Be a Jean Queen: The 5 Denim Trends You Need for Fall

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

If we’re being honest, denim trends don’t so much appear as get recycled.

Absent a new technology popping up, each season’s trends are generally just re-imagination of looks that were hot a mere few seasons ago. But, that doesn’t stop us from anxiously waiting to see what the new season will bring. I’m just as guilty as anyone.

So, consider this your cheat list. I’ve scoured the new arrivals at all of the hottest denim destinations, thumbed through the pile of thick September issues that have taken over my coffee table, and polled a few of my favorite fashion PR mavens. All signs point to these five looks being the new(-ish) hotness in jeans for fall.

Have it already? Check that one off. Need it? Try a few of the more intriguing options I’ve pulled up. And, of course, don’t forget to tell me what you think of the new season’s denim in the comments section.

Leather Panel

This is one of the few denim trends that still feels a little fresh. After a couple seasons of experimenting with combinations of leather and denim, designers have settled on a leather panel effect that fits well with the vaguely gothic inspiration from the fall runways.

How much are you willing to invest on this trend? Your answer will have a direct bearing on the leather to denim ratio in your selected pair. If money is no object, R13 Moto Chaps jeans are showstoppers at $1,250.00. For a more manageable take on the trend, try the Rag&Bone/JEAN denim pictured here. Already have the basic look in your closet? Try these 7 For All Mankind Leather Front Jeans at $650.00 – they’re anything but ordinary.

Rag and Bone/JEAN Halifax Leather-Panel Motocross Jeans


→ Buy the Rag&Bone/JEAN Halifax Leather-Panel Motocross Jeans, $286.00, at neimanmarcus.com.


Waxed or Coated

If leather panel jeans are more than your pocketbook can handle, you are in luck. Waxed and coated jeans, which mimic the look of leather with a rubberized or waxed coating, are as popular as ever. The ongoing popularity has led to a greater selection of colors and styles, which benefits everyone.

Paige Denim’s Verdugo coated jeans come in a saddle color that mimics well-worn leather at just $219.00 – well below the cost of a pair of leather jeans. For a more classic coated jeans look, check out the 7 For All Mankind pair in Armor Grey pictured here. If a downtown look is what you are after, Current/Elliott’s Soho Coated Denim Pants, at $248.00, may be the perfect look for you.

7 For All Mankind The Skinny Contour Waistband Coated Jeans


→ Buy the 7 For All Mankind The Skinny Contour Waistband Coated Jeans, $198.00, at saks.com.


Super Dark Rinse

I think most women will agree that super dark denim, no matter what the cut, is the absolute most flattering wash. That’s why I’m glad to see that super dark rinse denim is super popular once more, resulting in plenty of fabulous new looks for fall.

These Proenza Schouler indigo jeans have an old school look at $275.00. For a thoroughly modern look, try the super skinny True Religion jeans pictured here. If you are a pear shape, or just have a few curves to work with, try Joe’s Jeans The Honey Curvy Bootcut Jeans in Everleigh wash at just $158.00.

True Religion Casey Denim Leggings


→ Buy the True Religion Casey Denim Leggings, $167.00, at saks.com.


Crazy Printed

Printed jeans aren’t going anywhere for fall. In fact, they seem to be getting louder and more imaginative. Oh, and more upscale.

If money’s no object, and crazy printed jeans are your thing, look no further than these flaming floral Balmain beauties at $1,900.00. For a slightly more wearable take on the trend, check out the Mother jeans pictured here – one of the most unique floral print jeans I’ve seen. But, the prize for top printed jeans of the season goes to these 7 For All Mankind Digital Tapestry jeans at $198.00. Just wow.

Mother The Looker Floral Skinny Jeans


→ Buy the Mother The Looker Floral Skinny Jeans, $275.00, at saks.com.


Grey Rinse

Now, this is my kind of denim trend. I do love a grey jean. They’ve got a downtown vibe, but they’re not too crazy to be reserved for nighttime only activities. Plus, they’re super versatile and match just about everything.

If you’re looking for a massive steal on skinny grey jeans, check out my personal favorite Uniqlo Ultra Stretch Jeans at just $39.90. I practically live in those jeans. Cropped denim in a grey wash is nearly non-existent, so I feel the need to point out the adorable Citizens of Humanity jeans shown here. J Brand’s Kingdom jeans add a distressed charm to the grey trend at $149.10, marked down from $213.00.

Citizens of Humanity Greyson Crop Jeans in Incense


→ Buy the Citizens of Humanity Greyson Crop Jeans in Incense, $198.00, at nordstrom.com; shipping and returns are free.