4 New Denim Trends Our Most Stylish Friends Are Already Trying

Let's face it: Shopping for a new pair of jeans can be daunting, which is why we are declaring this week Denim Week on Who What Wear UK. For the next seven days, we will be equipping you with all the info you could possibly need so you will be excited to start your hunt for your next pair (or pairs) of jeans.

Last year's denim trends may have been all about drama—extreme flares, pearl embellishments, distressed patchwork and the like—but this year fashion girls are flocking to jeans that are a little more grown-up. Instead of a novelty item that'll get you some quick likes on Instagram, these jeans are versatile building blocks for your 2018 wardrobe. These days it's all about tweaks and slight updates that will make your everyday jeans feel more modern. The key thing to note this S/S 18 is that wash is the key consideration, as white and super-dark indigo denim are overtaking classic blue jeans. Keep scrolling to see and shop the four biggest denim trends this season.

Indigo Washes

Washes are about to get a little darker thanks to Raf Simons's first collection at Calvin Klein, which championed indigo denim. We love how Margot Robbie wore this head-to-toe dark denim look.

Belted Denim

One detail we keep noticing in the denim department (whether on skirts or jeans) are belts tied at the waist. This trend shows a renewed focus on grown-up, flattering styles.

Related: Summer 2018 Fashion Trends: The Only Looks You Need to Know

Straight-Leg Jeans

Skinny jeans might have fallen out of favour with the fashion crowd a few years ago, but there wasn't an obvious alternative to skinnies that would have mass appeal—until now. Last season, the straight-leg jean was the hero silhouette for many brands, from Balenciaga and Saint Laurent down to high-street denim-agenda setters Weekday, and it's continuing. "At the moment, over 40% of sales on jeans are coming from straight-leg fits in rigid or rigid-stretch fabrics," says Net-a-Porter Global Fashion Director Lisa Aiken. "This has grown significantly, as designers haven't just offered high-rise fits."

White Denim

Over the past few seasons, white denim has slowly been moving past its tacky rep, and this spring, it's arguably the coolest denim trend. High on our wish list is Simon Miller's wide-leg cropped jeans with frayed edges and anything in a slightly "off" shade of white.

Now you're ready to tackle a new denim trend this season and next.

Opening Image: Getty