It's True—This Is the Reigning Champion of Summer Denim Trends

Sure, there are tons of relevant and fun summer denim trends out there right now, but if there is one that has always just made sense and felt more natural than all the rest, it is light-wash jeans. It's common for us to gravitate toward darker colors in the colder months and lighter colors in the warmer months, hence the ever-growing popularity of light-wash jeans as an official summertime staple. After thinking back on all the summer denim trends that could have been deemed the reigning champions, there was honestly no real competition for the classic light-wash look.
Regardless of how we will or will not be spending our summer this year, we are sticking by our philosophy that investing in timeless wardrobe basics is pretty much always a good idea, which is why we shopped out all the best pairs of light-wash jeans on the market right now. Additionally, we treated you to some fun summer styling ideas to go along with all the new denim you're about to treat yourself to. Because I don't know about you, but I'm feeling like it's time for a little shopping therapy.
The most fun way to style your blazers in the summer is with a bra top and light-wash jeans. The look strikes the perfect balance between modest and revealing.
Speaking of revealing, this denim trend is the perfect canvas for all of those back-baring tops you've been itching to pull out.
Find yourself constantly living in T-shirts and jeans? Then why change? With lighter jeans, this look is made perfect for summer and beyond.
Loose jeans and a striking top are all you need to achieve peak summer style. A large sun hat and gold jewelry won't hurt either.
Leave it to the French to make all the simplest items look completely next-level. I don't know about you, but I am completely adopting this outfit as my new go-to this season.
And in case you weren't convinced, here's even further proof that this ensemble is crush-worthy.
Since this summer won't be looking the same as summers passed, use this photo as inspiration to get dressed up for yourself at home every now and again. I promise you won't regret it.
Dress up your bikini with light-wash jeans and a loose button-down. This is the perfect casual way to style any of your swimsuits.
These jeans are maybe my favorite pair in the bunch. Paired with a statement crop top and '90s thong sandals, you're bound to get compliments for days.
I love this bedroom bikini look. Whoever said swimsuits were just for the great outdoors was highly mistaken.

Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over nine years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. Here, she leads and manages Who What Wear's editorial team and oversees all editorial content. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Sabrina Carpenter. She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle.
-
The Numbers Don't Lie: This Is the Only Denim Trend More Popular Than Baggy Jeans Right Now
According to data.
-
I'm an NYC Shopping Editor—I Can't Stop Thinking About These 31 Rich-Looking Fall Finds From Nordstrom, Zara, and H&M
Did I mention they're under $250?
-
I'm 5'0"—These Are the Only Jeans That Get My Petite Approval
The hunt is over.
-
I Live in Murray Hill—Here Are the 8 Places I Like to Shop for a Fashionable Fall Closet
Stylish sweaters and suedes ahead.
-
Abercrombie Sucked Me Back Into Its Orbit With These 25 Incredibly Chic Fall 2025 Finds
So, so good.
-
People With Impeccable Taste Swear By COS—21 Chic Sale Finds to Take Advantage of Right Now
Did you say 25% off? Yes, please.
-
The 6 Shoe Trends Well-Dressed People Are Wearing With Pants and Jeans (Instead of Sneakers)
Flat and heels to pair with pants and jeans.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor on a Budget—27 Incredibly Chic Fall Finds That Will Get You More Bang for Your Buck
Stellar under-$150 finds right this way.