Whilst I appreciate the many brilliant dresses around, I’ve always been more of a trousers girl. That’s not to say I don’t bare a little leg every so often, but if you wanted to place a bet, more often than not I can be found wearing trousers, more specifically jeans. So far I’ve found my perfect pair of blues, explored every cut from wide-leg to skinny, secured my favourite black jeans in washed and true shades, but that’s where I’ve drawn the line. Well, until now.
Like many of you, I’ve been putting the work in to build a forever capsule wardrobe, stocked with the very best basics that will support my wardrobe year after year. There’s classic white tees, beloved black wide-leg trousers, and Breton striped jumpers galore. And whilst my blue and black jeans will always have reserved spots in my forever wardrobe, the lingering grey days have me craving an infusion of joy in the form of colour play. And of course, I’m here to share it with you.
Quickly, before you recoil with thoughts of fluoro skinny jeans of the 2010s, I want to assure you that this edit is definitively not that. This is a guide to introducing colourful denim into your wardrobe, in shades that accent a capsule wardrobe and liven up our daily uniforms, without an American Apparel purple acid-wash finish in sight. Yes, this is a guide to colourful denim for the minimalists, those looking to rejuvenate their wardrobes, add a new shade here and there, but still stay true to that understated feel.
My biggest takeaway is this: it’s much easier to integrate these shades into my wardrobe than previously thought. No matter the hue, they seemed to fall into two styling categories: one, back to basics, literally. For this, call upon that capsule wardrobe you’ve been building, and let your neutral shades of white, black and navy do the hard work. The other category is all about tonal dressing. Mixing similar hues is an easy way to style more ‘daring’ jeans colours, and also feels really considered.
To make this try-on even more useful, you should know I’m 5’2″ and take a 28/29 waist in jeans. Some of these jeans came up too long on me, but don’t let a great pair go simply because of this. Many styles come in petite, or you can turn to your local dry cleaners who can take a few inches off in no time.
Want to see how I got on with the colourful jeans trend, and explore the styles I’m backing for 2024? Scroll on.
Here I’m wearing Reformation jeans in size 28. Style Notes: The fashion world has fallen back in love with dark brown. The elevated feel of the shade is one we can’t help but embrace, and I found that adding in silver accents made the hue feel even richer.
I think this pair will quickly become part of my daily outfit builds.
The front seams add a fun twist.
Re/Done knows all about brilliant denim.
Here I’m wearing Seventy + Mochi Jeans (£110) in size 28. Style Notes: With red being a major player over the past few seasons, I knew I had to include at least on pair. Naturally, you can reach for your classic white tee or cosiest black jumper, but I found this navy shade was particularly complimentary with these jeans.
I’m a big fan of the matching jacket, too.
This pair has my full attention.
Go bold this spring in these vibrant Frame jeans.
Here’s I’m wearing Free People’s Jane Cord Jeans (£88) in size 28. Style Notes: In recent months I’ve found myself ever drawn to green shades, not just by surrounding myself with plants like above. Free People’s bold flared style was one I couldn’t stop thinking about, and by sticking to my forever staples (a black shirt and classic black boots) I found it surprisingly easy to style and definitely effective.
It has to be noted how comfortable this pair is.
Even The Row knows colourful denim is going to be big news for 2024.
Add some joy to your spring outfits with this lively green shade.
Here I’m wearing Maeve jeans in a size 28. For these, I would probably try the size up just as they are a more structured waist. Style Notes: Despite being a denim devotee, I admit I’ve never actually tried white jeans. All that’s about to change, as they can be swapped in place of black or blue, adding a spring-ready twist. Of course, you can keep it classic with your favourite tonal shades, or go bold like I did and sandwich your jeans between a vibrant shade.
This pair comes in regular and petite lengths.
I’m a big fan of the tapered silhouette.
H&M’s denim selection is so strong right now.
Here I’m wearing the Aligne jeans in size 28. Style Notes: This pair pretty much inspired my entire article, as I found the colour so unique. For this, I opted for tonal brown shades to allow the lighter brown hue to take centre stage.
A deeper beige that verges into a light brown, this clay colour is pretty unique, and definitely set to revitalise any wardrobe.
The Cloud jeans are fast become a fashion person favourite.
Abercrombie & Fitch features heavily in my denim collection.
Up next, It’s Official: Fashion People Will Live in These 9 Specific Jeans Trends in 2024