The Biggest Denim Trend From Two Years Ago Has Vanished—Here's What Replaced It
If you suddenly acquired a time machine and went back to this exact time two years ago, you'd likely read about us waxing poetic about a certain key 2017 denim trend. (Because if you successfully time-traveled, the first thing you'd do is read Who What Wear, right?) The jean style we were calling the most popular denim trend at that point was cropped flares, and now they've all but completely vanished from view. Have you noticed?
After coming to this realization, I did some digging, and it turns out I'm not the only one who's picked up on cropped flares' rapid decline. Who What Wear's resident commerce strategist, Alex Flowers, confirmed that "units sold of cropped flare jeans decreased by 55% compared to last year." As for what's replaced them? It seems we're trading in the retro '70s-inspired silhouette for one that's much more '90s: "baggy" or loose-fit jeans. Flowers noted that in place of cropped flares, wide-leg styles have soared in popularity, increasing by 214% this year.
We've already been spotting the 2019 denim trend on celebs such as Gigi Hadid and Margot Robbie, and our own editors have been testing it out in the Who What Wear offices as well. Keep reading to see what all the baggy-jean buzz is about, and shop key styles.
Keep your look simple: A crew-neck sweater and low-top sneakers do the trick.
Wear with sleek accessories to offset the casual nature of the jeans.
Instead of going all in for distressing, opt for key rips.
Style yours with bright sneakers like Emili did here.
Tuck in a crisp button-down to add polish to the look.
Not into the long hem? Give yours a wide cuff as Veronica did here.
Next, see the formerly hated denim trend that's gunning for a comeback this year.
Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.
-
I'm a Shopping Editor—These 5 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Finds Are Living Rent-Free in My Head
Kitten heels, burgundy flats, and more.
-
Hold the Basic Jeans—This "Dated" Denim Trend Is on Its Way Back
Get ready for this comeback.
-
24 Chic Under-$100 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Finds That Are Taking Over My Fashion-Editor Text Group
Longchamp, Levi's, Madewell, and more.
-
I Swear By Elegant Outfits—35 Standout Items That Would Fit Right Into My Closet
Here's to a chicer outfit rotation.
-
Too Hot to Think? Try These 33 Chic Summer Finds From Revolve That Basically Style Themselves
Matching sets and lovely lace styles.
-
This Is the Sofia Coppola Way to Style Jeans for Summer
We're beguiled.
-
Low-Rise Jeans and Ballet Flats Look Dated Compared to This Trending Jeans-and-Sneaker Combo
Confirmed by Dakota Johnson and Natalie Portman.
-
Linens, Trousers, and Button-Downs, Oh My! These 30 Banana Republic Sale Picks Are Summer Magic
Up to 60% off.