10 Denim Trends We Can't Wait to Try This Fall (and How to Style Them Like a Celeb!)

Fall might be our favorite season for one reason: all the ways we can wear denim.

From a good pair of jeans on a chilly autumn day to layering soft sweaters underneath denim coats, it’s a closet staple suitable for any occasion.

It should come as no surprise that the hit styles of the season include lower-rise jeans, loose-fitting silhouettes and even fun hem details. But the denim fun doesn’t just end there. We’re seeing unique denim jackets (think trenches, shirts and peplum styles), denim dresses and skirts and even a welcome resurgence of the Canadian tuxedo, too.

“I can’t wait to style denim on denim for the fall,” fashion influencer Kim Brannigan (@styledbykimkj) tells People StyleWatch of the trend. “I love how sleek it can look with a black belt and black boots.”

But if the Y2K-inspired looks and baggier silhouettes just don’t tickle your fancy this season, have no fear. “I think it’s proven that everything eventually comes back. So, definitely hold onto your skinny jeans,” celebrity stylist Dani Michelle assures us. “The most modern thing to do now is to cut the ankle so it’s a little crop skinny jean.”

Ready to learn what else is in store for the rest of the year? Ahead, the 10 denim trends that will be everywhere come fall and our favorite ways to style them thanks to the stars!

Barrel-Leg Jeans

Camila Morrone in March 2023; Dove Cameron in November 2023; Julianne Moore in March 2024.

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If you are anything like us, the extremely tapered fit of a barrel-leg jean may intimidate you. But according to our experts, there’s nothing to fear from this style standout. “I love the unique structure of barrel-leg jeans,” Brannigan tells People StyleWatch. “It is the perfect mix of a baggy, relaxed jean that also has structure.”When it comes to styling this type of denim, the fashion influencer suggests keeping it simple and letting the barrel-leg look be the star of the show. “I love styling them with a simple tank top and a strappy sandal or chic flat.”

Actress Camilla Morrone did just that to roam the streets of New York City, pairing a light-wash barrel jean with a cropped white tank, black pumps and a khaki trench draped on her shoulders. For evening inspiration, consider Dove Cameron’s dark wash and corset combination … leather gloves optional!

Denim on Denim

Katie Holmes; Sydney Sweeney; Margot Robbie.

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The “Canadian tuxedo” has always been a thing — who could forget Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake’s iconic matching moment — but the look has been a particular celebrity favorite as of late. And thankfully, the tried-and-true style has received quite a sophisticated upgrade in 2024.

“My favorite way to style the trend is to make sure the denim colors match so it really looks like a set,” says Michelle, who predicts the denim-on-denim moment will continue long beyond fall.

As evidenced by Katie Holmes’ dark wash vest and wide-leg jeans combination, matching denim is the key to elevating the Canadian tuxedo from fashion faux pas to quiet luxury.

While the stylist recommends keeping things monochrome, you can make it your own with any wash or fit (see: Sydney Sweeney’s medium wash structured jacket and Margot Robbie’s oversized indigo shirt, both paired with matching jeans).

As we head towards the cold-weather months, accessories can make or break an all-denim look, so choose wisely. Brannigan recommends pairing the style with a black belt and black boots to keep things sleek and monochrome. As for outerwear? “I also look forward to playing around with layering over top of a denim on denim look with a long trench coat or wool coat,” she says.

Denim Dresses

Yara Shahidi; Kendall Jenner; Jennifer Lopez.

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One of our favorite jean trends for fall actually requires no pants at all. Denim dresses have been all the rage for spring and summer, but stylists are predicting the one-and-done outfit will have major staying power. 

Take Kendall Jenner’s form-fitting dark wash number, which can easily be dressed up with a blazer or down with some funky sneakers. “The great think about denim dresses is that you can wear them on any occasion for any vibe,” says stylist Catherine Bibeau.

Meanwhile, Yara Shahidi’s Western-inspired denim dress is an immediate fall staple when paired with a long trench. As for a breezy sumer dress like Jennifer Lopez’s, Bibeau suggests adding a statement belt to cinch and define your waist and add shape.

“For accessories, I always like to go minimalistic with jewelry and add a bold a chic pair of sunglasses,” she adds.

Lightweight Fabrics

Jennifer Lopez in February 2023; Christy Turlington in September 2022; Serena Williams in July 2024.

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Who knew that breezy, breathable, lightweight denim existed? According to Carly Smith, senior denim designer at Favorite Daughter, fabrics are moving from “rigid 100% cotton qualities” to lighter styles that have “drape and fluidity.”

Just look at the stars, who have been flaunting comfortable but chic denim looks for months. Jennifer Lopez’s chunky sweater and loose denim combination has us convinced we’ll never need to run errands in athleisure again — because her outfit looks that comfortable.

Christy Turlington has also proved this trend can fit right in at the office. Recreate her supermodel-worthy style by throwing on a pair of lightweight jeans (we love the slight ruffle hem on hers), adding a relaxed-fitting top or tank underneath a tweed blazer and finishing with kitten heels or pumps.

Tennis legend Serena Williams even brought the lightweight look to the red carpet at the Kid’s Choice Awards in 2024, showing that there’s no occasion this trend can’t handle.

Low-Rise Jeans

Gigi Hadid; Laura Harrier; Dakota Johnson.

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Yet another retro denim trend making a comeback, low-rise jeans are officially back in style — whether we like it or not. However, the looks du jour are not the same ultra-low-slung styles of Y2K. Instead, stars like Gigi Hadid and Laura Harrier are reaching for low-rise looks that hit just below the navel. The result is a sophisticated, more approachable take on the trend — especially when paired with an understated top, à la Dakota Johnson’s simple black cardigan.

“A lot of people may be hesitant to take their low-rise jeans out of the archives but if styled right, they can look really chic,” says Bibeau. The stylist’s secret to pulling off the look? “Balance is key.”

If your low-rise jeans of choice are on the baggier side, opt for slightly cropped or fitted tops. If your denim is a tighter fit, off-the-shoulder and high-neck tops can create a nice contrast.

“Layering can also really jazz up your outfit: think blazers for structure or cardigans for depth,” Bibeau adds.

Unique Jackets

Sydney Sweeney in May 2024; Taylor Swift in 2023; Kelly Rowland in New York City.

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Jean jackets will forever be a closet staple, the trend just takes a different shape with each passing year. And for the foreseeable future, we’re ditching the classic button-up collared coat in favor of more unique styles like floor-grazing trenches (shout-out Taylor Swift!), oversized fits (we see you, Kelly Rowland) and even collar-less designs.

For a “chic and elevated look,” Brannigan suggests adding a denim lady jacket to your wardrobe. “I love that it balances the very classic, feminine style of a lady jacket and the relaxed vibe of denim.”

While denim is an inherently casual fabric, there are still ways to elevate a denim coat. Brannigan offers, “I would style this with a black mini skirt, white tee, and a black loafer.”

You can even take the look up a notch like Sydney Sweeney, who opted for a dark denim peplum top buttoned to the brim, matching micro shorts and bright white accessories, during a night out with her fiancé ahead of the 2024 Met Gala.

Wide Leg Denim

Margot Robbie; Natalie Portman; Jennifer Lopez.

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The further skinny jeans are in the rearview mirror, the wider our pant legs are growing. The wide-leg look has officially taken over the straight leg as the go-to style of the moment.

From ultra-wide to subtle flairs, celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Natalie Portman and Margot Robbie are all fans of the elongating silhouette. “Wide-leg jeans are an item I encourage everywhere to add into their wardrobe, especially if you are someone who always gravitates toward slimmer jeans,” says Brannigan.”

As for styling? “Pairing wide leg jeans with the perfect top is really important,” advises Bibeau. She recommends playing up the style’s lengthening factor by opting for a crop top that highlights the waist. “If crop tops aren’t your thing, wear a blouse tucked in, or a fitting T-Shirt also tucked in.”

For the finishing touch, the stylist recommends “platforms all the way” to add height and further complement the wide-leg shape.

And while we can’t get enough of the wide look for fall (and beyond!), both Michelle and Jordan Foster, stye director at Favorite Daughter, suggest keeping your skinny jeans handy for now. “Beware as time tends to repeat itself, the further we go wide the need to jump back to fitted and skinny is only just around the corner,” says Foster.

’90s Inspired Jeans

Hailey Baldwin; Cindy Crawford; Gabrielle Union.

thecelebrityfinder/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images; BACKGRID: Felipe Ramales / SplashNews.com

The ‘90s are back, and thankfully, they brought one of the era’s fashion staples with them. The decade’s classic denim look — defined by its relaxed fit, high-waisted style and lack of any stretch whatsoever — was a favorite of fashion icons like Princess Diana and Cindy Crawford — (who is still rocking the style in 2024!).

“My go-to jean has and will always be a vintage inspired straight leg,” says Foster. “I think they are completely timeless and will always be acceptable no matter the current trends.”

When it comes to styling the retro fit, anything goes. Hailey Bieber’s juxtaposed fit of a casual striped polo, leather bomber jacket and lightwash ‘90s jeans serves as inspiration for cool daytime street style. Meanwhile, Gabrielle Union’s pairing of a structured blazer and matching corset over ultra-high waisted vintage denim is a nighttime look that works for any season.

And of course, ‘90s-inspired jeans are a requisite for any “model off duty” looks, something few can pull off better than Crawford herself, who paired her jeans of choice with a graphic tee and colorful blazer.

Cuffed Jeans

Zendaya in March 2024; Anne Hathaway in New York City; Sofia Vergara in March 2024.

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We’ve talked about jean styles, fits and rises, now its time to think about another trendy element: the hem. “Overall, the market has had cleaner hems for some time now and is ready for a twist,” says Smith.

Enter, cuffed jeans.

This casual design detail has been popping up all over, from Anne Hathaway and Sofia Vergara running errands to Zendaya stepping out on the red carpet. According to Smith, a cuffed hem works with a plethora of silhouettes, including wide-leg looks, baggier fits and the classic straight leg.

The best part? This is a trend you can DIY! “Any pair of jeans you already love in your wardrobe can be turned into the perfect cuff jean by folding the hem over and using a simple needle and thread tack or use something like the Stitchy gun to tack it more easily,” Foster explains.

For shorter jeans, the cuff should hit just above your ankle, while wider-leg jeans should “kiss the floor.” Don’t forget to iron the hem for a clean final look!

Denim Skirts

Emily Ratajkowski in October 2023; Bella Hadid in October 2022; Gisele Bündchen in March 2024.

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Mid-length denim skirts hit the market a few seasons back and if our favorite stars are any indication, this trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Sure, we have a particular affinity for mini skirts in the summer, but a longer-length skirt’s superpower is its versatility throughout each season.

In the fall, it bodes well with tucked-in tops and lightweight jackets. When the cold weather hits, swap in turtleneck sweaters, overcoats and thigh-high boots. You can also pay around with shape, too: We love how Emily Ratajkowski’s skirt features a front-and-center slit, allowing a little skin to peek through an otherwise covered-up look.

Or, you can draw inspiration from Hadid, who went with a more low-rise, figure-hugging silhouette for a model-off-duty moment during Paris Fashion Week. Gisele Bündchen also mixed two trends in one with her light-weight and loose-fitting denim midi.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education