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It’s come to my attention that I hate literally all of my jeans. No, really! For some reason, the pairs I was vibing with pre-pandemic just don’t get me excited anymore and I’m ready to splurge on a whole new denim wardrobe. Luckily, I can look to the runway for insight on the hottest denim trends for 2022 and shop accordingly.
In particular, I found the denim on the Milan SS22 runways, particularly envy-inducing. At MSGM and Missoni, models mastered the cool-girl look with lower, ultra-baggy silhouettes that definitely give me Avril Lavigne “Sk8r Boi” vibes in the best way.
At Fabiana Filippi and Genny, the denim took a more formal turn thanks to super dark rinses, a look I’ve personally always loved. If you don’t have one so-blue-it’s-black pair of jeans in your arsenal, it’s time to snag ’em.
And shockingly enough, some of the top denim moments on the runway weren’t jeans at all: Denim skirts are back, baby! And denim mini dresses, too. Channel your inner Britney and Justin (but, like, make it fashion) and don’t limit yourself to the silhouette of the classic jeans when playing with denim textures.
Below, read on for a little more about 2022’s top trending jeans—plus a few of our favorites to shop.
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MSGM; Missoni/iMaxTree.
Just in case you were holding out hope for a skinny jeans revival, it’s high time you accept that they’re not coming back anytime soon. Brands from MSGM to Missoni showed baggy, relaxed denim on the Milan runways, more often than not with a faded wash and below-the-button waistline. Sorry in advance.
Courtesy of PIlcro.
Baggy jeans don’t necessarily mean that they look casual. This pair of barrel-leg jeans are tailored to look super chic plus, the side stitching adds a curved silhouette to the pant leg even though they fit loosely. Wear them with a breezy blouse and block heels for a perfect going-out look.
Courtesy of BDG.
If you’re looking to ease into the ultra-baggy trend, this wide-leg option from Urban Outfitters is a great place to start. The V-cut waist is also super flattering and will pair perfectly with a cropped shirt or jacket.
Courtesy of Good American.
Good ’90s Loose in BLUE813
My favorite baggy jeans come from none other than Good American. If you want them to sit a little higher, try sizing down—the relaxed style comes in a full size range (00-24).
Fabiana Filippi; Genny/iMaxTree.
There was a point when dark-wash denim was considered weirdly formal, but fashion has finally re-embraced it as the chic, mysterious older sister to summer’s light-wash look. Seek out the deepest indigo hues you can find and style accordingly.
Courtesy of Wash Lab.
Vintage Denim Jacket
The dark wash trend applies to jackets too, and you can’t go wrong with a vintage-inspired two-tone jacket. The light paneling on this oversized silhouette pops nicely against the jacket’s dark wash.
Courtesy of BIG STAR Denim.
B-TYPE 03 Jeans
BIG STAR makes a curated range of timeless, classic denim that will last forever. These dark indigo jeans have the perfect amount of flair to show off your legs and your favorite boots! Plus, they’re under $100.
Courtesy of Eloquii.
Wide Leg Jean
Most occasions that call for trousers can be met with a dressy dark wash jean instead. This wide leg pair from Eloquii comes in sizes 12-28.
Münn; John Richmond/iMaxTree.
I never thought I’d see the day, but jean skirts are back, people! In middle school, I was known to rock mine with cropped leggings and UGG boots, but I promise the 2022 take is a bit more chic. Also trending are denim dresses, as seen on the Münn SS22 runway in Milan.
Courtesy of Wild Fable.
Pleated Jean Mini Skirt
This pleated denim skirt is a realistically wearable version of Miu Miu’s viral micro-mini skirt. This one also comes in a fun orange denim hue and is available in sizes 00-18.
Courtesy of Free People.
As If Denim Mini Dress
Switch out your LBD for an LDD (little denim dress, it’s a new term). This mini dress from Free People is an easy option to slip on all summer long.
Courtesy of Mango.
Slit Denim Skirt
Denim midi skirts are a big trend this summer, especially when contrasted with a cropped tank top. Even though it has a longer length, it’s far from conservative thanks to the flirty slit up the middle. This one is available in sizes XXS-4XL.
