It’s no secret that we’ve been in the midst of a huge shift in denim styles. As if the shift from skinny to straight leg cuts isn’t enough, other styles keep rotating into the spotlight, too. It can be hard to keep up! 😵‍💫

In case you could use some help to know which styles to focus on, I’m sharing a few denim styles that I’ll be wearing this spring.

Now, you all know that I don’t really hunt trends, but I do like to stay at least somewhat modern. On that note, it’s important to recognize that trends exist on a spectrum rather than a binary IN or OUT. New styles gradually make their way into the spotlight and then slowly phase out of it over time. Some fall so far out of it that they enter “outdated” territory, while others fall out of the spotlight but just go into “classic” territory—not fashion-forward or on-trend but not necessarily outdated either. And, each style phases in and out at its own pace. So, while there’s a whole lot to be said about the rise and fall of trends, the main point is that it’s not a binary IN or OUT, rather they’re on a spectrum. And it’s possible for things to live in the middle ground of CLASSIC, which is neither super trendy nor completely out. Hope that makes sense!

On top of that, there are macro trends and micro trends. Macro trends are the large, general shifts that tend to be sustained over a longer period, whereas micro trends might only be in the spotlight for a short blip of time. I generally pay more attention to macro trends. Micro trends are fairly short lived, and while I do like to try some of them for fun sometimes, I just give them less attention overall. (And I totally understand those who like to play with micro trends because it’s a fun hobby. Style should be fun, and if that brings you joy, then do it!)

Anyway, ALL of that to say, you don’t have to try every new style of denim out there if you don’t want to. But in case you want to try some and need some handles to get started, here are a few styles of denim that I’ll be wearing in the spring.

SIZING: I’m 5’6″ and usually S/M or 6 in clothes and 8.5 to 9 in shoes.

BTW, a lot of the clothes I’m wearing are from a while ago and not available, but I’ll link to what I can. I’ll also link to some options that are currently available.

 

1. Slim Straight Jeans

I’ve told you before that slim straights are the easiest style to transition to from skinny jeans. Whereas wider straight leg styles might not show your shape enough and end up looking frumpy, slim straight jeans tend to better hug your body around your hips and thighs while still giving you the straight leg look at the bottom.

I’m liking looser and more relaxed styles these days, personally, but when I want to create a polished look with more fitted denim, I’ll probably go for slim straight jeans.

The first pair above with mild distressing is a true slim straight, and you can see that it basically looks like a skinny jean except that the bottom portion isn’t totally fitted at the ankle. (This pair is no longer in stock, sorry! Nordstrom Anniversary Sale find from last year. Be sure to follow along during this year’s sale in July!) That said, there is a similar pair HERE by Democracy, which is the sister brand to my favorite denim brand Wit & Wisdom. Those should be stretchy and have elastic in the waistband! Look for the colorway “Blue Vintage.”

The second pair above is technically a skinny crop, but it looks basically like the slim straight above. It defines hips and thighs while giving you that more open bottom like straight leg cuts. This pair IS in stock, and it is SO COMFY! The denim is VERY, very soft, and it’s STRETCHY. Plus, it has an elastic waistband to keep you comfy all day. Find them in regular and petite lengths, HERE. I wear size 6.

Jeans like these are probably the easiest first step to transition away from skinny jeans.

Shop Outfit 1:
Top: Kohl’s (exact—wearing size S, plus sizes, petite sizes; similar in Brown Allover Print)
Jeans: Nordstrom (similar—I wear size 6)
Flats: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 9; similar, similar)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (similar—I wear size M)

Shop Outfit 2:
Top: Nordstrom (similar, similar)
Jeans: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 6)
Flats: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 9; similar, similar)
Bag: Nordstrom Rack (similar)
Necklace: Nordstrom (exact; similar)

More Slim Straight Leg Jeans:

 

 

2. Straight Leg Jeans (Ankle Length)

I have the same problem that many of you have of being able to find (non slim) straight leg jeans that don’t make you feel shapeless. However, over time I’ve been able to find a few, so I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot and am rolling now! 😆 My style is very relaxed these days, so I’m enjoying the looser and more relaxed styles.

I think this will probably be the style that I wear most this spring, though only time will truly tell.

(Sorry, this pair of jeans is sold out. There is a similar pair HERE.)

Shop Outfit 1:
Sweater: Kohl’s (exact—wearing size S; similar, similar)
Jeans: Nordstrom Rack (similar)
Shoes: (exact on sale, exact in regular and wide sizes—wearing size 8.5)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact—wearing size M)

Shop Outfit 2:
Sweater: Nordstrom Rack (exact—wearing size S)
Jeans: Nordstrom Rack (similar)
Shoes: (exact on sale, exact in regular and wide sizes—wearing size 8.5)
Bag: Nordstrom (similar)
Necklace: Nordstrom (exact; similar)

 

I also love the pair of ecru straight leg jeans above. The leg is wider, but they still show the definition of my hips and my thighs somewhat, so that I don’t totally look shapeless in them. (These are from last spring and are no longer available.)

Also, at this point I definitely prefer ankle length when it comes to straight leg jeans, regardless of whether it’s slim straight or the standard straight cuts. I think ankle lengths make it easier to keep from looking frumpy, especially when paired with sneakers, which I wear daily in the spring. And you know I typically prefer ease over fuss, haha! So, if you feel frumpy in straight leg jeans, try an ankle length pair instead. Also, see my guide “How to Wear Straight Leg Jeans – Tips for Shoes, Tops, and Silhouettes”.

Shop the Outfit:
Top: Nordstrom (similar, similar)
Jeans: Nordstrom (similar, similar, similar)
Sandals: JCPenney (similar, similar, similar)
Bag: Nordstrom (similar)
Necklace: Nordstrom (exact; similar)

More Straight Leg Jeans:

 

3. Ankle or Crop Kick Flares (or pretend kick flares? 😜)

I have a pair of kick flares or “kick fits” from Gap, but since they don’t have an elastic waistband, I don’t wear them much, haha! But I like the look of them. In fact, some of my straight leg jeans end up looking like kick flares on me, and those are the straight leg pairs I tend to like more. Kick flares (or my straight legs that pretend to look like kick flares, haha) hug the hips and thighs which keeps you from looking shapeless, and I like how a flared bottom adds a fun element and movement. These kick fit jeans are available in sizes 23 to 35 and in regular, tall, and petite lengths, HERE! I wear size 28.

Shop the Outfit:
Tee: (similar)
Jeans: Gap (exact—wearing size 28)
Shoes: (exact on sale, exact in regular and wide sizes—wearing size 8.5)
Necklace: Nordstrom (exact; similar)

This is another example of a pair of “straight leg” jeans that look like kick flares:

This pair is another Nordstrom Anniversary Sale find, but they came back in stock! They are sturdy but still stretchy and comfortable to move around in. And they have an elastic waistband for extra comfort. Check them out HERE. I wear size 4.

Shop the Outfit:
Sweater: (similar, similar)
Jeans: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 4)
Flats: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 9; similar, similar)
Bag: Nordstrom (similar)
Necklace: Nordstrom (exact; similar)

More Kick Flare Jeans:

 

4. Girlfriend Jeans

Girlfriend jeans were my go-tos last spring. They’re a great option if you want to move away from skinny jeans and aren’t fully on board with straight leg jeans.

However, I could see the pair of lightwash NYDJ straight leg jeans from #2 above taking precedent over these. We’ll see. I’m sure I’ll be wearing these girlfriend jeans at some point in the spring, though, even if they’re not my go-to pair anymore!

Shop the Outfit:
Tee: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size S; similar)
Jeans: Nordstrom (similar)
Shoes: (exact on sale, exact in regular and wide sizes—wearing size 8.5)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact—wearing size M)

 

5. Skinny Jeans

Skinnies weren’t my go-to cut last spring, so I don’t anticipate they will be this year either, but that doesn’t mean I’m totally nixing them! Some of my tops just look better with them, or I might need a certain wash that I only have in skinny cuts. No big deal—I’m not opposed to skinny jeans, nor should you be! If you want to keep them from looking dated, just be sure to pair them with more modern counterparts! Skinny jeans are classic, so if you add a modern top + a modern shoes + modern accessories, then your outfit will have 3 parts modern + 1 part classic (the skinny jeans) which tips your outfit over to updated territory rather than outdated territory. Boom, worries be gone! 😊

This pair of skinny jeans is VERY comfy. They are a medium thickness and feel pretty secure while still being super duper soft and stretchy. And yes, elastic waistband for the win! Find them in regular and petite lengths, HERE. There are similar plus options HERE, though I’m not sure which one is the exact equivalent to the one I’m wearing. I’m wearing size 4.

Shop the Outfit:
Sweatshirt: Kohl’s (exact—wearing size S)
Jeans: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 4)
Shoes: (exact on sale, exact in regular and wide sizes—wearing size 8.5)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (similar, similar, similar—I wear size M)

 

Those are 5 styles of jeans I’ll most likely be wearing in the spring! If I didn’t list something on here, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear it. My style is different than your style and someone else’s style, so go with the styles that you’re drawn to! The fun part about the denim landscape totally shifting right now is that LOTS of different denim styles are on the table!

Also, if you’d like help figuring out how to make different denim styles work for YOU, join the PMT Style Club! You can come ask any and all of your specific style questions, get help troubleshooting all these denim styles and how to make them work for you, and learn a whole LOT MORE!

Enrollment is OPEN for the spring for just a few more days, so learn all about it and join, HERE!