With summer rapidly coming to an end, it’s time to scope out the fall denim trends that best fit your aesthetic. This is by far the best time of year to stock up on a few new pairs of jeans, a tradition reminiscent of the glee of back-to-school shopping and the joy of receiving August’s usual Denim Issues (personally, I studied those much more intently than any summer homework). The truth is, as these last, lazy summer days fade into the cooler, bustling fall season, there’s no better transition piece to turn to than a reliable pair of jeans.
But as much as straight leg and skinny jeans are a closet staple, our wardrobes always seem to be yearning for something a little more interesting to join the ranks (though now is a great time to stock up on the classic styles, too). We were curious what other denim trends would be causing commotion this fall, so we turned to designers and buyers themselves to get a little insider’s intel. The verdict? Relaxed fits, grey washes, and hardware details will all be fair game this fall. Here’s what else the pros had to say about the jeans that will be dominating our closets.
Fall Denim
Caroline Maguire, Fashion Director at Shopbop
“For fall, it’s all about dark and stormy grey denim. I love dark washes with embellished details, acid washes with fringe details… the more detailing, the better!”
Paige Adams-Geller, Founder and Creative Director of PAIGE
"At PAIGE, we’ve fully embraced the animal print, especially in leopard. In the fall collection you can expect to see leopard blazers, dresses, jeans and shoes. A bit of modern punk is also trending, with hardware details being very important and something we have registered across our footwear, denim, and apparel collections. Expect to see our shoes, denim skirts, and jeans with hardware details like chains, exposed zippers, chunky O-rings, and more."
Jac Cameron, Co-Founder and Creative Director of AYR
“Jeans with killer vintage vibes are one of the biggest trends in denim for fall ‘18. Look out for an authentic broken-in look, like the perfect 'lived in' pair you scored at the flea market, in details, fit, and wash. Our Bomb Pop jean is the perfect straight leg that hits at the slimmest part of your waist. It's broken in to perfection, with a raw frayed hem.
Also, keep an eye out for midnight shades or greyer casts that have a slight blue hue to them. These shades are popular as they are still on the darker end of the spectrum but look slightly washed out. Our Superba jean is over-dyed to achieve a very special soft grey-blue cast."
Anine Bing, Founder & Creative Director of Anine Bing
"I am so excited for this season's denim. For trends, I think of Princess Diana or even Mick Jagger in his tour jeans—both with super-high waists and tapered hems—the kind of jeans that feel fresh and worn at the same time. For our fall collection, we created pieces that feel laid-back, infused with some Western details to capture that off-duty rockstar energy. I think we're going to be seeing that kind of lived-in vintage look everywhere."
Emma Grede, Co-Founder and CEO of Good American
"At Good American, we're loving anything military-inspired for this Fall. Our latest drop encompasses camo denim, bodysuits, jackets, pants, and tees, inspired by the women who preserve, protect, and defend our liberties. There's really something for everyone in the collection, and of course Good American's signature attention to great fit, available in sizes 00-24."
Melissa Helwig, Merchandiser at BlankNYC
“I would say we are most excited for rigid denim in new silhouettes. Girls are putting their skinny jeans to the back of their closets and trying new shapes like the kick flare and tapered leg in a rigid fabrication. Second trend is the side stripe, but we have interpreted the trend by using a side zipper or fun metallic multi-stripe.”
Brooke Taylor Corcia, Founder and CEO of The Dreslyn
“The curved arc jean. This shape is an elevated update to wide leg and boy-fit jeans. The curved silhouette is effortlessly cool and universally flattering. A definite fall must-have.”
Scott Morrison, Founder of 3x1
"From a fit and wash perspective we're excited about a looser fitting silhouette and beautifully rinsed denim. In regard to fit, our Addie Loose Fit Jean, introduced for pre-fall '18, became an immediate best-seller. For fall, we've launched Addie in a new wash, Tori, a vintage-inspired, washed-black denim. This fit, along with our Kelly Paperbag Jean, offers a relaxed yet sophisticated approach to a looser and wider cut without completely abandoning expert tailoring, so the fit is just right on a variety of shapes and sizes. Fall and denim go hand-in-hand so we're excited to see 3x1 women interpreting this collection through their own personal style.”
David Sarfati, Founder & Artistic Director of 13 Bonaparte
"I think there’s real excitement in this moment around evolving more traditional shapes. I wanted to revisit the traditional five-pockets and create something that was simultaneously loose and baggy but still somewhat structured. And then we slightly subvert it by incorporating an elastic waistband and the seams down the front of the leg. I’m also super obsessive about wash. From Bleached to Stoned to Black, I like a strong '80s/early '90s reference but in a style that feels advanced and contemporary."
