: many of them are closet classics, that won’t feel too out of touch with the silhouettes you might already hold near and dear.
Vogue’s Expert-Approved Denim Styles for Fall 2024
Long and loose silhouettes continue to reign supreme in the denim world, backed by most of our experts, while those in-the-know still can’t get enough of a relaxed straight-leg, either. Skinnies and stovepipes are surprisingly taking center stage this season, which we got a taste for on the fall/winter 2024 runways through low-rise styles shown at Miu Miu and skintight pairs at Balenciaga; even Gen Z can’t scoff at the idea of these, with the indie sleaze trend reawakening. And another surprising twist—stretch denim is making a comeback amidst the rigid textures we have come to love and rely on.
Keep reading below, to find the 7 best denim trends of fall 2024, all of which are expert-approved and completely shoppable, to jumpstart your fall wardrobe now.
Low, Loose, and Baggy
“Fit-wise, baggy, long and low are features that I think everyone will be looking for in jeans this season,” Sonia Mosseri, co-founder and creative director at Still Here, tells Vogue. “People have finally accepted that loose-fitting pants, whether it’s jeans or trousers, are chic. There’s no going back.” Across the board, our experts expect this silhouette to be popular. “Looser fits have become universally popular across all body types and genders, securing their place as a modern wardrobe staple,” echoes Jill Guenza, global VP of women’s design at Levi Strauss & Co. While Steven Caron, creative director & EVP of men’s and women’s design at Madewell anticipates its Low-Slung Baggy style to be particularly impactful. “The small-on-top, full-on-bottom silhouette offers a laid-back, nonchalant look that aligns well with current trends favoring comfort and ease in fashion,” he says. Comfort never looked so good.
Shop more:
Dark Indigo Rising
“The momentum for navy and deep blues has been building,” says Mosseri, who predicts fall will be big for all things in the navy color family. “Deep indigo denim washes are classic and true to the heritage of denim, it’s always exciting when they come back in style,” she says. Keeping with the long and lean silhouettes of the season, Guenza suggests taking the new Levi’s XL Straight for a test drive, which can be styled in a plethora of ways in their dark indigo wash. “Personally, I like to wear mine slouched on the hips and stacked at the hem over a pointy-toed kitten heel,” she says. “These jeans give ’90s slacker cool with enough polish for the office or a casual night out.” Agolde is also focusing on darker washes. “Expect to see a fresh range of washes this coming Fall, with an emphasis on dark inky indigos, washed black, and grey which is important from a trend perspective,” Phelps notes.
Shop more:
The Statement Barrel
If you are looking to add some oomph into your wardrobe, might we suggest the barrel-leg? Brands are reworking the silhouette for fall with great success. “Barrel shapes are quickly becoming a staple in the Frame customer’s wardrobe,” Erik Torstensson, co-founder and creative director of Frame, shares with Vogue. “For those who prefer to make a statement, the Bubble Jean offers a more exaggerated take on the barrel silhouette. This fit features a sculptural, curved outseam and a flattering shape at the mid-thigh.” Marianne McDonald, creative director at Citizens of Humanity, agrees that the barrel is still going strong, recommending its Miro Reworked Jean, which “offers a tapered interpretation of the trending barrel leg silhouette.” Those who prefer something more subtle, should look to the Low Curve from Agolde. “The quiet, curved outseam and subtle taper add a tailored element to the fit,” says the brand’s creative director, Karen Phelps.
Shop more:
Slim and Stovepipes
“As casual, baggy fitted jeans have saturated the market, it felt like the perfect time to refine and streamline our styles for the perfect wardrobe refresh,” says Torstensson. “This season, you’ll see curved shapes that feel tailored and sculptural alongside slim, straight-legs that are sleek while providing comfort and modernity.” In line with these slimmer styles is the overdue return of the skinny and stovepipe. “We’re expecting the Stovepipe Jean to be a big hit,” says Caron. “It’s a more focused, pulled-together jean. We evolved the trending skinny silhouette, as we’d been exploring the slimmer proportion, driven by the rising interest in slim-cut denim and the return of the skinny jean.” We can’t wait to pair these with all of fall’s best shoe trends.
Shop more:
Crisp Whites
When it comes to washes, Mosseri is all about playing with crisp whites for the season ahead. “Monochrome dressing is an easy way to put together an elevated and chic outfit,” she says. “White jeans and a tee are the perfect blank slate.” Across the market, you will find a spectrum of shades, from Still Here’s own, milk-inspired hue (which is at the top of our wish lists), to the perfect shade of ecru found in Levi’s 501 ’90s fit (another must-have in our opinion), to a brighter, bleached white take by Khaite in its customer-favorite silhouette, the Danielle. Go for gold by pairing these with coordinating white tops, whether that be a matching denim button-down, cashmere sweater, or your favorite, white T-shirt, just as Mosseri suggests. It’ll also help streamline your getting ready process when time is of the essence.
Shop more:
Relaxed Straight-Leg
“This season, we reintroduce and redefine classic silhouettes with a renewed focus on straight and slim fits,” says Phelps. “The Kelly emerges as the must-have straight jean of the season; with its relaxed, straight fit and vintage-inspired extended inseam, the Kelly exudes timeless, effortless style.” Torstensson’s seasonal favorite is Frame’s own Supernova, while editor picks include Slvlake’s London and Alex Mill’s Carla, all which have a relaxed feel that feels very of-the-moment. Layer with your favorite jackets of the season—from the returning barn jacket on the weekend, cropped leather bombers for a night out and wool blazers for the office. They’re the versatile jeans to rely on day after day.
Shop more:
Return to Stretch
What many may have avoided for the past few seasons when shopping for denim, is making a surprising comeback for fall. “Our redefined stretch assortment introduces an expanded range of covetable silhouettes crafted from the softest denim imaginable,” says McDonald. She ensures that these stretch essentials can feel modern and cool again, when cut in the right way. Be sure to lean into wide-leg and looser cuts, whether that be cropped or full-length, in these comfortable, stretch fabrics, to take you straight into the new season in a fresh way. Pro tip: these also make great travel options for those who don’t want to suffer style or comfort while on-the-go.
Shop more:
