Spring 2017 Trend Report: The Coolest New Ways to Wear Denim

Date March 6, 2017

Celebrities know the power of a great pair of jeans. From Jennifer Lawrence’s perfectly distressed skinnies to Gisele Bündchen’s updated mom jeans, the right pair of denim can instantly take you from so-so to superstar. The trick is finding a pair that makes you look 1) A size (or two) smaller and 2) Like you can roll with Gigi and Kendall.

Denim is like swimwear—you’ve got to bring multiple options into the fitting room, check your ego at the door, and figure out what works (and looks) best on your bod. But what about trends? Well, we’ve got everything you need this season to channel your inner Supermodel/A-lister. From faded classics to New Gen embellishment, the spring 2017 runways are awash with fresh denim styles.

Roberto Cavalli played with different washes, creating a swirly optical illusion on a pair of 70s-inspired wide-leg jeans. Embellishment ruled at Dolce & Gabbana, where the designers opted for an haute arts and crafts effect. Sequins, ribbons, pearls and jewels were piled on jeans for an extravagant more-is-more look. Think Marie Antoinette’s weekend wear. Alexander McQueen included cropped just-above-the-ankle jeans with pretty floral embellishment, while at DSquared, the denim was super cropped and super distressed, creating a nice balance with the ladylike ankle-tie stilettos.

Saint Laurent opted for tomboy-chic, too, sending models down the runway in perfectly faded borrowed-from-the-boyfriend jeans with rolled cuffs. They are the denim equivalent of French girl hair—perfectly imperfect. Needless to say, we are OBSESSED. Gucci upped the 70s quirk with denim pantsuits trimmed in studs, and Alexander Wang went for 90s nostalgia with white shredded denim jackets and jeans. Frayed hems and rips also reigned at Versus Versace. One particularly roughed up denim look, featuring a vest and mini skirt, looked like it had been in a scrap with a pair of scissors—and the scissors won. Clearly, DIY-inspired denim is back on the jean scene.

We’re rounded up nine new ways to wear your denim from the spring 2017 runways below. Get out the Bedazzler and the scissors—it’s time to refresh those blues.