6 Denim Trends That Will be Huge This Year (and 1 to Leave Behind in 2022)

You may have already heard of puddle pants—a trend that began in 2022 and even garnered the approval of Kate Middleton—aka pants that pool around the ankles in a way that looks chic rather than sloppy. Well, the trend has carried over to the world of denim now too. Wide-leg silhouettes with a ‘60s/’70s appeal were already growing in popularity heading into 2023, and will continue to be a top pick for the foreseeable future. So we suppose it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see the extra-long puddled fit trending too, especially with comfortable shoes still reigning supreme (rather than heels). Our advice? Opt for a pair that just barely skims the ground to ensure you look polished and not disheveled.

Think of this as a cool update on your beloved straight-leg jeans. Barrel-leg silhouettes (sometimes called balloon-leg) bow out around the knee before cinching in again around the ankle, much like the shape of a barrel. We find they look most flattering in vintage washes with a mid- to high-rise and that hit right at your ankle. Pair them with either tucked in tops or cropped jackets and either minimalist sneakers, pointy-toe flats or ankle boots that come up to just brush the bottom of your hems.

Much like puddle pants, cargo styles have been trending for some time now, so we’re unsurprised to find them popping up in denim materials for 2023. The best versions lean toward minimalism rather than piling on all the pockets and pulls and zippers, oh my! As for what to wear them with, either lean into the Y2K vibes with scarf tops, mesh tees or cropped cardigans, or opt for sleek sporty styles, like the colorblock windbreaker and coordinating crossbody and sandals pictured above.

Another trend that got its start in a different material, the split-hem silhouette first appeared on leggings and trousers, and has since evolved to include jeans as well. These are a great alternative to both wide-leg and boot-cut styles as they offer the same sort of kick at the bottom, just with a slimmer fit up top. Our favorite way to wear them is with heels or boots to really show off your footwear—that split in the material feels almost like a stage curtain allowing the shoes underneath to steal the spotlight—but they can also look cute with chunky sneakers or loafers if that’s more your style.

Indigo denim, that has more of a trouser vibe than classic blue-wash jeans, is a great way to work denim into a more formal wardrobe. The super-deep hue gives the utilitarian fabric a posh lift that looks fabulous with tailored blazers, office-appropriate blouses and pointy-toe heels. Expect to see these ultra-rich washes in just about every silhouette, but especially wide-leg, flare and straight-leg cuts.

Last year’s miniskirts have officially been replaced by midi- and maxi-length silhouettes (thank goodness), and that includes denim styles. Our favorites have a straighter fit—not too fitted nor too flared—and a darker, uniform wash, but we’ve also seen two-tone maxis and washed gray styles that look mighty chic. Pair them with knee-high boots in winter (for maximum warmth around your legs), then have some fun with loafers, flats and strappy sandals once temperatures start to rise.

We’re not talking about jeans that hit right at or just above the ankle. The jeans we’re passing on in 2023 are those that barely cover half the shin, be they straight-leg or flared. With the return of Y2K fashion, you might expect the clam-digger cut (or even capris) to also be making a comeback, but this is one silhouette that seems to be firmly stuck in the early aughts. For now, we say keep your cropped jeans in storage to make room for the trendier pieces above.