2026 denim update: Frame shirt | Frame jeans | Prada pumps | Cashmere over shoulders | Prada bag | Necklaces: here & here
The 2026 Denim Update: 7 Trends to Know & How to Style Them
Searching for the perfect pair of jeans is a never-ending journey, and whenever a new season starts, new styles that have the ability to switch things up start to emerge. And, since denim is the foundation of so many outfits, once you get the fit right, your entire look will feel effortlessly cool. As we head into 2026, there are a few specific shifts that are worth noting. I’m talking about rises going lower, the one style that everyone should own, and the wash that looks polished and put together … always.
My love of denim goes waaaay back. In the early 2000s as a Nordstrom stylist, I worked in the denim department. This gave me firsthand knowledge about everything related to denim, and an incredible opportunity to become very knowledgeable about styles, materials and brands. These days, it’s still my favorite category of clothing to work with, and I try to stay very current and “in the know.” Also, I have a few trusted resources that give me incredible insider info. The best part is I get to share it with all of you!
Today’s post is about the 7 denim trends on my radar for 2026 and what you need to know. Keep reading for the specific styles I think are worth adding to your closet, along with some new style board inspo and style tips I think you’ll love!
Recent posts, ICYMI
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Images via Pinterest
This year, there are several new trends that will instantly level up your outfits. I’m really excited about the new pieces I’m seeing — they’re wearable, feel new and fresh, and in some ways, they’re classic enough that I don’t really consider them to be trends. See below for what I’m talking about!
Stand collar jackets: They’re everywhere! Look at this AllSaints leather, this new Chloe-inspired one, this black crepe one and this long trench style
Butter yellow: Spotted this nylon jacket, this knit polo and cashmere crew, and this Alo sweatshirt
Polo style tops: This new striped one, this Vince one, this pretty pink one, this yellow striped one and this short sleeve cashmere polo
Trench jackets in any style: Love this new shorter écru one, this flowy one in black, this Sezane, this reversible one and this brand new Zara one
Stripes: Consider cashmere sweaters like this long sleeved one and this new sleeveless one. Also button front shirts like this and this, and simple tees like this new brown stripe and this bright pink stripe
#1 Why a Straight-Leg Jean Should Be in Your Closet
Zara coat | Stripe polo | Madewell tote | Slingbacks | Mother Lasso jeans | Earrings
Right now, the classic straight cut jean is having a moment, thanks to several runway shows that styled them with staples like button-ups, crew sweaters layered over white tees and, of course, trench coats. See below for which ones to buy.
Check these out: These Mother Kick it jeans, Frame Le Sleek, Agolde Ren, and this Frame Ruler
#2 Year-Round Shades of White
Zara suede jacket | Stripe knit | Necklace | Bag | Gold heels
Any shade of soft white or écru is versatile. So, if you style it with a button-up and cashmere over you shoulder or a leather jacket, the outfit possibilities are endless.
Check these out: This new AGOLDE pair in soft white | Mother Kick-it in a bright white | Paige Anessa jeans in écru | Frame ecru
#3 Dark Rinses are Always Chic
J.Crew trench | Pink polo top | Frame jeans | Gucci bag | Brown suede slingbacks
Dark Indio rinse jeans are always in style, except this season there are way more options! They’re slimming and leg lengthening, and you’ll feel a little more polished when wearing them. A blazer and heel is chic too.
Check these out: This Frame straight leg | Paige Anessa in one of my favorite washes | This full length bootcut
#4 Low-Rise Jeans are Back … and They’re Flattering This Time 😉
Allsaints leather jacket | White tee | Frame jeans | YSL bag | Prada pumps | Sunglasses
These are not the teeny tiny rises that made their appearance in the early 2000s, so don’t worry! I’m seeing more of a mid-rise jean that feels modern and new. When I was visiting the Frame Denim HQ recently, they shared that the Rodeo jean is the office favorite that everyone’s wearing. So, of course, when I noticed that a petite option was available I tried it … and love it! It’s the one I’m wearing in the opening photo above.
Check these out: Frame Rodeo, petite sizes here | AGOLDE boot cut | Rag & Bone featherweight
#5 Wide-Leg Jeans & Trouser Styles
Navy jacket | TWP shirt | Paige Anessa | Tennis necklace | VB clutch | Flats
The wide-leg jean continues to be a mainstay when it comes to denim, and I find it to be one of the most versatile styles available. If you add a blazer or nice jacket, you’ll instantly feel polished and put together. Wide-leg jeans also look amazing with boots, sneakers and casual jackets or sweaters. These are your go-to-everyday jeans.
Check these out: Paige Anessa is the best | My personal fave Mother Hustler | Frame Le Slim Palazzo | Frame light wash
#6 Black washes are always so chic
Allsaints leather jacket | AGOLDE Ren ankle | Turtleneck | Necklace | Studded Bag | Snake sandal
I can’t imagine a closet without black wash jeans. My personal favorites I think go with everything are more a washed black – but either way, you’ll always feel good in these any time of year!
Check these out: Mother Hustler Roller wide-leg | Frame bootcut | Quince faded black
#7 You Won’t Believe These are $50
Quince $50 jeans | White Prada pumps | VB leopard clutch | Quince cotton cardigan
I’m a bit of a jean snob, so you might imagine when I found these $50 Quince jeans, I thought they were too good to be true. As of this writing, I’ve now tried three washes in the Bella Wide-leg jean, and If I’m being honest, they’re very similar to the Mother Hustler Roller … at a fraction of the price!
Thank you for reading! xx
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