Britain might not reach the heady temperatures of even its closest neighbour during the summer months, but this means something positive for those of us who have an affinity for a specific wardrobe item: Rarely does it get too hot to wear jeans. Of course, some days will call for lighter layers, such as white cotton or beige linen, but, for the most part, jeans can remain a reliable wardrobe staple for, well, whoever likes wearing them, even in the height of summer. With that in mind, shall we talk about summer jeans trends for 2023?
While there’s certainly nothing wrong with a pair of classic blue, straight-leg jeans, brands have worked up some subtle updates to their jean styles this season that you might wish to consider. These aren’t, however, flash-in-the-pan jeans trends that will go out as quickly as they came in—I’ve deliberately selected pairs that 1) have already proven themselves to have a longer shelf life than others or 2) I genuinely think won’t date. Proof that even trending items can stand the test of time.
While conducting my research, it became clear that the most avid jeans wearers congregate in three cities: London, Paris and L.A. As such, I thought it would be fun to take a closer look at the summer jeans trends which are most prevalent in each place, too. How’s that for organisational skills?
Scroll on to see key summer jeans trends for 2023, as seen on fashion people in stylish cities around the world.
Style Notes: Turn-up jeans have been doing the rounds on social media this week, with Londoners favouring a specific pair from cult denim brand Citizens of Humanity.
Style Notes: So many editors and influencers I know in London have snapped up a pair of stripe jeans. Camille’s Mango pair sold out faster than you could say “What shoes should I wear with these?” but there’s plenty more to choose from now that the trend is ramping up.
Style Notes: Black jeans are just as timeless as their blue counterparts but can often feel harsh in the summer months. Take the middle ground with a pair of grey-wash jeans—styles with bleached-out fronts or lighter hues overall will feel significantly more summery than charcoal pairs.
Style Notes: It’s the trouser trend from last year that just won’t quit, so it makes sense that cargo pockets and utilitarian straps have found their way onto jeans this season. Worn with a plain vest top and Birkenstocks, this is how fashion people are channeling the Y2K trend on the daily right now.
Style Notes: Parisians are known for their classy aesthetics, so I was rather surprised to see just how many French women I follow are opting for jeans with rips in them at the moment. Keeping them on the minimal and dainty side, they give a lived-in, I-just-threw-these-on feel to any look, which I guess makes sense in terms of how French women dress. Less is more and all that.
Style Notes: What would summer be without a splash of white or cream in your wardrobe? However, if dresses and skirts aren’t your thing, rest assured you can still channel lighter colours by way of jeans. Personally, I think cream colours look more expensive than pure white styles, and it would seem Parisians agree with me.
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