The New Denim Rules

Marques Almeida Marques’Almeida

 
It’s difficult to remember a time before skinny jeans. The wardrobe staple has been a fashion mainstay for over a decade now, perhaps reaching their peak when leggings-as-pants became a thing. From that awkward moment forward, fashion designers slowly but surely began to shy away from overly skintight designs. The blue jean renaissance is finally in full swing, with brands thinking outside the slender-legged box. Here are the denim trends that we are embracing this season.
 
 

Frayed Denim Left: Chloé, right: Faustine Steinmetz

Frayed Edge

Destroyed blue jeans and unfinished hems returned to the spotlight thanks to denim darlings Marques’Almeida. Shortly after, Chloé and Faustine Steinmetz were quick to embrace the grungy aesthetic. Look for styles that keep annihilation towards the seams–this will ensure the look stays current, rather than that less-than-fabulous whisker washed pair you had in high school.
 
 

Embellished Denim Left: Ashish, right: Gucci

Embellished and Embroidered

Designer duds with DIY-drama, embellishments and embroideries are a playful way to incorporate punk attitude into your wardrobe without the long-term commitment of a facial tattoo. If you’re feeling extra crafty, take inspiration from Gucci’s tiger-appliquéd jacket (pictured right) and iron-on a few patches onto your favourite denim item.
 
 

Pieced-together Denim Left: Off-white, right: Aries

Franken-denim

When Vetements debuted their pieced-together denim style last year, fashion junkies around the world had to adjust their screens. Now, patchwork patterns have snuck into styles by cult labels Off-white and Aries, furthering this trend we like to refer to as “Franken-denim”.
 
 

Kick Flare Denim Left: Levis, right: Man Repeller

Kick-flare

With their ankle grazing length and bell bottom legs, kick-flare denim is the nega-skinny jean. Style savvy fashion fiends are enjoying the extra wiggle room this trend gives to claustrophobic ankles.
 
 

Released Hem Denim Left: Rachel Comey, right: H&M

Released Hem

While designers have been releasing hems for seasons, Rachel Comey created the prototypical–and perennially sold out–pair spotted so frequently on street style sites. Luckily, H&M have caught on, releasing a pocket friendly version of their own.