So These Are the Jeans We'll All Be Wearing This Year

The S/S 20 runways were rife with exciting trends for us to look forward to next year. (Colorful leather! Bermuda shorts! Waistcoats! And '60s wallpaper prints, to name but a few.) But we particularly had our eyes on all things denim. The everyday staple had a huge presence on the runways—with every big designer from Givenchy to Gucci and Celine showcasing the much-loved fabric in a variety of refreshing ways, including cropped culottes, vintage washes, and '70s flares. (Yes, they’re back!) Scroll below as we share some of the biggest jean trends that we can expect to see all over our feeds, in our favorite retailers, and inevitably in our closets this year. Then, shop the looks before everyone else.
1. Vintage Denim
There was a major emphasis on vintage-looking denim on the S/S 20 runways. Jeans exuded an upcycled, lived-in vibe. If they look like they could have been pulled straight out of a thrift store, then you've nailed the trend.
Shop the trend:
2. Bootcut + Flared
Boot-cut jeans are back. Thanks to designers such as Celine, Marc Jacobs, and Gucci, the leg-lengthening, flared denim silhouette is set to be huge next year. Opt for a high-waisted pair cinched at the waist with a narrow belt.
Shop the trend:
3. Distressed
Love them or hate them, there's no denying ripped and distressed jeans will be in the limelight in 2020. Balance the casual, undone look with a sophisticated high-neck blouse or a polished blazer as seen at Givenchy.
Shop the trend:
4. Short + Cropped
Whether they were Bermuda-style long shorts, culottes, or cropped wide-leg styles, shorter hemlines were all over the runways. Wear them with knee-high boots, mules, or strappy sandals when the weather warms up.
Shop the trend:
5. High-Waisted Skinny Jeans
Skinny jean lovers, rejoice! The silhouette is here to stay—so say the runways. Wear yours belted with barely there sandals for a leg-lengthening effect.
Shop the trend:
6. Front Seams
Front seams and ribbing (and pleats, for that matter) were pervasive on the S/S 20 runways, adding interest and an elongating effect. Wear them in a variety of silhouettes, from paper-bag to skinny styles.
Shop the trend:
Next: These are the best spring 2020 trends, period.
This story was published at an earlier date and has been recently updated.

Judith Jones is the associate shopping director at Who What Wear and has worked in fashion for over a decade. She specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.
-
Kylie Jenner Just Declared This "Dated" Denim Trend Is Still In—But Only Styled *This* Way
Take note.
-
Everyone, Stop—Reformation's Huge Sale Is Here, and You Need to See These 49 Pretty Finds
Score 30% off so many amazing items.
-
Enjoy Your End-of-Summer Ice Cream Trips in These 26 Chic Pieces From J.Crew, Nordstrom, and Zara
Keep cool without sacrificing style.
-
Basic Jeans Aren't Out, But This Denim Trend Feels Way More 2025
It's not white, dark wash, or chocolate brown.
-
30 Standout Nordstrom and Zara Finds That Would Make Any French Woman Stop Scrolling
Chic pieces to wear straight through fall.
-
My Sister Keeps Taking My Jeans and Sneakers, so I'm Having Her Get Her Own—32 Chic Picks I Highly Recommend
You can't go wrong with this classic duo.
-
7 Easy "Jeans and Nice Top" Outfits Fashion People Are Wearing on Repeat Right Now
It doesn't get better than this duo.
-
Cropped Jeans Are Less Scary When You Style Them With This Elegant Shoe Trend
Take note.