How to Style Light-Wash Denim for Spring, According to It Girls
It may give your dark-wash jeans a run for their money.
Blink and you’ll miss a denim trend. With the rapid pace of the fashion cycle, it can feel like new It jeans emerge daily. Just last fall, dark-wash pairs had fashion people hooked. This spring, though, the pendulum is swinging toward light-wash denim—poised to give its older, more polished counterpart a run for its money.
Indeed, dark-wash jeans exude a sophisticated, refined feel, while light-wash pairs skew more casual. That said, they’re far from limited to off-duty moments. Styled with a silk cami or lace blouse, the denim can feel instantly elevated. Still, light-wash jeans truly shine in laid-back settings—think your go-to neighborhood bar or a park picnic. Put simply, there’s no wrong way (or place) to wear them. There’s also the matter of silhouette. Right now, slouchy and straight-leg jeans are leading the charge. But if slim or skinny styles are more your speed, by all means, slip into the bottoms.
Ahead, seven ways to style your light-wash jeans this spring. Apologies in advance to your dark-wash denim.
Plaid Blazer + Flared Jeans + Slippers
Styling tip: If you’re feeling daring, test-drive a pair of ultra-flared light-wash jeans this spring. Harking back to the ’70s, the silhouette is equal parts statement-making and versatile. Style yours with a plaid blazer and fuzzy slippers (these Sleeper ones are especially good) for a dinner with friends.
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Long-Sleeve Tee + Slouchy Jeans + Bandana
Styling tip: Play up the relaxed vibe of slouchy light-wash jeans with a simple long-sleeve top and a colorful bandana tied around your head—an It girl–approved touch. Finish the look with leather toe-loop sandals and a suede belt for a hint of refinement.
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Layered Tank + Straight-Leg Jeans + Slim Sneakers
Styling tip: Balance the laid-back feel of light-wash jeans with an intriguing top—or two. Here, influencer Claire Most got creative with layering, styling a bright red tank over a white long-sleeve tee. Add slim, retro-inspired sneakers to keep the look cool and current.
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Striped Button-Up + Slouchy Jeans + Backless Loafers
Styling tip: Light-wash jeans serve as the perfect base for any outfit—what comes next is all about the mood of your look. For a more polished ensemble, pair them with a striped button-up and backless leather loafers. A bright green sweater tied around the waist provides a fun burst of color.
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Sharp Blazer + Slim Jeans + Pointed-Toe Boots
Styling tip: Want to dress up your light-wash jeans in two minutes flat? A structured black blazer and pointed-toe boots will do the trick. From there, round out the look with a dainty necklace or a statement earring—we’ll leave that choice up to you.
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Leather Jacket + Relaxed Jeans + Pony-Hair Bag
Styling tip: Dressing between winter and spring can be tricky. Luckily, there are a few trusty transitional pieces to lean on, including light-wash jeans and a leather jacket. Punctuate the otherwise-simple pairing with a pony-hair bag.
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Denim Button-Up + Straight-Leg Jeans + Square-Toe Boots
Styling tip: When in doubt, double up on denim. A light-wash Canadian tuxedo feels especially fresh right now. As far as styling goes, toss on oval frames and square-toe boots for a dressier finish.
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