8 Denim Trends We'll All Go Wild for This Autumn
Ah, denim. Where would our wardrobes be without it? We dread to think. Still, however integral to our daily looks it may be, denim seldom makes an appearance on the high-fashion runways. At least, that was considered to be the case until a host of designers began giving it the ultimate seal of approval by incorporating it into their ruway collections. Now, denim regularly appears in the seasonal lineups of everyone from Chanel to Dior, as well as the brands known for their more casual aesthetics, such as Chloé and Celine. It just goes to show that there's a place for denim no matter what your fashion preference may be.
But what of this year's top denim trends? As we start to look forward to autumn, we thought it was time we charted the need-to-know denim trends to have on your radar for the next six months.
For such a task, we took a deep dive into the autumn 2021 designer capsules, and what we discovered is that there are eight clear autumn denim trends coming through. From the small detail that makes a big difference to how your jeans look to the hue set to dominate, keep scrolling to discover the autumn denim trends 2021 has in store.
CREASE-FRONT JEANS
Style Notes: Of course, we can't discuss denim trends without talking jeans. And there's one classic style that is proving just as popular for autumn as it has been for summer (more on that later): jeans with pressed creases to the front of the trouser leg in a subtle nod to the '70s.
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DEEP, DARK BLUE
Style Notes: The lighter hues of denim are taking a back seat to moodier, deep indigo tones this winter, as seen at Hermès, Christian Dior, and so much more. Wear them layered on top of one another for maximum impact.
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'90S STRAIGHT-LEG
Style Notes: Okay, so not technically a trend, but straight-leg-jean devotees will be pleased to hear that the style was even more prevalent on the autumn 2021 runways than it was in previous seasons. Get ready to have your pick of so many impressive pairs.
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ARM CANDY
Style Notes: If you live in denim, then you might want to consider taking your obsession up a notch with the addition of a denim bag, as seen at ACNE Studios. This specific style is yet to land online, but there are plenty of other denim arm-candy options out there at the moment.
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MAXI SKIRTS
Style Notes: Denim skirts always make a comeback during the summer months but usually start to disappear when the temperatures begin to drop. Not this season! Celine has decided to keep them around for autumn, specifically in maxi lengths.
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INTRICATE SEAMWORK
Style Notes: If you're feeling a little denim fatigued, there's a key detail to look for that'll make your ensembles pop. Deliberate seams kept cropping up on the runways, and there's plenty to go around right now, too.
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JACKETS FOR LAYERING
Style Notes: Denim jackets are a perennial wardrobe staple—this we know. However, this trend is all about how you wear your denim jacket. Layer yours underneath a shacket for a quick runway-inspired update.
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SLOUCHY CANADIAN TUXEDO
Style Notes: Another denim trend we're carrying through from this season to next, the Canadian tuxedo (wearing a denim shirt with jeans) was a big deal on the spring runways and is here to stay for autumn. Only this time, things have taken a slouchier turn with oversized shirting and loose-fit jeans informing your silhouette.
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Next Up, Autumn 2021 Trends: The Only Fashion Looks You Need to Know
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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