Dark Blue Denim Is Having Its Turn

I've been seeing so much light and faded denim lately that darker blue jeans are starting to feel new again.

A deep blue wash can make a very simple outfit look different without you actually having to do much. Put on a pair of dark jeans, a soft sweater and boots, and you're pretty much ready.

This is also one of those trends that doesn't feel like you're following a trend. You can wear dark denim for years and nobody is going to look at it and think you bought it because it was fashionable that particular season.

Mott & Bow has a few options in darker washes, including the Ridge Mid Rise Slim Straight. If you prefer a cleaner look, I'd definitely have a look at their darker denim before going for another pair of very faded jeans.

I especially like dark denim with brown accessories. A brown belt, brown boots and a dark blue pair of jeans just work together.

Wide-Leg Jeans Are Still Here

If you've become attached to wide-leg jeans over the past few years, you can keep wearing them.

They're not disappearing.

What I've noticed lately is that the wider styles are looking a little more structured. Instead of jeans that are extremely oversized from the waist down, we're seeing pairs with a defined waist and a long, clean leg.

That makes them much easier to style.

DUER's No Sweat Denim High Rise Wide Leg is one I'd look at if you're after this shape. It's one of the brand's women's best sellers, and the darker Nostalgia Tone is particularly easy to work into a wardrobe.

I'd keep the rest of the outfit fairly simple with these. A fitted top, tucked-in T-shirt or cropped jacket can balance out the wider leg really nicely.

And if you're someone who lives in sneakers, this is an especially easy style to wear.

Comfort Is Becoming a Bigger Part of Denim

Can we talk about this for a second?

I love a good pair of jeans, but if I can't sit comfortably in them for a few hours, I'm probably not going to wear them very often. It doesn't matter how good they look.

That's one reason I've been interested in DUER. The brand puts a lot of focus on stretch and movement, so its denim feels more suited to everyday wear rather than just looking good in a mirror.

They also have the Performance Denim Mid Rise Slim Taper if you prefer something closer to a classic straight-leg jean.

Personally, I think this is where denim shopping gets much more interesting. We're not just looking at how jeans look anymore. How they feel after wearing them all day matters too.

Bootcut Jeans Are Coming Back

Bootcut jeans have been slowly making their way back, and I'm actually starting to understand why.

The newer versions don't have to look like the bootcut jeans you might remember from years ago. They're usually much cleaner through the leg, with just a little bit of flare from the knee down.

The shape looks great with boots, obviously, but I also like it with a pointed flat or a small heel.

If you're unsure about the trend, I'd start with one pair rather than completely changing your wardrobe. Try them with a fitted sweater and boots first. You might be surprised by how easy they are to wear.

And if you already have an old pair somewhere in your closet, maybe check before buying another one. Fashion has a funny way of making things you stopped wearing feel new again.

Black Jeans Deserve More Attention

I know we're talking about denim trends, but I don't think everything has to be blue.

Black jeans are one of those things I think most wardrobes could use more of. They work when you want to wear jeans but don't want the outfit to feel too casual.

A black pair with a white shirt is such an easy combination. Add a leather jacket and boots and you have a completely different look.

I'd especially consider black denim if you already own several pairs of blue jeans. It gives you something different without forcing you to learn a completely new way of dressing.

I'm Also Seeing More Utility Details

This is probably the trend I'd have the most fun with.

Utility-inspired denim has been showing up with patch pockets, workwear details and slightly more relaxed shapes. It's a little different from your standard pair of jeans, but it doesn't have to look overly complicated.

The trick is to keep everything else simple.

If your jeans already have noticeable pockets or stitching, wear them with a plain top and let the denim be the interesting part.

DUER is worth checking for this kind of look too. The brand has moved beyond traditional denim and has utility-inspired pieces in its women's collection, so there are options if you like that slightly practical, casual look.

I wouldn't necessarily wear utility denim with lots of other workwear pieces at once. A simple fitted tee and sneakers would probably be my first choice.

So Which Denim Trend Should You Actually Try?

Honestly, I don't think there's one answer for everyone.

If you mostly wear skinny jeans, a straight-leg pair could be an easy change. If you already love loose denim, there's no reason to suddenly stop wearing it just because another silhouette is getting attention.

For anyone who wants something that feels a little different, I'd look at a darker wash. It's probably the easiest update you can make without changing your whole style.

And if comfort is always your first priority, that's where I'd spend a little more time looking at brands like DUER. If you're after a more traditional denim feel with a polished fit, Mott & Bow is another one I'd have on my list.

I'm also a big believer in checking your own wardrobe before buying anything new. You might already have the exact cut that's coming back around. Give it another try with different shoes or a new jacket and it might suddenly feel completely different.

At the end of the day, I don't think jeans need to be complicated. Find a fit you actually enjoy wearing, pick a wash that works with the clothes you already own, and don't feel like you need a new pair every time the denim trend changes.

The best pair is usually the one you keep reaching for without even thinking about it.