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.

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.

Style yours with bright sneakers like Emili did here.

Tuck in a crisp button-down to add polish to the look.

Not into the long hem? Give yours a wide cuff as Veronica did here.

Next, see the formerly hated denim trend that's gunning for a comeback this year.