The Biggest Denim Trend From Two Years Ago Has Vanished—Here's What Replaced It
If you suddenly acquired a time machine and went back to this exact time two years ago, you'd likely read about us waxing poetic about a certain key 2017 denim trend. (Because if you successfully time-traveled, the first thing you'd do is read Who What Wear, right?) The jean style we were calling the most popular denim trend at that point was cropped flares, and now they've all but completely vanished from view. Have you noticed?
After coming to this realization, I did some digging, and it turns out I'm not the only one who's picked up on cropped flares' rapid decline. Who What Wear's resident commerce strategist, Alex Flowers, confirmed that "units sold of cropped flare jeans decreased by 55% compared to last year." As for what's replaced them? It seems we're trading in the retro '70s-inspired silhouette for one that's much more '90s: "baggy" or loose-fit jeans. Flowers noted that in place of cropped flares, wide-leg styles have soared in popularity, increasing by 214% this year.
We've already been spotting the 2019 denim trend on celebs such as Gigi Hadid and Margot Robbie, and our own editors have been testing it out in the Who What Wear offices as well. Keep reading to see what all the baggy-jean buzz is about, and shop key styles.
Light-wash jeans are the denim color of choice for fashion girls.
Keep your look simple: A crew-neck sweater and low-top sneakers do the trick.
Wear with sleek accessories to offset the casual nature of the jeans.
Instead of going all in for distressing, opt for key rips.
If you swear by high-waisted jeans, these are for you.
Style yours with bright sneakers like Emili did here.
Wear yours with a thin knit top when fall weather arrives.
Tuck in a crisp button-down to add polish to the look.
Baggy jeans meet another bubbling fall denim trend: acid wash.
Not into the long hem? Give yours a wide cuff as Veronica did here.
Black jeans are a fashion girl's staple. In a loose fit, they're just the cool update you were looking for.
Next, see the formerly hated denim trend that's gunning for a comeback this year.
Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.
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