Now you’ve digested the fact that Britney and Justin’s patchwork denim is back (still!), it’s time to get the skinny on the jeans to actually buy this spring. There’s a knack to doing throwback denim while still looking modern; a way to try the baggy jeans trend without looking like a ’90s boy band member (hi NSYNC); and a method of wiggling into those low-risers with all the confidence of Julia Fox.
Here, a handful of leading buyers share the best denim brands to buy to tap into the top models’ off-duty look, the go-to shops for size-inclusive styles, and the insider Depop secrets to scoring second-hand pairs you can feel good about purchasing.
Y2K, but it’s OK
If handkerchief tops, diamanté chokers and butterfly clips are too teeny bopper for your taste, denim is the easiest way to tap into the Noughties look that continues to captivate the Gen-Z market. “It’s an opportunity to inject a youthful and energetic feel into your wardrobe,” says Libby Page, senior market editor at Net-a-porter.com. “Think Loewe’s Britney Spears-inspired denim dresses, jeans with low-slung waistlines, and double denim combinations from the likes of Peter Do.”
For Emma Ilori, head of womenswear elevation at Flannels, Agolde jeans are selling like hotcakes owing to the brand’s ability to tap into nostalgia without explicitly saying: trendy. “Whether you’re looking for retro-inspired trends, fitted or relaxed jeans, Agolde has something for everyone,” asserts Ilori of her star performer in the denim category.
Read more: Autumn Winter 2022 Fashion Trends
A fine vintage
“Straight-leg jeans and oversized jackets with a ‘vintage look’ are continuously in high demand at Net-a-porter.com – especially from customers looking for comfortable options with no compromise on style,” shares Page. “Jeans by Re/Done, Citizens of Humanity and GRLFRND are always amongst our top performers.” Other popular clean-look, straight-leg options come from Totême, Mother and Frame. “These are the wardrobe staples that do the work for you and can be worn across all seasons,” she adds. Think Kaia Gerber and Kendall Jenner, the queens of new-gen French-girl style, and you’re there.
Read more: Vogue’s Guide To The Best Jeans For Women
Baggy trousers
The Depoppers are ahead of the curve once again. Now that super low-rise jeans and skirts barely bigger than belts are common fashion parlance, die-hard fashionistas are going low and ultra baggy. “Denim utility and cargo style jeans have been trending more due to the huge popularity of cargo pants, and the slouchy low-rise baggy look is becoming even more popular,” says Kent-based Depop seller Francesca Woodman, who goes by the handle @Ciesius. The accessories to bag while you’re trawling for cargos? Cowboy boots, say those in the know.
Wide strides
“The Valentino runway really led the way for the wide-leg, pale-wash denim trend and we loved the styling with strong colour-pop ready-to-wear,” notes Liane Wiggins, head of womenswear at Matchesfashion.com. “It felt like such a modern look. We also saw this denim trend come through strongly at Molly Goddard and Balenciaga.” For a breezy uniform to float through spring in, it’s all about casual denim that has a throw-on-and-go look that exudes effortlessness, even if those jeans are new.
Ready-to-wear denim
Investment denim buys are not just limited to jeans. Ready-to-wear is big news, “from Loewe’s strappy denim dress and caped denim jacket, to Valentino’s chambray kaftan and Saint Laurent’s tailored denim blazer dress – all of which are versatile wardrobing pieces that can be dressed up or down”, notes Wiggins. Chloé is also great for denim dresses, while The Row is an excellent port of call for, well, everything.
Jeans for all
Shopping for jeans can spark a full changing room meltdown for even the most level-headed of individuals. Luckily, retailers have received the memo and are demanding more from brands regarding size-inclusive stock. “We really focus on ensuring we have a rounded buy from [key] brands – such as Khaite, Raey, Totême, Nili Lotan, Tu Es Mon Tresor and Re/Done – with every rise, shape, wash and size, so our customer can buy into the right denim for their wardrobe,” notes Wiggins. Good American, a true denim trailblazer, is Flannels’s trusted source for “thoughtfully designed jeans to fit and flatter all body shapes, which empower customers to feel sexy, stylish, and confident”, according to Ilori. There’s no excuse for failing to dabble in the distressed denim movement, right?
Shop six buyer-approved styles that are a solid spring investment and will stand the test of time, below.
