Aritzia jacket | Frame Rodeo jeans | Staud boots | ZC earrings | The Row tote
I’m Calling It: The Denim Trends Defining Winter 2026
Denim is always a hot topic around here, and this season there are some exciting new trends that will make a big difference in your winter outfits. Here’s what I know after 25+ years of doing this: when you get your jeans right, everything else works. The good news is that jeans last a long time, and it takes a while for them to feel dated — so this isn’t about buying a bunch of new pairs. It’s about little updates here and there.
When I was working at Nordstrom in “Room 3,” I always followed this principle: we didn’t start trying everything on until we got the right pair of jeans!
That’s exactly what today’s post is — the denim update. These are the 6 denim trends I’m calling for Winter 2026, including twisted seam details, gorgeous velvets in the prettiest colors, elegant dark washes, and a new low rise that’s easier to wear than you think. I’m also sharing the exact shoes that work with each one, and the styling tips that make getting dressed easier.
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Left: Hill House Home jacket | Paige Anessa jeans | Right: J.Crew coat | Mother jeans | Staud Wally boots
#1 Paige Anessa – This is the top selling jean at Nordstrom. Why would we care? Because 9 out of 10 women who try it on purchase it. So, if you have a hard time finding jeans you love, this is a great place to start. The fabric is super stretchy, and there are lots of options to consider. Make sure to grab the 31″ which is a long length style. And, if you’re petite, many of the washes are available in a 29″ inseam.
#2 Paige Leenah – Similar to the Anessa, these are a little more fitted through the hip/thigh area, which makes them really flattering. I just picked up these in black (petites here), and every time I turn around I see a new wash, like this tonal écru and this beautiful velvet one. #3 Rag & Bone Miramar – If you are looking for a comfy travel jean that’s not really a jean, this is the one to try. It’s made of cotton terry fabric, and it’s super soft and comfortable. I’ve tried the track pant and this newer bootcut style. Trust me, you’ll wonder how you traveled without these! #4 Mother Lemon Twist – Probably the coolest jean this year — and it’s easy to see why. They’re a long-length jean with a twisted seam, and they make you look really tall, especially if you wear a heel. They keep coming out in new washes (look at this new dark wash). And, you know it’s a top seller when a style comes in petite sizes! Honorable mention: The Kick-It – a classic straight leg jean that everyone loves.#5 Pistola Lexi – One of the best-selling barrel jeans out there, this one is a little more toned down, and super flattering. And it’s available in petite sizes here.
#6 Frame Le Slim Palazzo – This wide-leg style is the best-selling jean at Frame denim (I just confirmed), and it’s easy to see why. Super flattering, works with every kind of shoe, and the washes are all so good. Get 15% off with my code: SUSIE15.
#1 Wide-leg jeans – new details
Fur trimmed jacket | Crew cashmere | Jeans | Clutch | Gold sandals | Perfume
Look for new details like gold hardware, wide hems and new colors like this ecru one – all so chic
Other options: Paige Anessa | Frame Le Slim Palazzo
Gold sandals: Love this Dolce Vita one, this Jimmy Choo and this Loeffler Randall
#2 Dark jeans – Blue or Black
Floral jacket | Cardigan | Black jeans | Bag | Sandals | Earrings
Dark jeans always read elegant and sophisticated, and black is my personal go-to
Other options: Agolde Harper | Frame flare | Frame Vertical
Black strappy sandals: Dolce Vita | Stuart Weitzman | Veronica beard
#3 Denim Trends: Low-Rise Denim Bootcut
Rag & Bone coat | Fair isle cardigan | Jeans | Boots | Chloe bag
This is the trend everyone is talking about, and low-rise jeans will continue into Spring 2027. One thing to remember is that they’re really more of a mid-rise. For example, I shared this new low-rise Paige Anessa yesterday (petites here), and it’s a 9 1/2″ rise, so it’s not too crazy 😉
Other options: Frame Rodeo | Quince Luna | Paige low-rise Anessa
Everyday boots: Sam Edelman Saige | Staud Wally |
#4 Embellished details
Rag & Bone jacket | Cashmere sweater | Rag & Bone embellished jeans | Earrings | Bag | Gucci boots
Who doesn’t love a little sparkle or extra ribbon detail – the perfect way to dress up your holiday outfits
Other options: Paige embossed | Paige grossgrain ribbon trim | 7 for all Mankind
Pointy toe boots: Veronica beard boot | Favorite Daughter
#5 Holiday denim: Velvet & texture
Wrap jacket | Velvet jeans | Cashmere crew | Plaid bag | Boots | Perfume | Earrings
Adding a little texture to your outfit always works, and this season the velvet options are everywhere
Other options: Frame velvet flare | Paige Leenah
Pointy toe boots: Veronica beard kitten heel | Stuart Weitzman Vinnie
#6 Travel Sweatpant Jeans
Moncler jacket | Turtleneck | Rag & Bone track pants | Weekender | Sneakers | Earrings
Talk about comfortable, these are really sweatpants that look like jeans, and trust me, they’re so good
Other options: Ponte flare pant | Wide-leg Sophie
Pointy toe boots: Vince | Veronica beard | Gola
Thank you for reading xx
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