Unless you’ve been living under the proverbial rock for the past decade, you know that skinny jeans have been ruling supreme in the denim world.  Love them or hate them, they seem to be devisive (perhaps it’s the name?); but they’ve been the denim style of choice for, well, most everyone.  First came the introduction of the boyfriend jean, which freed our legs from the constraints of the skinny jean but left us feeling, well, a bit sloppy.  But the continued and increasing popularity of the flare, wide-leg, and cropped bootcut (oh….yes) is making me wonder if I will ever stretch, pull, and plié into another pair of skinnies again.

Madewell

I am a child of the 1990’s; therefore, the resurgence of relaxed fit, wide-leg crops, and flares are totally nostalgic.  In addition to the cuts, even the washes are reminiscent of the decade.  Distressing has been in for years now, but now true blue denim or even acid-like washes are seeing a comeback.  And, the undone hem (like you cut it or let it out yourself) is huge for spring.  Again, didn’t we all do this to our older brother’s jeans??

Anine Bing

Girlfriend (aka. Mom Jean): These jeans feature a slimmer cut and higher rise than it’s slouchy cousin “the boyfriend” jean.  However, a relaxed fit is key to pulling off the “model off-duty” look.  Pair with everything from sneakers to a heeled ankle bootie; however, just make sure that your upper half doesn’t have too much volume, otherwise your overall appearance could seem too “carpool frazzled.”  Perfectly paired with crop tops and body suits (have I lost you??).

Hudson (I’m wearing these above in a different wash)

Flare: Nothing can make you feel more confident than a great pair of flare jeans.  Slimming and leg-lengthening (always worn with a chunky heel), they’re perfectly paired with fitted tops, tucked-in blouses, and cropped sweaters.  Go for the total 70’s vibe and wear with a great pair of wooden-sole clogs or sandals.  Or a simple boot or heel will do (nothing too dainty and never a flat), the hems of these jeans should almost skim the floor.

Current/Elliott

Cropped: straight, flare, and wide-leg – you name it, it’s cropped! Perfect to show off a little more skin during the coming spring and summer months or easy to wear now with your favorite booties (no cuffing required).  I’m loving mine with sneakers (obviously) or oxfords for a preppy take on the trend.

Free People

Wide-Leg: Your legs will never feel so free.  A wide-leg jean should have a higher-rise, meeting at your waist.  Accentuate a little middle by tucking or wearing a fitted top (short-sleeve turtleneck…those are back too!).  Again, as with flares, you’re always wearing these pants with a heel and the hem should nearly graze the floor (otherwise all leg-lengthening benefits are null and void). I’m loving the tie-belt of the pair pictured above, but also would be awesome with a show-stopping belt.

What denim styles are you loving? Have questions about how to wear denim’s latest trends?  Please leave a comment.

As always, thanks for reading.  Happy Friday! ~Jenn