Denim trends 2022 - give the wardrobe staple a new season refresh

All the denim trends 2022 to add to your closet to help ramp up your style game

Three models on the spring summer 2022 catwalks wearing the new denim trends 2022
(Image credit: Getty)

The denim trends 2022 has on offer deliver an instant spring refresh and with denim being a solid go-to for every day, we're always looking for new and exciting ways to wear an old favorite. 

Underpinning many a capsule wardrobe, denim has become a wardrobe essential, used as the basis for both smart and casual looks. We're all guilty of leaning towards particular fail-safe styles, meaning trying new denim trends can feel rather daunting. Whether your best jeans are a pair of trusty skinnies or you love a retro mom jean, your style staples will always have a home in your closet, but it's good to mix it up with some more trend-led iterations each season. Whether it's a brand new cut, a rework of a classic design, or some fresh new washes, each season offers the chance to evolve our denim collections.

“Denim styles appeared across many of the SS22 catwalks, from Valentino to Balenciaga, and it’s exciting to see these trends now coming through on the high-street. There is clearly a heavy 90/00s influence across this season’s denim offering with baggy silhouettes, embellished styles, long skirts, asymmetric hems and even head-to-toe looks making a comeback," says Farrah-May Archer, Styling Team Lead at Stitch Fix UK

And it’s not just about jeans of course: denim crops up on a plethora of silhouettes from the best denim jackets to denim dresses, there’s barely an item of clothing that doesn’t get the denim treatment. "Whether it be oversized sleeves, maxi lengths, or statement details like gigantic pockets, more is definitely more with denim this season!" adds Farrah-May.

So if you’ve nailed all the fashion trends 2022, tapped into the shoe trends 2022, and are now on a mission to refresh your favorite fabric, we’ve rounded up our top denim trends from the runways to help you step into spring in style. And if you really want to get ahead of the fashion game, we’ve popped in a couple of autumn trends too.

1. Baggy jeans

Three models on the catwalk wearing baggy jeans, a denim trend of 2022

Valentino/MSGM/Missoni

(Image credit: Getty)

Some cuts can define an entire decade and back in the mid-noughties, it was all about the best skinny jeans—in part thanks to supermodel Kate Moss. However, the past few seasons have seen a shift away from the figure-hugging style to a looser fit, and 2022 is no exception. Mirroring other early noughties trends, the slouchy—or baggy jean—has become the new go-to silhouette. A lot more forgiving than our aforementioned slim-fit style, the slouchy jean is relaxed, comfortable, and a little bit cool. You don’t have to commit to the low-slung style as seen on the runways though, phew! Look to high-rise cuts that will sculpt your figure and lengthen your legs for a universally flattering silhouette. One of the best jeans for curvy women, it's surprisingly easy to learn how to style baggy jeans. Simply offset the fuller bottom shape with a more fitted top half - try a tucked-in knit or one of the best t-shirts.

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2. Denim Midi Skirts

models on the catwalk wearing denim midi skirts denim trends 2022

Louis Vuitton/Dior/Loewe

(Image credit: Getty)

Of course, it’s not all about denim jeans. Give them a break and switch up your blues for its equally versatile sister—the denim skirt. In particular, the midi skirt. From Louis Vuitton to Loewe, the runways saw the just-below-the-knee skirt dominate and thankfully it's a lot more practical than a mini. Guaranteed to give your look a bit of a '70s-inspired spin, a denim midi skirt can pretty much be worn with everything. Dress it up with the best designer heels and a pussy-bow blouse or keep it lowkey in sporty sandals and a simple tee. One thing we do know, you’ll want to add a denim skirt into your outfit rotation pronto.

Our fashion editor recommends…

3. Tailored denim

models on the catwalk wearing denim trends 2022 tailored denim

Chloe/Rokh/Emporio Armani

(Image credit: Getty)

Denim is notoriously casual, but for 2022, it has been given a bit of a makeover, proving its sartorial talents have no bounds. The best blazers add instant polish to any look and thanks to the likes of Chloe and Emporio Armani, they’ve been given the denim treatment too. Stick to darker washes if you want to keep it sharp and look for structured styles to keep the look tailored. As well as blazers, there are nipped-in jackets, the forever-classic denim shirt and pencil skirts for a feminine take on denim tailoring. Mix with crisp white shirts, the best tote bags and smart mules to render it office-ready.

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4. Dark Wash Denim

Models on the catwalk wearing denim trends 2022 dark washes

Max Mara/Dior/Saint Laurent

(Image credit: Getty)

Move aside faded jeans, it’s all about deep washes for 2022. Think dark indigo and nearly-black for an extra sharp denim look. These kinds of washes are a lot smarter than lighter shades so this trend is great for making your denim look wearable for evening occasions. Invest in a dark-wash denim jacket for an instant classic piece you’ll wear for years to come. While you still can't wear denim to a wedding, you might just get away with wearing a dark denim jacket to the office. 

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5. Denim Dresses

Models on the catwalk wearing denim trends 2022 denim dresses

Loewe/Kate Spade/Luisa Spagnoli 

(Image credit: Getty/Kate Spade)

A denim dress is one of the best dresses to have in your arsenal. Easy to dress up or down, team it with some strappy sandals for a summer garden party or keep it casual with a pair of the best white trainers for weekend brunch. For 2022, we’re going uber feminine with our denim dresses. Think flattering puff sleeves as seen at Kate Spade, off-the shoulder silhouettes spotted at Luisa Spagnoli and romantic frilly hems spied at Loewe. Finish with delicate gold jewelry to give the tough fabric a softer edge.

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6. Patchwork Denim

models on the catwalk wearing denim trends 2022 patchwork denim

Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini/Coach/John Richmond 

(Image credit: Getty)

Patchwork denim has had a bit of a resurgence of late and not just because it has that cool '70s vibe to it. With many of us trying to make more sustainable choices with our fashion, patchwork denim has a certain DIY look that lends itself to the upcycling movement and the art of reusing fabrics and offcuts—perfect if you're keen on sustainable clothing brands. There are really no rules when it comes to wearing patchwork denim, the trend is fun, retro and playful and you can go as bold or as subtle as you like, whether it's a patchwork pocket or a multi-patchwork jacket.

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7. Embellished denim

models on the catwalk wearing denim trends 2022 embellished denim

Blumarine/Dolce & Gabbana/Isabel Marant

(Image credit: Getty)

Denim doesn’t have to be dull so if you’re looking to make more of a statement with the wardrobe staple then try this glitzy trend. The Dolce & Gabbana catwalk saw jeans adorned with gems and rhinestones whilst Blumarine added butterfly elements for another nod to early noughties trends. Of course, you don’t have to go quite so disco-ball style. Try throwing an embellished jacket over your LBD or team a plain cami with some sequinned jeans for a grown-up cocktail-ready look.

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8. Head-to-toe

Models on the catwalk wearing denim trends 2022 head to toe denim

Max Mara/Balenciaga/Saint Laurent

(Image credit: Getty)

There are few red-carpet moments that are as iconic as Britney and Justin’s double denim look and double denim is still one of the coolest—if not controversial—ways to rock your denim. Layer a denim trench coat over your denim dress or a jacket with jeans or a full-on denim boilersuit for a head-to-toe look. For denim trends 2022, it’s all about sticking to the same wash for a more coordinated aesthetic—whatever you do, don’t go switching shades. You can break up this look with splashes of color such as a vibrant bag, a patterned design or some metallic heels.

"Head-to-toe denim is not one for the faint hearted, but a subtle way to embrace the trend is to team high-waisted, wide leg jeans with a cropped denim jacket and a plain white tee. If my clients are looking for wide leg jeans, my go-to brands are Whistles, Only, and Wrangler, as they offer a great variety of washes and fits to suit any style," explains Farrah-May.

Our fashion editor recommends…

9. Utility denim

Models on the catwalk wearing denim trends 2022 utility

Trussardi/Isabel Marant/Stella McCartney

(Image credit: Getty)

The utility trend was featured on both the spring/summer and autumn/winter runways so you know it’s a worthwhile trend to invest in. Where function meets fashion, the defining characteristic of the utility trend is practicality, pieces you can dress up and down with minimal effort required. If you buy one thing, make it the cargo jean. Featured across the catwalks, this is another throwback trend that’s made a strong comeback. Steer away from the slightly dodgy style of the noughties and keep your cargos smart with more figure-hugging cuts, darker washes and finished off with a pair of heels or cowboy boots.

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10. Denim Accessories

models on the catwalk wearing denim trends 2022 accessories

Fendi/Loewe Autumn Winter 2022

(Image credit: Getty)

One of the easiest ways to try a new trend without stepping too far out of your comfort zone or blowing the budget is with a sweet accessory. Luckily denim has made its way onto accessories too with the fabric cropping up on bags and shoes. You can go for a bolder look and team your denim bag with a denim dress for a double dose as seen on the Fendi runway, or just add some denim pumps to the best midi dresses for a laidback spin.

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Charlie Bell

Charlie is the Deputy Fashion Editor at Future plc across multiple women’s magazines including Woman & Home, Woman and Woman's Own.

She bagged her first magazine job in 2009 and has previously written for titles including Stylist, Closer and Dare. Over the years Charlie has embraced anything that was thrown at her from styling celebrities to testing out the best jeans on the high street to writing about must-have beauty buys.

With a weakness for a printed midi dress, Charlie is on a mission to shop more sustainably and loves finding new ethical brands and second-hand buys.