With the start of fall comes that familiar wave of back-to-school nostalgia. Trailing our moms through department stores, begging for a pair of jeans that felt remotely “cool”—only to be vetoed at checkout. (Lizzie McGuire being denied those Style Shack bell-bottoms? Same.) As adults, we may not be stocking up on wide-ruled notebooks anymore. But we do finally get the last word when it comes to our denim drawer, and can incorporate as many jeans trends as we see fit.
After a summer of boxer shorts, jorts, and breezy linen, October feels like a natural return to denim. It’s the kind of wardrobe staple that instantly makes you feel pulled-together. And this year, designers have given jeans the spotlight. Fall 2025 runways and street style alike have embraced denim in a way that feels both nostalgic and elevated, breathing new life into silhouettes we thought we knew.
The jeans trends this season prove just how versatile denim really is. There are faded washes that feel effortlessly vintage and barrel jeans with their sculptural shape. Dark wash and tailored pairs that could pass for office trousers, and cigarette jeans that channel off-duty model energy. Of course, the classic straight-legs that never go out of style, and even the controversial return of low-rise, baggy fits. They’re all coexisting—reminding us that denim has never been about one size (or style) fits all, but about finding the pair that makes you feel like you.
1. Low-rise baggy jeans
While baggy jeans aren’t for everyone, this year’s take feels more “loose” than oversized, making them worth a second look. You’ll still find puddle-the-floor options, but many brands have shifted toward relaxed silhouettes that skim rather than swallow the leg. Style them with a baby tee or cropped jacket to highlight your waist. Or, lean into the oversized energy with a boxy button-down for a look that feels cool and effortless.
2. Classic straight jeans
Denim trends may ebb and flow, but no style proves more timeless than a straight-leg pair. The ‘90s-inspired silhouette is as classic as it gets: clean lines, a relaxed fit, and a no-fuss attitude that makes it the ultimate foundation for fall layering. This season’s versions lean a bit more relaxed—like Madewell’s Dean Easy Straight Jeans—offering just the right mix of comfort and ease.
3. Dark wash jeans
Take a walk on the dark side with this season’s embrace of rich, indigo-hued denim. While we’re not rewinding all the way to cowboy-era blue jeans, designers are leaning into darker washes that read sleek and office-ready. The beauty of this wash lies in its versatility. A tailored, elevated look that works just as well for a one-on-one with your boss as it does for a weekend brunch with friends.
4. Faded jeans
Faded jeans have taken on countless iterations over the past decade, but this season marks their official return. Think lived-in washes with lightened thighs and just enough of an undone feel to keep things interesting. The effect is intentionally less serious, making them a perfect counterpoint to a dressy blouse or an easy match with a slouchy tee for weekend errands.
5. Cigarette jeans
If baggy jeans aren’t your thing, consider the cigarette jean. Unlike skinnies that cling from hip to ankle, cigarette jeans strike a balance between skinny and straight fits. They’re slim and close-cut, but not overly tight. Their streamlined shape makes them ideal for layering under an oversized sweater or longer blouse. And, they tuck seamlessly into knee-high boots for a polished finish.
6. Barrel jeans
The rise of the barrel jean—arguably the most divisive denim trend of 2024—isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Love them or hate them (and TikTok has made sure we’ve all heard both sides), one thing’s undeniable: they make a statement. With their sculptural, horseshoe-inspired silhouette, barrel jeans bring a Western edge that can read just as casual as it does elevated, depending on how you style them.
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.
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