The Biggest Denim Trend a Year Ago Has Vanished—Here's What Replaced It
Photo:
Melodie Jeng/Getty Images
If you suddenly acquired a time machine and went back to this exact time last year, 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 they've all but completely vanished from view 365 days later—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.
Photo:
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
We've already been spotting the 2019 denim trend on celebs from Gigi Hadid to Margot Robbie, and our own editor Michelle Scanga has quickly become Who What Wear's resident loose-fit jeans stan. Keep reading to see what all the baggy jeans buzz is about and shop key styles.
Style the loose jeans with sleek cowboy boots.
Light-wash jeans are the denim color of choice for fashion girls.
Photo:
Melodie Jeng/Getty Images
Keep your look simple: a crewneck sweater and low-top sneakers do the trick.
Style these with a thin turtleneck.
These are peak '90s.
Photo:
@mscanga
Take a cue from Michelle and wear your loose denim with a cropped sweater.
This pair speaks for itself.
The side zipper adds a healthy dose of cool.
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@oursecondskin
Instead of going all in for distressing, opt for key rips.
These jeans are selling out everywhere online, which can only mean god things.
A dark-wash pair looks polished.
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@emilisindlev
Style yours with a bright knit like Emili did here.
The extra-long belt adds a personality to the jeans.
This pair could pass as a pair of trousers.
Photo:
@xbibigul
Wear with sleek accessories to offset the casual nature of the jeans.
According to Alex Flowers, this exact pair is Who What Wear's best-selling jeans of the year.
These will go with pretty much everything.
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@brooklynpetite
Not into the long hem? Give yours a wide cuff as Veronica did here.
Loose fit + charcoal wash = peak '90s jeans.
These look so comfy.
If you swear by high-waisted jeans, these are for you.