Denim is More Interesting Than Ever

In 2023 and into 2024, EVERYONE was talking about denim. Not in a way that simply highlighted trends, but in a way that addressed a shift, a renaissance in denim. Everyone from The New York Post to Vogue to NPR (yes NPR) investigated how to navigate a new horizon of silhouettes when we’d been styling the skinny jean on autopilot for the better part of a decade. Post-pandemic denim allowed us to rethink silhouettes that were stylish AND easy to wear. And, silhouettes for everybody and every BODY. BUT as consumers, we were left a little lost as to how to style the wider leg. What tops do we wear? Can I style them with boots? Sneakers? Blazers? As we tested it out in 2023 and 2024, I can safely say that we all have our own favorite non-skinny jean. I’m relieved – we are now comfortably in an era of dynamic and interesting denim. The response to “I’m wearing jeans with a top” has multiple images in my head when my friends say what they’re wearing to dinner. Mercantile Portland has been a trailblazer in denim styles for years. Portland is a denim city, and the “Merc Denim” bar covers all bases just in time for our “transition wardrobe” during our transition season. Denim is a trusty staple in a time when the weather is different every day. 

I’m going to dive right in and talk about my personal Everest: the barrel jean. It came alive last year and is sticking around as cool girlies begin to add their style with the funky silhouette. It adds an interesting edge to the outfit that’s enough for a passerby to look twice. Citizens of Humanity debuted some lighter washes in the style that carried us from colder spring temps to the sunnier days with ease. And Nili Lotan, a denim legend in her own right, pairs this style with classic wardrobe go-tos like a white tee or your favorite blazer. As Glamour Magazine said, when the barrel jeans hit, they hit. I couldn’t agree more. As you begin to dabble or embrace them, keep the tops pretty basic and let the jeans talk for you. 

We can’t talk about perfect spring denim without addressing the tried-and-true wide leg. Yes, it’s officially the “must-have” in your closet. The style is our comfort blanket as we navigate new temps that swing from cold to hot to cold again. You wore your trusty wide leg with your favorite sweater and trench coat all winter, and now it’s time to take that silhouette and pair it with your favorite bright blouse or even a tank (hello shoulders!). The wide leg has that reliable weight of denim you know and love, but the looser style permits comfort as the weather warms up. It’s effortless, it’s chic, might I say it’s… effortlessly chic. Re/Done has “reinterpreted” the revered Levi’s Wide Leg with a vintage wash that leans right into the casual, cool look of women strolling through the spring weather on their way to their next hang. And Frame, famous for its Le Palazzo jeans, released the “Modern Pocket” style. Both clothing lines agree that wide leg jeans marry “easy and elevated,” and work for every shape. Don’t be afraid to try it in a light wash to refresh your staple for spring. The wide leg look can be worn to work, to a patio drink with a friend, or even brunch with your mom, with the right accessories. I know I always mention the versatility of a lot of pieces, but the wide-leg jean is truly the epitome of the word.

Another favorite? The straight leg. Talk about a leg extender! It’s a way to embrace the leg and make any woman, whether you’re 5 feet or 6 feet tall, create the illusion of the longest legs. Plus, they’ll never go out of style (and I don’t say that often). Turns out the 90s had it right all along. For the spring season, AG Jeans and Mother have a high-rise or mid rises styles in almost any wash. For the spring season, try a more cropped look with sandals. Fashion experts have labeled this spring as a time for the “Boho Blouse Revival,” and my favorite straight legs really bring the billowy look to refined, and current place.  And if the boho blouse isn’t your thing, I promise pairing your straight leg jeans with your favorite tee or a denim shirt for a denim-on-denim ‘fit will look right on trend. I know I always mention the versatility of a lot of pieces, but the straight leg jean is truly the epitome of the word. 

Let’s go back to the theme of spring and “transition.” As we begin to navigate sunnier days ahead and the newest top trends, rely on these denim silhouettes to carry you through that time. All of these silhouettes are sure winners. Try a style you haven’t worn before or pair it with that piece you haven’t worn since August. There’s a way to capture the greatest styles of denim while making them your own on the weekdays or the weekends. Can’t wait to see your take on it! 

Until next time,