7 Denim Trends Models Are Wearing to Work (That Aren't Skinny Jeans)

It's hard to wrap your head around this, but for modelsfashion month is their job. Just like many of us go to an office, they travel to do multiple runway shows several times a year, and they get photographed numerous times while they're at it. With the meteoric rise of street style photography and Instagram, we get more model-off-duty content than ever before, and that means we get to see what trends they're endorsing basically the day they wear them.

Denim has always been a staple in models' fashion month wardrobes (as it is for us normal folks' daily life wardrobes), and they're acutely attuned to the freshest trends, so who better to look to for inspiration? And yes, many models still wear skinny jeans, but it's become more common to see them wearing alternate styles that feel a little more forward. We studied all the fashion weeks that have happened this year and narrowed the most popular model-off-duty denim trends down to these seven. Scroll to see how they're styling them and shop them all.

The Trend: Knee-Slit Jeans

spring-jean-trends-2020-285741-1582583111440-image

(Image credit: Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images)

Adut Akech isn't the only model that's proven the return of distressed denim. Gigi Hadid is also a fan of knee-slit jeans. 

Shop the trend:

The Trend: Dark Denim Trouser Jeans

spring-jean-trends-2020-285741-1582583117836-image

(Image credit: @hoskelsa)

Elsa Hosk's dressy denim look is made possible by her dark-wash, high-waisted jeans. This look is appropriate for work even if your profession isn't that of a model.

On Elsa Hosk: Burberry The Mid-length Chelsea Heritage Trench Coat ($1990); Etro shirt and Pegaso Bag ($1140); Celine boots

Shop the trend:

The Trend: Flare Jeans

spring-jean-trends-2020-285741-1582583122264-image

(Image credit: Backgrid)

Kaia Gerber has been wearing flares more than any other denim trend as of late, confirming the return of the '70s look.

On Kaia Gerber: Celine jacket, bag, and jeans; By Far Sofia Boots ($562)

Shop the trend:

The Trend: Baggy Light-Wash Jeans

spring-jean-trends-2020-285741-1582583120696-image

(Image credit: Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images)

HyunJi Shin's light-wash baggy jeans are the perfect jeans to wear with sneakers this spring. Seriously, prepare to see fashion girls everywhere wearing this style soon.

Shop the trend:

The Trend: Low-Rise Jeans

spring-jean-trends-2020-285741-1582583124438-image

(Image credit: Backgrid)

Leave it to Bella Hadid to always be wearing the latest jeans. If you're ready to come back to the low-rise look, choose a baggy pair and wear them just as effortlessly as she did.

On Bella Hadid: Eytys Bronco Jacket ($1100), Lopes Vest ($210), and Titan Max Jeans ($330)

Shop the trend:

The Trend: Classic Straight-Leg Jeans

spring-jean-trends-2020-285741-1582583125974-image

(Image credit: Melodie Jeng/Getty Images)

If you have classic style, follow Carolyn Murphy's lead and stock up on straight-leg jeans. This trend isn't going anywhere.

Shop the trend:

The Trend: Washed Black Stovepipe Jeans

spring-jean-trends-2020-285741-1582583119171-image

(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

Mica Argañaraz's relaxed washed black jeans can easily be dressed up or down, making them one of the most versatile denim trends of the season.

Shop the trend:

Next up, the best brands for high-waisted jeans.

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.