Denim, it’s one of my ‘things’. I love it— the history, trends, fabric and washes. It’s an iconic America closet staple that is always a go-to for me. Today I want to chat about fall denim trends for 2023 (eeep, so excited)! I will be discussing what is happening plus what I’ll personally be wearing. But first— let me tell you about my journey to becoming denim obsessed. : )

I discovered premium denim labels back in 2006 as a college student. I was hooked after my first pair of True Religion jeans and would save up to buy styles from brands like Hudson and Seven for all Mankind. After having my first child in 2011, I was shopping for jeans as a new mom. I went to Nordstrom and slipped on a style from, ironically enough, Mother Denim and I was hooked. I wore the brand for years.

When I knew the childbearing phase was done for me, I intentionally starting building up my denim collection. This is when I discovered AGOLDE. It’s been my favorite for years and what I reach for 95% of the time (see reviews of so many of their styles, here). With that said, this year in 2023, the last three pairs of jeans I’ve purchased have been from Citizens of Humanity. AGOLDE is a brand within the Citizens of Humanity Group, so I’m not surprised that I am drawn to both brands. This company knows how to do denim SO well. While these two brands are what I reach for most, I’m also wearing or have recently worn jeans from: Madewell, Everlane, Levi’s, Abercrombie, ABLE, Sézane, FRAME, and others.

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Why Invest in Premium Denim?

Why do I invest in jeans/love premium denim so much? For so many reasons. First, so much goes into designing and making a pair or jeans— the best ones take time and intention. Not only that, great washes and detailing are not cheap to produce, so it’s a category that I see a major difference in the end product between affordable, fast fashion denim and jeans from premium denim labels. With such a rich history of denim styles across the decades, I think designers who understand vintage denim make the best modern jeans. You can see the nods to vintage fits and washes blended with modern design in the styles they release. Also, when you buy from a denim brand, it’s their niche so they are specifically really good at it. Almost all of my jeans are rigid, 100% cotton denim and I love that premium denim labels offer organic denim options. I’ll try not to go off on a geeky deep dive into the history of denim production, but almost all of it is made overseas now. Back in the early 2000’s, while mass produced jeans had all moved to overseas production, most premium denim labels were still making their products in the USA. Very few still are today, and they are understandably quite pricey.

There is a brand called Imogene + Willie, here in Nashville, that makes all of their clothing in small batches in the USA. They started with jeans and have since added other apparel and accessories. I love what they’re doing and how they’re doing it. They make men’s and women’s jeans and have a variety of different styles available.

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2023 Fall Denim Trends

Now let’s talk 2023 Fall Denim Trends. I think it’s a great time to be wearing jeans because there are so many different styles happening and I think that is so fun and exciting. Gone are the years of skinny jeans only and I say, amen to that.

Cargo | Dark Wash Wide Leg | Horseshoe | Pleated Trouser | Gray Wash | Brown Wash | Carpenter | Cuffed | Drawstring | Flare | Low Rise Puddle | Two-Tone

If you see something you like you can shop for the item(s) and support my blog at the same time by purchasing through the affiliate links in this post. As always, I’m so grateful for your support!

Some of the trends I see have been around in recent years and are continuing. Things like— rigid denim, high-waisted denim, tapered or “mom” jeans, straight leg 90’s styles as well as wide leg jeans. There are also styles that I think are always popping in but not fully dominating the culture at large, like flare jeans and sailor style denim, a bit retro and a bit boho.

When it comes to newer trends, some of the big ones are: (see above) cuffed jeans, barrel leg, cargo, carpenter, baggy/oversized, low-rise, puddle jeans, two tone, patchwork, pleated, split hem, super dark washes and colors like: brown, green, gray, cream, and pink. Y2K denim trends have been sweeping onto the scene with the low rise, baggy, puddle jeans and mini, midi, and maxi denim skirts. Denim head to toe is also big— some call it double denim or denim on denim, while others refer to it as a Canadian tuxedo. In 2023, the more denim you’re wearing, the better. Denim Jackets are classic, and yet, this season the dominating style is an oversized denim jacket. You will also find people wearing denim vests, jumpsuits, and oversized denim button-up shirts. Denim accessories are happening a well— handbags, hats, and shoes.

Oversized Jacket | Jumpsuit | Crossbody Bag | Bucket Bag | Tote Bag | Oversized Button Up Shirt | Vest | Sandals | Sneakers | Heels | Boots | Hat | Dress | Skirt | Blouse

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Denim Styles I’m wearing in 2023:

Cargo, wide leg, barrel leg, straight leg— these are all a yes for me. The last four pairs of jeans I purchased were: cargo, barrel leg, cuffed, and wide leg crop. I really love barrel leg styles right now, and I have quite a few pants and jeans at varying volumes of this shape from the voluminous horseshoe jeans and balloon jeans, to a more subtle arched leg with tapered ankle.

When it comes to what jeans I won’t wear, there are not a lot. I have low slung, baggy jeans that are full length. I like them but if I look honestly at what I’m reaching for the most— that style isn’t in my top five currently most worn jeans. Because of that, I know I would not wear a low rise, puddle jean. At this point, even though I love my cargo jeans, I’m not drawn to carpenter style denim. I’m also not running to get gray washed denim. That could change but right now I am more focused on the brown washes. I’m fine with a pleated, trouser jean, but I don’t love it enough at this point to buy it for myself. I’m feeling similarly with flare jeans, I’m not excited about them enough currently to get a pair. With that said, I never say never to any styles.

I love experimenting in my wardrobe and what I’m drawn to can and does change over time. Sometimes it takes just the right design for a trend to click with me and change my mind. But— I do not just buy things because they are considered a trend. I only buy things that I am excited to try. If I’m not drawn to something, then I’m definitely not buying it.

Beyond jeans, there are many other denim items being released by brands. I always love denim jackets and button up shirts— especially oversized this season. I’m super into my denim jumpsuit and I’ve been thinking about getting a denim vest. Denim skirts, especially midi and maxi, are a really big trend— but as of right now, I just can’t get on-board. I’ve seen friends style them up and they look great. So many brands have released a version, but for whatever reason, I just don’t want one. I will not be running out to buy denim shoes or a denim hat, but if we’re talking accessories, a denim bag is on my radar. This one is my current favorite, but I’m still browsing this style idea and not fully in purchase mode quite yet.

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My Denim Wishlist for Fall 2023:

• Drawstring, Patch Work Jeans: This pair has been in my cart online for months and I think it’s time to push “complete order” : ). I love how different they are from anything else in my current denim collection. They feel unique, relaxed, and casual.
• Brown Wash Jeans: I haven’t landed on a specific pair of these yet, but I’m on the hunt and have a few I’ve been looking at from my favorite brands.
• Dark Indigo Wash: I haven’t had a pair of super dark wash blue jeans in awhile. Lighter washes have been dominating the past few years, and I’d love the variety of adding a really dark indigo into my denim collection. I don’t have a specific style picked for this yet either— still browsing.

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Where to Buy Denim in 2023:

• IMOGENE + WILLIE ($235 – $295, one to two sales per year): Online and in-store. A Nashville-based company producing small batches of denim in the USA.
• REVOLVE: Online only, They carry tons of premium denim brands and lots of depth of styles within them. They have the fastest free shipping and free returns.
• SHOPBOP: Online only. They have the best photos, carry lots of premium denim brands, have free fast shipping and returns.
• NORDSTROM: Online and in-store. They carry a lot of premium denim brands and if you live near one, you can order online to be picked up at the store.
• SAKS: Online and in-store. We don’t have one in Nashville so I only shop it online, but they carry all of the premium denim brands that I like and sometimes run sales.
• BLOOMINGDALES: Online and in-store. We don’t have one in Nashville so I only shop it online, but they carry all of the premium denim brands that I like and sometimes run sales.
• LOCAL BOUTIQUES: Supporting local businesses is always so good if it’s possible where you live. In Nashville when I’m looking for premium denim I check Emerson Grace and White’s Mercantile.
• ANTHROPOLOGIE: Online and in-store. They carry lots of premium denim labels. I’ve found styles for good sales prices online when a style is lower in stock and not coming back.
• LEVI’S PREMIUM ($70 – $108, often on sale): Online and in-store. An iconic American brand that you can’t go wrong with. They offer multiple lengths with up to four inseam options.
• MADEWELL ($118 – $138, occasionally on sale): Online and in-store. They have lots of great denim. They are size inclusive and they carry most of their styles in petite, regular, and tall lengths.
• ABLE ($118 – $148, occasionally on sale): Online and in-store in Nashville. A woman-focused, ethical and sustainable company based in Nashville. They are a smaller brand so their denim collection is a curated handful of styles. They are size inclusive. My favorite denim jackets are from this brand. I am an affiliate partner with them so you can use my code: MICHELLETOMCZAK15 for 15% off
• ZARA ($45 – $70, rarely on sale): Online and in-store. I don’t know how they do it, but their jeans are so good and very inexpensive. They carry tons of different styles that fit really well, and most of their jeans are only $50.
• ABERCROMBIE ($78 – $110, often on sale): Online and in-store. This brand is really building a reputation for themselves in denim. Depending on your perspective, you could love or hate that they rip off AGOLDE’s designs and sell them for less than half the price. They offer tons of styles, tons of washes, curvy cuts, and are affordable and size inclusive. They offer multiple lengths with up to five inseam options. I think these are great for the price point if you’re not interested in investing in premium denim or if you want to try a trendier style/new cut that you aren’t sure you’ll love for years.
• FREE PEOPLE: Online and in-store. They carry a mix of denim labels, including premium denim brands, as well as their own label called We The Free ($78 – $148) I love lots of the styles from their brand and have been browsing their stuff a lot lately. They have quite a few barrel leg options and my favorite denim jumpsuit is from here.
• THRIFTING ($5-$10): This can be a time consuming endeavor, but you could find some real treasures and get them for under ten dollars. I’m personally always looking for vintage Levi’s. Don’t forget to check the men’s section. : )
• OLD NAVY ($35-$60, almost always on sale): Online and in-store. I want to make sure to recommend one ultra affordable option. The prices start low and they’re always running sales. They offer many different styles, are size inclusive, and the fit is pretty good. There is a 2-day deal happening right now and many of their styles are just $15.

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If you’ve made it this far, wow— thanks for checking out my post about 2023 fall denim trends! I’d love for you to join in the conversation. I am curious to know what you are seeing and loving— or not loving, when it comes to fall denim? Let me know in the comments below!

Also be sure to check out my denim reviews if you’re browsing for your fall wardrobe and want more details on popular styles. I have more posts in the works for my latest pairs of jeans, so be sure to check back in from time to time.

And remember….you should rarely wash your jeans. : )