Here’s Where To Shop The “Ugly” Jean Trend You're About To See Everywhere

As with everything else, denim trends come and go with each passing season. Sure, there are the forever classics – indigo washes, skinny silhouettes – but savvy shoppers know to keep an eye out for fresh jeans on the fashion week runways. For Spring/Summer 2019, one style in particular stood out: bleached denim.

According to TagWalk, a one-stop search engine for the knowledgeable fashion girl, bleached denim has increased 348 percent over last year as a keyword. This is no surprise considering the trend was spotted in multiple SS19 presentations. Labels, including Alberta Ferretti, Alexander Wang, and Balmain to name a few, sent models down the runways in super-bleached jeans so pale they merely suggested the color blue. Some evenly bleached the denim to an all-over pale sky hue, while others (Isabel Marant and Proenza Schouler, for example) went in on the acid-wash effect reminiscent of '80s jeans.

A few designers even used bleach to create unexpected patterns or distressing on their denim pieces. Stella McCartney embraced tie-dye in her SS19 show, sending Kaia Gerber down the runway in a full denim jumpsuit featuring the summer-camp favorite fabric treatment. Balmain went for an ombré effect on one pair of jeans, leaving the indigo intact at the waistline but bleaching it gradually to a barely-there blue at the ankle.

If you questioned it before, let those examples convince you; it's time to invest in some bleached jeans before everyone else does. And since you've already picked up on of-the-moment gray denim by now as an upgrade to your black skinnies, power-washed blue jeans are an obvious (and easy to style) next step.

For those struggling to imagine styling the unusual wash with their wardrobes, consider it no different than your denim with heavy distressing. Many iterations featured during fashion week came in relaxed fits or high-waisted "mom" jean silhouettes, making them ideal for off-duty outfits. Throw bleached jeans on with your favorite tee and simple sneakers before a day of errands for a look that reads cool and carefree.

On the other hand, a very tailored pair can be dressed up even more than you'd think. Wear a slim pair with suiting-inspired bolting and cuffs, styled with a blazer and heels for an elevated take that's even office-appropriate. For a night out, swap in a leather jacket and ankle boots to channel downtown-chic vibes.

Get ahead of the crowd and shop some bleached jean picks below. And don't be surprised when the style starts popping up everywhere – it's the denim upgrade that nobody saw coming but everyone will be making very soon.