The Top Fall 2023 Denim Trends Are Taking Structure Play to the Next Level

Fall has officially arrived, meaning fashion trends galore. From fresh takes on jackets to statement handbags and shoes, the trends are coming in hot—especially for denim. Jeans are a staple in our wardrobes, but the styles are ever-changing to align with evolving trends and tastes. To stay up to date on the most coveted denim styles of the season, we sat down with a few fashion experts to discuss the most popular options taking over right now—and this season, theres truly something for everyone.Keep reading to learn more about the top 10 fall denim trends we expect to see everywhere, complete with tips on how to style them.

Baggy Denim

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This fall, its all about the look and feel of relaxed denim: the looser the fit, the more on trend (like the Good American Good 90s Loose Jean, $155). "We cannot get enough of baggy denim," says Anthropologie head of styling Kyla Flax. "They are loose, comfortable, and cool. They make quite a statement." Once considered a more grunge choice, baggy jeans also have an elevated side, and you can wear them either low on the hips or "cinched to counteract the bagginess of the rest of the jean," say celebrity wardrobe styling duo Danielle and Alix.

Styling Tip: You can embrace a full baggy look by pairing an oversized tee with voluminous pants, or you can also opt for something with more dimension. Flax recommends "to style them simply with a sweater, tee or a tank to balance the overall proportion of the jeans."

Horseshoe Jeans

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Horseshoe jeans take baggy denim to the next level. Often called balloon jeans, the curved pant features a leg thats widest in the center and more tapered and fitted at the waist. Flax calls horseshoe jeans "a must-have this season," adding: "From my perspective, Citizens of Humanity has great options, and this dark wash SKU ($288) packs a stylish punch."

Styling Tip:Style your horseshoe denim with a fitted top to balance the volume of the pants. "The key here is pairing with a super cropped or fitted top to balance the wider style of this denim," Danielle and Alix tell us.

Maxi Skirts

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Denim maxi skirts are here to stay, and were talking floor-sweeping, eye-catching, 90s-inspired styles. The denim skirt has progressed over the years becoming longer and more show shopping, like Magda Butryms Blue Split Denim Maxi Skirt ($545). An easy way to elevate your wardrobe is by swapping out your classic pair of jeans for this buzz-worthy style. "Replacing a typical denim jean with a denim skirt is the perfect way to create a more stylish, unexpected look," Danielle and Alix explain.

Styling Tip:

Sweater weather just got better: Opt for pairing your favorite cardigan with a denim maxi with a slit, rather than a micro mini skirt. This style still shows some subtle leg in a sophisticated, fresh way. "The Reformation Tazz Denim Skirt ($188) is so great—my recommendation is to try a skirt with a slit for a little hint of leg to elevate even the simplest of ensembles," Flax says.

Split-Hem

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Split-hem jeans are a perfect example of how a minor detail can change the look of any style. The trend simply involves a slit at the bottom of your pant leg, and according to Danielle and Alix, The EB Denim Split Hem OGs ($330) are some of the best on the market.

"A split hem is a great style for elongating the leg," Flax says. "What’s great about this style is that it gives you versatility with your shoe choice." She adds that the cut is especially stunning when you style it with heels or pumps.

Styling Tip:

Swap out your everyday trousers for a pair of split-hem, dark wash jeans, and wear them with an oversized blazer for a modern workwear-inspired look.

Pooling Wide Leg

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If youre looking to style a more niche take on baggy pants, the pooling wide-leg denim trend is for you. Commonly referred to as elephant jeans, this trend follows the saying "go big, or go home." This exaggerated style will cover your shoes of choice, so theres no need to wear anything uncomfortable. "We are loving the easiness of these jeans," Flax says. "They look super cool paired with a ballet flat or a sneaker."

Styling Tip:

To elongate the look of your legs and create a more dramatic silhouette, belt the waist to give these jeans a more structured look and feel. Were loving The Frankie Shops Sasha Wide Leg Jeans ($200).

Structured Denim

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A more casual cousin to the elements that make quiet luxury so popular, structured jeans that fit just right in all the right places are a fall denim trend we can get behind (such as Khaites The Abigail Jean, $460). Not skinny jeans, but not bootcut or wide leg, structured jeans (sometimes called straight leg jeans) are fitted at the waist, with a little give through the thigh and a quintessential straight leg that works well with your heels or boots of choice.

Styling Tip: Layers work well with structured jeans. Style a fitted turtleneck under a loose sweater, then add a chic belt and chunky scarf for more dimension.

Low-Rise

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The resurgence of low-rise denim took the world by storm in recent seasons, and now that weve all had a minute to soak it in and get past our middle school nightmares, the style has really grown on us. Danielle and Alix source their favorite low-rise jeans from Levis (like these Low Loose Jeans, $108), encouraging us "to try out vintage men’s denim to give that relaxed, low-waist look."

Styling Tip:

Dont pigeonhole yourself into strictly wearing low-rise denim that falls off the hip. "We’re styling them back to a peek of boxers, showing just a hint of skin," Flax says. "We also enjoy these with a striped menswear shirt for an effortless, off-duty look." This model-off-duty style encompasses an "undone menswear twist, with a touch of femininity."

Cargo Jeans

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Y2K continues to have a strong influence on all of fashion, including fall denim trends—and it goes beyond just the low-rise styles we discussed above. As Flax says, "Cargo jeans are very 90s, and what’s not to love about a Y2K moment?" Take your cargo pants to the next level with a denim style that nips the waist and runs long through the leg. Danielle and Alix are loving the Alice + Olivia Cay Baggy Cargo Jeans ($395).

Styling Tip: "

You can play up this edgier style with a simple baby tee and statement gold stud earrings," Flax says. Think Ed Hardy circa 2000, and really dive into the nostalgia factor. The fun part of this trend is you really cant go wrong no matter how you style it.

Denim on Denim

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You may be familiar with the Canadian tuxedo, iconically worn by Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake in the early 2000s—overall, its a creative way of describing the denim-on-denim trend. The great thing about a full denim look is its versatility. You can mix and match the styles and silhouettes of your liking, and depending on the wash, you can go monochromatic or mix different washes. Danielle and Alix call denim on denim "our fall uniform," adding that they "love adding in a denim shoe to really make it a full statement."

Styling Tip:

Accessories tie together everything when styling denim on denim. "Many people prefer to match the denim washes from top to bottom," Flax says. "For me personally, it all comes down to how you accessorize it. I prefer denim on denim with a more classic twist—athletic socks, a denim jacket, sneakers, and a baseball cap."

Deep Blue

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If you want to your jeans to have a more luxurious, upscale feel, a dark wash like Agoldes Harper Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans ($220) does just that. "This season, we’re seeing all of our beloved denim brands showcase dark rinses," Flax tells us. "What we love about super dark denim is that it instantly makes your outfit feel elevated." Dark denim transitions seamlessly from day to night, so you can easily head from the workplace to drinks without thinking twice.

Styling Tip: "For a daytime look, you can opt for a tank top and a bomber jacket, and for a nighttime look, a lace bodysuit would take it to the next level," Flax says.