Fashion

Experts Agree—These Are the Best Denim Trends of Fall 2024

Diving deep into denim.

By Bridget Chambers
Odette Annable wearing 2024 fall denim trends.

Though a year-round classic, denim is a quintessential piece of a fall capsule wardrobe. As we transition into the cooler months, more often than not, a pair of jeans is the foundation of every outfit I style. This season, designers are reimagining this wardrobe staple in fresh and exciting ways, striking a perfect balance between timeless appeal and contemporary flair. We’ve witnessed the ebb and flow of skinny jeans, the unexpected resurgence of low-rise styles, and even a brief flirtation with capris, but what fall 2024 denim trends will define this season?

Featured image from our interview with Odette Annable by Michelle Nash.

Woman watering garden wearing fall 2024 denim.

I spoke with Grace Na, Founder & Creative Director of LA Denim brand Pistola, to get some inside information on the fall 2024 denim trends taking over the market this season. From standout silhouettes to styling tips, consider this your go-to guide for all things denim this fall.

Grace Na

Grace Na is Founder & Creative Director of LA Denim brand Pistola. Known for their incredible (Greta Gerwig-approved) designs and carried by over 1,000 retailers across the country including Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Shopbop, Pistola is quickly becoming one of the leading voices in the denim market as a female-founded denim brand.

Standout Denim Styles for Fall 2024

While a classic straight-leg jean is always a go-to, fall is the perfect time to have a little fun with different denims. When asked which styles will take over fall 2024 denim trends, Na points to three fashion-forward fits that we’ll be seeing everywhere this season. 

  • Barrel/balloon leg denim. This structured silhouette gained popularity in fall of 2023 and isn’t going anywhere. While the exaggerated bow-leg look might seem a little crazy at first, I’ve found that the shape is universally flattering and automatically makes an outfit more interesting. 
  • Ultra-wide leg denim. We all know that skinny jeans are rumored to be out, but the total opposite is in for fall 2024. Na explains that comfort is always key when shopping for denim, and jeans are only getting looser and wider this fall. Wide, low-slung, comfortable jeans pair perfectly with a more fitted top for an elevated, yet relaxed night out. 
  • Intentionally cuffed denim. Perhaps my favorite of the fall 2024 denim trends, jeans with a large cuff at the bottom are taking over the runways and my Instagram feed. A small and simple detail, this design is perfect for anyone looking to subtly incorporate trendy touches into their fall wardrobe. 
Kate Arends wearing fall 2024 denim trends.

An easy answer for Na, dark denim and rinsed classics are her go-to washes for fall. While light and mid-wash jeans can certainly be styled with browns, blacks, and burgundies in fall, a darker, slightly faded color palette will be popular this season. Red is still everywhere, and Na notes that it will continue to trend in ready-to-wear denim in fall 2024. 

I couldn’t be more excited to style denim for fall, and Na’s tips will be my guiding principles all season long. 

Do:

  1. Wear denim on denim, canadian tuxedos are classics for a reason.
  2. Feel free to mix and match denim washes, it adds depth to an outfit.
  3. Your denim is your denim, don’t be afraid to scissor cut the inseam to fit your height (it’s easier than it seems).

Don’t:

  1. Wear slim bottoms with a slim top, juxtaposition is what makes an outfit fun. 
  2. Stick only to the size you normally wear, try on a few sizes to see what fit feels best. 
  3. Be afraid to try all of the fun new shapes that are coming out! You might surprise yourself.

If you prefer a skinnier denim silhouette, but don’t want to feel outdated, “slim straight is the new skinny.” Sticking to ankle length, cropped fits, styled with an oversized shirt, jacket, or sweater, is an easy, on-trend fall look that will still make you feel like you. 

As for herself, Na will be styling lots of rinsed denim tops and bottoms together and apart this fall. Her go-to is offsetting baggier denim with lots of fitted tops, and finishing off the look with socks and loafers. 

Pistola Ryder High Rise Cuffed

If you’re looking for a one-and-done pair of pants to capture all of the fall 2024 denim trends, let it be these. Dark wash, wide leg, and intentionally cuffed, these are the perfect, low-key statement jean.

Rolla’s Gigi Barrel Forever Jeans

Barrel leg denim will be a defining silhouette for fall, and this dark wash pair from Rolla’s has just the right amount of shape. Not too voluminous, yet still ultra-flattering, I can’t wait to style these all season.

Anine Bing Gavin Jean

I’m a firm believer that the girls in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants were wearing the Anine Bing Gavin Jean. They are the perfect happy medium: mid-wash, mid-rise, baggy-but-not-too-baggy, cropped-but-not-too-cropped. If you’re looking for an investment jean that surpasses seasonal trends, these are a 10/10.

Abercrombie High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean

Simultaneously one of the most affordable and best-fitting pairs I own, these Abercrombie jeans are a great option for fall. They’re slim enough to style with chunky knits and wide enough to style with boots. I’ve turned almost all of my friends onto these jeans, so it’s only fair I let you in on the secret, too.

Free People x We The Free Good Luck Mid Rise Jean

Another great affordable option for the barrel leg trend, these Free People jeans have been a staple in my closet since last fall. I love that the dark wash can be dressed up with a pair of heels at night and down with a pair of loafers during the day.

Rolla’s Sailor Jean Long

If you’re looking for a wide-leg jean that is still elevated and tailored, look no further than the Sailor Jean by Rolla’s. I’ll be styling these with a tucked-in white tee and boots quite literally every day this fall. This style does run a bit small, so be sure to size up!

Madewell The Darted Barrel-Leg Jean

These jeans were love at first sight. Everything from the shape to the color to the styling immediately drew me in. With a similar look to the Nili Lotan Shon Pant for a third of the price, these are worth signing up for restock notifications if your size is sold out.

Pistola Lana High Rise Ultra Wide

Off-white is one of my favorite shades for fall styling. These wide leg jeans from Pistola are perfect for pairing with cream knits, chocolate brown suede, and true blue denim tops this season.

SLVRLAKE Taylor Wide Pleated Jeans

SLVRLAKE’s Taylor Wide Pleated Jeans offer a fresh take on classic denim, combining vintage-inspired pleats with a modern wide-leg silhouette. Though definitely on the pricier side, my SLVRLAKE jeans are some of my favorite investments and will be fall staples for years to come.

Levi’s 501 Straight

Sometimes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Levi’s has been making great, timeless denim for hundreds of years, and these will last in your closet for hundreds of falls to come. Major style points for finding a worn-in, vintage pair of 501s.

AGOLDE Low Slung Baggy

We all know comfort is key when it comes to denim, and these baggy jeans from AGOLDE might as well be sweatpants. Ideal for cozy fall days and nights, these are jeans you can actually live in. I love styling mine with feminine ballet flats to contradict the baggy style. Agolde jeans do run on the larger side, so if you’re in between, I’d take your smaller size.

Reformation Cary Low Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans

Fitted throughout with a wide leg, these slimming jeans are right on the nose for fall 2024 denim trends. This stunning shade of charcoal will be gorgeous styled with black knits and black boots for fall.

Frame The Bubble Jean

These jeans have lived rent free in my mind ever since I saw them styled on an Instagram ad. The wash is such a unique, inky shade of blue, and the bubble shape is flattering, interesting, and fun. The model had the pants cuffed at the bottom, checking off both the barrel and the cuff trends for fall 2024.

Madewell The Rail Straight Jean

While some trends come and go, we all need a classic pair of straight-leg, dark-to-mid-wash jeans for fall. These will go with everything in your wardrobe, will last for years, and won’t break the bank. What more could you ask for in a pair of pants?

Parke Low Rise Baggy Jeans

Touching on both seasonal styles and colors, Parke’s most recent launch is a great place to shop for fall 2024 denim trends. With a matching jacket available, I’m personally eyeing both the red and camel styles… but might just have to get both.