DENIM TRENDS FOR THE NEXT YEAR

UTILITY

Statement pockets were everywhere on the runways. It is expected to be one of the most popular fashion trends for next season. This trend was seen at Givenchy and Blumarine, who designed statement utility jeans with XL-pockets on the sides. This style pays homage to Gorpcore, which places practicality at its core.

Lisa says that this style is very popular because it can be dressed up and down, as well as being super practical with all the pockets. Miss Sixty has several cargo-style jeans in their latest collection. Givenchy paired its light wash utility jeans with smart tweed jackets. Diesel matched its cargo pants with a belted halter top for a youthful, directional look.

While skinny jeans are still in fashion, they aren’t as popular as they were once. Straight-legged and slightly flared utility jeans are becoming more fashionable and give the cargo jean an updated look.

Here are some things to watch out for

• Big pockets: This trend is very modern for 2023. These jeans are slimming, and can be worn with a fitted top.
• Skirts: Don’t limit yourself to jeans. This pocketed style works well with skirts, especially maxi skirts that take on the cargo pant shape. This is a great option for summer heat or when you don’t know what to wear at a festival but want to have items on hand.
• Raw edges: Act Ndeg1’s cargo pants had unfinished, raw edges that gave this classic look an updated twist.

SOFT DENIM

Rigid denim was a staple of every jean collection for decades. However, designers have introduced denim trends 2023 that feature softer and more fluid denim styles.

Sam believes that this can be attributed to the shift towards sustainability and the increased use of Lyocell within many more designer collections.

She says, «We will certainly see and feel soften denim going forward that lends its self to fluid and draped designs.»

It’s all thanks to The Lenzing Group’s Tencel Lyocell sustainable fiber made of natural raw wood pulp. Because of its softness, low water consumption, low carbon footprint and low cost, it is quickly becoming the preferred fiber for denim. Sustainability is the biggest trend in denim for 2023.

A.W.A.K.E made soft denim shirts that fell seductively off the shoulders. Batsheva combined soft culotte-like shorts with a pretty puffy-sleeved blouse for a casual, smart look.

Here are some things to watch out for

• Denim shirts: Although tougher denim is better for jeans, a denim shirt can be worn in many different ways. For a more sophisticated look, you can pair a denim shirt with jeans or a floral midi skirt.
• Loungewear: This denim’s soft nature lends itself to loungewear. Soft denim jogging pants with elasticated waists and paired with a simple tee make a great alternative for mom jeans.
• Denim dresses: For warmer months, denim dresses can be a great option to jeans. For a glamorous look, choose styles with a drape or even a one shoulder neckline.

DENIM CHAPS

The emergence of chaps as part the denim trends 2023 has been a surprise to many, thanks to Christina Aguileria’s music video for ‘Dirty’. This denim trend, although less obvious than Aguilaria’s (but not by much), is not for the faint-hearted.

Sam laughs, «Have You Noticed the People Who Wear Chaps Have a Not So Hidden Agenda — They have a Great Butt!» «It’s no surprise that Beyonce included a pair denim chaps with her previous Ivy Park Collection.»

Stella McCartney wore faux brown leather chaps with jeans, while Christian Cowan opted for dark denim chaps with lighter-washed shorts.

Sam says that chaps don’t need to be too visible. You can wear them over your jeans cowboy-style. I love the combination of suede and denim, or jeans with faux leather legs.

Slip on some jeans over your regular denim to make this look more wearable. The look can be worn fully or paired with the most stylish cowboy boots.

Here are some things to watch out for

• Faux leather legs: Sam believes this is the best way to get this look. You can simply pull on your jeans and go. Harley by Agolde is her favorite pair of jeans. It has a dark denim body and faux leather chap-style legs.
• Two-tone denim is a big trend in 2023. Wearing darker jeans chaps with a lighter pair of pants is a great way to combine both denim styles.