I Hate to Say It, But Bootcut Jeans Don't Work on Me—3 Denim Trends I'm Reaching for This Spring Instead

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British style influencer Chloe Kath Butler walking on a London sidewalk wearing a leopard-print coat, gray V-neck sweater layered over a white T-shirt, studded black belt, black tote bag, and light-wash jeans
(Image credit: @chloekathbutler)
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It can be frustrating, to say the least, when you attempt one of the latest trends only to find that it simply doesn't flatter you or give you the confidence that you hoped for. Such is the case with me this season and bootcut jeans. The classic denim style is back in the spotlight, but I'm just not able to pull it off the way I'd like. Instead, I have my focus directed on three other denim trends that are equally as chic and cool.

For spring 2026, I'm outfit planning around straight-leg, relaxed, and cuffed jeans in a variety of denim washes. Each offers a different feel but pairs perfectly with a variety of basics and trendy pieces. Below, I've rounded up personal favorites for each denim style and included some visual outfit inspiration as well. Keep scrolling to shop all 30 options. The styling possibilities are endless.

Relaxed Jeans

Scandi fashion creative Clara Dyrhauge poses on a sidewalk wearing sunglasses, a trench coat, white T-shirt, black belt, black slouchy shoulder bag, dark-wash relaxed jeans, and black ballet flats

(Image credit: @claradyrhauge)

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Cuffed Jeans

style influencer Annabel Rosendahl walking wearing a white T-shirt, black lightweight coat, silk printed neck scarf, black bag, cuffed jeans, and black glove flats

(Image credit: @annabelrosendahl)

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Straight-Leg Jeans

British style influencer Chloe Kath Butler walking on a London sidewalk wearing a leopard-print coat, gray V-neck sweater layered over a white T-shirt, studded black belt, black tote bag, light-wash jeans, and brown loafers

(Image credit: @chloekathbutler)

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Jennifer Camp Forbes
Jennifer Camp Forbes
Senior Shopping Editor

Jennifer Camp Forbes is a senior shopping editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities including creative director and various editor roles. She’s a well-known shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups. Jennifer's lifelong interest in fashion led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion.