Fall is here, which means dozens of new fashion trends are upon us. From outerwear to handbags to shoes, deciding where to look first can be a bit overwhelming, but denim is always a favorite—and this year, it might deliver some of the season’s most unexpected (and defining) trends. From innovative colors and silhouettes to a few nostalgic returns, there are so many ways to switch up your go-to jeans this year. To get the scoop on what’s in store this season, we turned to Depop trend expert Agus Panzoni and EB Denim founder Elena Bonvicini. Read on to discover the top fall denim trends of 2024, complete with styling tips and products to shop.
Meet the Expert
- Elena Bonvicini is the founder of EB Denim, known for its innovative designs and fresh perspective. Based in LA and founded in 2016, EB Denim began with upcycled vintage Levi’s and has grown into a globally recognized brand with celebrity fans like Taylor Swift, Hailey Bieber, and Kylie Jenner.
- Agus Panzoni is Depop’s head of trends and a published trend forecaster specializing in fashion and media, as well as the secondhand apparel and jewelry categories. She is also the head of trends at @deathtostock.
Creative Silhouettes
Barrel and horseshoe silhouettes began to gain traction last fall, but the trend—with its characteristic tapered ankle and baggy knee—is set to arrive in full force this season. “Recent denim trends have shown so much play on silhouettes; styles like horseshoe jeans and barrel jeans re-imagine the oversized denim look for a more structured option,” says Depop head of trends Agus Panzoni, adding that the platform saw a 217% year-over-year increase in searches for barrel jeans, and 157% since the start of this year. EB denim founder Elena Bonvicini also pointed out the rise of the horseshoe silhouette: “I’m seeing new explorations of that shape in more exaggerated and understated ways,” she tells Byrdie.
Styling Tip: Modern style icons like Hailey Bieber, Blake Lively, and Camila Cabello (who wore EB Denim’s iteration of horseshoe jeans) have embraced the polarizing trend by letting the statement denim take the lead. For an easy (and wearable) approach, style the jeans with wardrobe staples like a simple cardigan and loafers.
Cuff It
“I’m thrilled that cuffed jeans are making a comeback,” Panzoni says. This styling hack for avoiding a hem might not seem like a trend, but this season, the functional look is about to take over. Brands like Reformation and Abercrombie & Fitch are confirming the budding trend by releasing styles that come pre-cuffed. The beauty of this trend is that you don’t necessarily need to buy new jeans: Flip the bottom of any pair upwards to create the cuffed look yourself.
Styling Tip: Cuffed jeans are an opportunity to show off your footwear, so take advantage of it. “I’m looking for a versatile pair [of jeans] that I can cuff up and style as capris with socks and Mary Janes or wear down with dark brown boots for a sophisticated yet understated look,” Panzoni explains.
Skinny Jeans Revival
Love it or hate it, one of the most divisive trends of the 2010s is making a comeback this season. “We’re also seeing the return of skinny jeans, likely thanks to 2010s nostalgia and the people looking to revive the aesthetics of indie sleaze,” Panzoni says. “Skinny jeans have seen a 74% increase in searches year-over-year, while indie sleaze has seen a 43% increase in searches on Depop.”
Styling Tip: Making skinny jeans feel fresh and 2024-approved is tricky, but we have some tips for incorporating the divisive trend into your wardrobe again. For example, try playing with proportions by pairing your skinny jeans with an oversized button-down or exaggerated outerwear. Alternatively, fully embrace the 2010s style by pairing them with ballet flats à la Alexa Chung.
Baggy Forever
Despite the revival of skinny jeans, baggy silhouettes are still here to stay. “Baggy jeans have become a wardrobe staple at this point,” Panzoni tells us. “There are so many variations and silhouettes you can choose from, so there’s a style or fit for everyone, and there will always be a new iteration throughout the seasons.”
Bonvicini says that we’ll see more elevated baggy denim in tandem with skin-hugging styles this season. “Slim denim is coming in, but as a girl with some curves, it’s harder to adopt that super-fitted look,” Bonvicini says. “Baggy denim will just be a little more refined. For me, it’s all about finding versatile, high-quality denim that suits your body type.”
Styling Tip: While we will never say no to a baggy-on-baggy look, it can be fun to try juxtaposing the undone style with traditionally sophisticated pieces. Consider pairing your baggy jeans with heeled mules instead of sneakers, or combine trends by wearing a Copenhagen blouse with your loose-fitting jeans.
Ultra-Dark Wash
When it comes to washes this fall, the darker, the better. “I’ve been on the hunt for a pair of long, dark-wash denim jeans,” Panzoni says. The trend was most prevalent in fall 2024 runway collections, with Carolina Herrera, Tory Burch, Versace, and others opting for the midnight blue shade. Panzoni attributes the wash’s sudden popularity to the growing return to minimalism. “Depop has seen a huge 585% increase in searches for minimalism this year, with dark-wash denim searches increasing by 20%,” she says.
Styling Tip: Indigo denim is clean and sharp, so keep that mindset with styling. It’s a great opportunity for a denim-on-denim moment that feels sleek and polished. The more minimalist, the better when it comes to styling dark-wash jeans.
Straight to the Point
Speaking of a return to minimalism, another popular denim trend for fall 2024 focuses on simplicity. “The high-rise straight is coming back, which is a classic ’90s off-duty model style,” Bonvicini says. Pulling from the likes of Cindy Crawford, Kate Moss, and Naomi Campbell, the classic style is a wardrobe staple you might already have in your closet. If you’re unsure about the skinny jeans revival, straight-leg jeans are an easy alternative to keep you on trend.
Styling Tip: Given that ’90s minimalism is already forecasted for fall 2024, lean into the style by pairing your straight-leg jeans with other ’90s-inspired staples—basics like a crisp white shirt, pointed-toe boots, and a button-down top.
White Out
We already know that the “no white after Labor Day” rule is a thing of the past (and all-around ridiculous), and Panzoni thinks that washes on both ends of the spectrum will have a moment this fall. In addition to dark washes, white denim might make its way into the fall season. “Harsher colors and shades create a cleaner aesthetic and more opportunity for monochrome and simple looks in an outfit,” Panzoni says. She also notes that Depop saw white denim searches increasing by 83%. If pure white seems too harsh, cream or off-white are other fall-approved washes.
Styling Tip: Monochrome white might seem daunting for fall, but the above photo highlights an effortlessly cool way to wear white jeans with a white top in cooler weather. To balance out the crisp white shade, add classic fall accessories like loafers or a leather jacket.
All In On Capris
Capri pants have made a comeback in recent seasons, so why not keep the conversation going? This fall, we’re swapping our Palm Beach pedal pushers for denim capris. Surprisingly (or not-so-surprisingly), denim capris are a dime a dozen right now. Trendsetting denim brands like Still Here have come out with styles in this category, along with Madewell and Mango, who have provided a seasonal spin with a black wash and statement stitching, respectively.
Styling Tip: When it comes to styling your denim capri pants, don’t overthink it. Pairing them with Mary Janes and a cardigan is a foolproof outfit for fall, but if you want to get more adventurous, try them with a pair of knee-high riding boots.
Patch It Up
Perhaps not as prevalent as barrel jeans or dark-wash denim, patchwork denim is an under-the-radar trend for fall 2024. Chloé’s fall 2024 collection made a compelling case for the trend, leaning into the boho aspect of the style. Stella McCartney also featured patchwork denim, so the budding trend is certainly one to watch this season.
Styling Tip: Chloé’s collection was a masterclass in styling patchwork denim. Embrace boho-chic by pairing your patchwork jeans with a white lace top, or opt for a patchwork dress paired with clogs.
Going-Out Pants
Another under-the-radar yet mighty denim trend for fall 2024 is the rise of going-out pants. Essentially, these are jeans with a bit of pizzazz. Stella McCartney’s fall 2024 collection included jeans embellished almost entirely with silver sequins, and Blake Lively recently stepped out in a pair of cutout jeans that sent the internet up in arms.
Styling Tip: This trend is all about having fun, so there are no rules when it comes to styling. Embrace your inner Brat and get messy with it, or try mixing textures by pairing sequined denim with a wool sweater.