Credit: @lefevrediary
If there’s one habit I can’t seem to shake, it’s losing myself in endless loops of runway collections, candid street snaps, and the unpredictable chaos of Instagram fashion feeds. My phone is packed with outfits—some from strangers I’ll never know, others from certain editors and muses who dress like they’re always somewhere more interesting than I am. In all those hours of scrolling, I didn’t expect to notice what I did: the familiar shapes of old favorite jeans starting to feel… well, not wrong, but faintly out of step. These weren’t disastrous fashion faux pas, just silhouettes quietly retiring before my eyes—especially those statement pairs that burned bright and faded even faster.
But here’s a relief: denim’s new direction isn’t built on wild stunts or fads that evaporate overnight. Quite the contrary. What’s emerging in 2026 feels deliberate, grown-up, easier on the eyes (and the body). Trends come and go, and everyone’s taste is personal, but after combing through my research as a fashion editor, I’ve landed on a handful of denim choices I’ll be skipping this season—and five fresh alternatives I’m actually excited to wear.
Done With: The “Vacuum-Packed” Skinny
Embracing: The Tailored Cigarette
Skinny jeans aren’t extinct, but that league of leggings-disguised-as-denim? I’m officially leaving them in the last decade. Even the 2000s revival couldn’t rescue those stiff, airless skinny fits. I’m pivoting toward cigarette-cut jeans instead—sharp, slim, but not suffocating. There’s elegance in their restraint. Throw on a fitted blazer or a pointed flat, and you’re ready for anything, minus the discomfort.
Done With: Neon and Loud Colors
Embracing: Crochet Texture
Bright, look-at-me jeans served their purpose—once. These days, the urge to shout has faded. Now, I’m noticing a pivot to touch instead of sight: tactile denim done with crochet or embroidery. It’s the subtlest kind of statement—a folkish twist on the classic blue jean, with hand-crafted textures catching the light just so. Crochet pairs, in particular, have snuck their way onto my wish list.
Done With: Kick Flares
Embracing: The New Capri
Kick flares had their moment—cropped, quirky, yet always threatening to look awkward. Their reign is ending, replaced by a silhouette I never thought I’d see again: the capri. But forget the old image. The new crop is sleek and thoughtfully tailored, balanced at just the right length to look refined with flats or a pop of heel. Minimalist, a little retro, but not stuck in yesterday.
Done With: Paperbag Waistbands
Embracing: ‘70s Flares
There was a time when a gathered paperbag waist felt clever, even a little rebellious—until every other pair of mom jeans started sprouting an over-pleated top. I’m saying goodbye. The shift now is toward long, sweeping, ‘70s-inspired flares. They carry all the leg-lengthening drama you could want, but without the bulky distractions around the waist. Elegant, imposing, impossible to ignore.
Done With: Creamy Ivory
Embracing: Stark, Bright White
Ivory jeans will always have their devotees, but lately, I find myself drawn to denim’s cleanest, coldest option—crisp white. Maybe it’s impractical. Certainly, it’s unforgiving. But there’s something so sharp and deliberate about a stark white matte finish, like wearing a just-pressed shirt in a world of wrinkled tees. It reads modern, audacious, and does wonders for even the most basic summer look.
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About Sierra Mayhew
Sierra Mayhew looks at clothes the way some people look at paintings. Fashion editor at Who What Wear, she parses both gloss and grit, making fresh sense of what’s passing across the runways and sidewalks. Her knack? Bridging luxury with the every-day—curating lists that satisfy both seasoned label-lovers and thrift-store savants. Her career began at Harper’s Bazaar and Elle. Before long, it carried her from glossy magazine offices to creative camps with houses like Gucci and Ferragamo. A Notre Dame alum, Sierra translates her editorial experience into viral bites for a new generation, always with an eye on what truly matters: travel, music, and the city that never stops surprising her—New York. Each season, she chases the thrill of the unexpected, but never at the expense of personal style.
