Jeans Are the Foundation of My Capsule Wardrobe—12 Fresh Ways I'm Styling Them for Spring
Could it be? Are the blue sky days of spring finally here? After what’s felt like the longest, greyest winter, I’m sure we’re all looking forward to the change of season—at last. But, as us Brits know, spring is highly unpredictable. A cheering series of sunny days can quickly be interrupted by a sudden downpour. In large part thanks to this, I can’t help but think that jeans will continue to be my daily go-to.
All is not lost. The brilliant thing about jeans, after all, is that they are incredibly versatile. And these days, denim is a more than acceptable sartorial choice for most situations. Trending wide-leg jeans can be paired with a classic white t-shirt and trainers for a casual day look, while the newly popular barrel leg silhouette can be dressed up with heels and a blazer for evening plans. And with a few accessory switches, these looks can continue to be a part of your rotation without feeling like you’re endlessly outfit repeating.
The most important thing is to find a pair of jeans that feels just right, giving you the silhouette that will imbue you with confidence. Fortunately, these days the options are truly endless, and there are seriously good options for every price range. High-street staples like Mango, H&M and COS make some of the best denim around—just ask our editors.
After doing some extensive Instagram scrolling, I’ve discovered plenty of outfit inspiration for making the trusty jeans feel exciting again. From the classic spring looks to chic new outfits incorporating some of 2024’s top trending styles, scroll on to find my pick of the best ensembles I’ll be replicating this season.
1. Suede Jacket + Ballet Pumps
Style Notes: When it comes to spring outerwear, a suede jacket is such a chic option that will instantly elevate your jeans. And when paired with the still-trending ballet flat, the whole look has a certain French flair. Minimalist elegance at its best.
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Black straight leg jeans come in so handy in spring.
2. Bouclé Jacket + Wide-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: You know team Who What Wear are huge fans of bouclé jackets, which continue to be one of the most popular jacket choices for today’s fashion lovers. I love how Abi has dressed down the polished look of the jacket with wide-leg jeans, one of this season’s top trending denim styles.
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3. Waistcoat + Loafers
Style Notes: This is preppy meets casual at its very best. A simple waistcoat makes straight-leg denim look that bit more polished, and loafers are the flat that just keep on giving. Add a matching blazer for cooler days.
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A beige waistcoat is so handy, and works equally well with jeans and tailored trousers.
4. Cardigan + Blazer
Style Notes: My kind of spring layering. Cardigans worn as tops keep popping up on my Instagram feed, and I’m absolutely sold on the look. Adding a blazer ups the elegance, and in my opinion makes it work appropriate.
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A light blue wash helps balance out the formality of the cardigan and blazer.
5. Leather Blazer + Slingback Heels
Style Notes: Aside from a suede jacket, a leather blazer is my other new season outerwear must-have. The combination of the leather and denim texture looks so effortlessly cool, and adding slingback heels really completes the whole look.
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6. White Jeans + Sweater Vest
Style Notes: Now’s the time to break out the white denim. Follow Louisa's lead and opt for light layers by styling with a simple shirt and a sweater vest.
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7. Double Denim
Style Notes: The Canadian tuxedo isn’t going anywhere in 2024. Keep it city chic by styling with a low heel and a a luxe bag.
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My top requirement for a denim shirt? It has to be as soft as possible.
8. Silky Shirt + Suede Bag
Style Notes: The jeans-and-shirt is a classic combination that always looks good. But this season, I’m swapping my staple cotton button-down for a silky alternative. And I love how Jessica has played with textures by adding a suede bag. I'll definitely be copying that.
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This shirt has such a retro feel to it.
9. Colour Pop Trainers + Shirt + Jumper
Style Notes: A colourful trainer is the easiest and most joyful way to make a denim look feel fresh. Complete with a shirt and jumper and you’re set.
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Is there anything more classic than an Oxford shirt?
10. Leather Coat + Colourful Heels
Style Notes: On colder spring days, you’ll want something more than a jacket or blazer. Enter the leather trench, which is both warm and weather-proof—and looks especially good with jeans.
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These pleated jeans are such an easy way to look put together.
These add a much-needed jolt of colour to keep you in the spring mood.
11. Sculptural Bustier + Cropped Jeans
Style Notes: On the opposite end of the fashion spectrum, for warmer days consider balancing out the heaviness of denim with a bustier top. This sculptural design is really elevated, while the French-approved slides give the whole ensemble a beautifully effortless feel.
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A high-rise fit makes a cropped jean look especially flattering.
12. Cardigan + Mary Janes
Style Notes: As our favourite influencers keep proving, wide-leg jeans are an incredibly versatile denim silhouette. One of the top ways to wear them this season? With the classic flat that is making a major comeback: the Mary-Jane.
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A crew neck cardigan worn on its own is such a luxe option.
Sorry, but I just can't resist a little sparkle to brighten up this otherwise understated look.
Jess Kelham-Hohler is a freelance writer, editor and content strategist. She has been a contributor for Who What Wear UK since 2023. Currently based in London following six years in Washington D.C. and New York, she was previously the Digital Editor for Soho House & Co, an international group of private members’ clubs for creatives. She has interviewed a range of artists, creators and more, including Alighieri founder Rosh Mahtani, photographer Misan Harriman and fashion editor Lindsay Peoples Wagner. Today, she writes primarily about fashion, travel and culture for various publications, and has worked as a copywriter and content strategist for brands such as Belstaff, Olivela and Equinox.
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