My spring denim favorites roundup is always one of my most popular posts of the season, and I usually post it at the beginning of May, before diving into summer fashion content.

This year, I kept waiting for the weather to warm up so I’d have more pictures of jeans with spring looks, and I think we’re finally there!

When it comes to denim, I’m very particular about fit and feel, and I like to stay up to date on the current trends, but I try to balance that with what looks best on my body and aligns with my personal style.

Jeans are pretty much the basis of all my outfits, so it’s worth it to me to invest in premium denim, but I included a budget-friendly option for each pair below for those who prefer to save rather than splurge on their denim.

Just remember to keep cost per wear in mind when purchasing jeans. You’ll be far better served by investing in one great pair that you wear over and over than buying several pairs that don’t fit quite right or bag out every time you wear them.

My Spring 2023 Denim Favorites

I have a lot of jeans in my closet right now, but these are the ones I find myself reaching for most often this spring, and the ones I’d recommend to anyone looking to update their denim wardrobe.

#1. MOTHER The Insider Crop Step Chew in Dancing On Coals

at Saks (29) // at Nordstrom (29)

MOTHER The Insider (29) // old Sundry tee // KUT from the Kloth jacket (S) // VEJA Esplar (39) // Dragon Diffusion tote // old AllSaints belt

This is the 3rd year in a row these jeans have been in this top spot. There’s something about the classic wash, casual distressing, and chewed step hem that feels just right for this time of year. It helps that they look great with everything from wedge sandals to fashion sneakers. I also have and love the MOTHER Insiders in white denim.

MOTHER Denim is my go-to denim brand right now because they look and feel amazing, they’re extremely flattering and hold their shape, and the washes are practically works of art. They’re also made in the USA. You can see my MOTHER Denim Guide, if you want more information on their various styles.

Of course, you pay a premium for these unicorn jeans, and I realize they don’t fit everyone’s budget. For a more budget-friendly option, these 1822 Denim high waist raw hem jeans and the J.Crew Demi Boot Crop Jeans are worth checking out.

#2. MOTHER The Mid Rise Dazzler Ankle Fray in Riding The Cliffside

 at Saks (29) // at Neimans (29)

MOTHER The Dazzler (29) // Sundry side twist tee (1) // P448 sneakers (39)

When I want a pair of casual blue jeans without the destroyed details, I usually grab these MOTHER Dazzlers. They have a slim, straight silhouette with an ankle-length inseam, and the fabric is soft and stretchy and not too thick for spring and summer weather.

This is as close to a skinny jean and I wear these days, and I think it’s important to point out the length. These are the perfect ankle length on me because they show just enough skin at the ankle to be slimming but not look awkwardly short. If they were longer so that they break on top of the shoe, I would look sloppy and actually a little stumpy.

If you want a lower priced alternative, Madewell makes The Perfect Vintage Jean, and the Levi’s Wedgie Straight Fit is another similar style.

#3. MOTHER The Insider in Fairest Of Them All

at Bloomies (29) // at Saks (29)

MOTHER The Insider // Eagles tee // P448 sneakers (39)

Yes, these jeans are the same style as the crop flares in #1. I loved them so much, I also picked up the white pair, and these are also going on their 3rd season as a staple in my wardrobe. I reach for these when I want white denim with more of a casual vibe, and I usually wear them with flats.

The clean white wash has just enough stretch to keep them comfortable for all-day wear, and it’s thick enough that you can’t really see through it, but I always wear the Wacoal Body Base Shorty in Sand under my white jeans just to be on the safe side. They don’t have a lot of compression, but they smooth out the lumps and bumps, and the free cut edges disappear under your clothes.

I haven’t found an exact dupe for these, but the Madewell Kick Out Crop Jeans would be worth a try.

#4. Good American Good Straight Leg Jeans in White

at Nordstrom (8) // at Bloomingdale’s (8)

Good American Good Straight (8) // Treasure & Bond top (S) // Marc Fisher sandals (8)

When I want a more elevated pair of white denim, I reach for the Good American Good Straight. These super-stretchy straight-leg jeans have a contoured high waist for a gap-free fit, and even though they have a raw hem, the crease gives them a more trouser-like appearance. You can’t beat these in the under-$100 category.

For a white straight ankle jean that is even more budget-friendly, I recommend the Gap Factory Mid Rise Classic Straight. See my 2023 White Denim Guide for more of my favorite white jeans at all price points.

#5. MOTHER The Roller in Let’s Trip

at Bloomingdale’s (28) // at motherdenim.com

Okay, last pair of MOTHER Denim, I promise. I usually have a wider variety of brands in my denim wardrobe, but right now MOTHER seems to be working best for me. That’s partly because I like their styles and washes, but also because they are most comfortable to me. I’m feeling thicker in the middle these days, and MOTHER jeans are the only ones I don’t want to rip off when I get home. In fact, they’re the ones I pull on when I want to be comfy without wearing athleisure.

I recently added this high-waisted wide leg style to my spring wardrobe, and I’ve been having fun with a new silhouette. The light blue wash with whiskering and fading and at the knees makes them perfect for casual summer looks when I want to wear a heel.

They’re a thicker denim, but really stretchy and soft and comfortable, and I like the lighter wash for spring. Unfortunately, they are low inventory, and I’m not finding any other options for The Roller. I wonder if they’re discontinuing that style.

For a similar style for less, try the Old Navy A-Line Wide-Leg Jeans.

#6. PAIGE Anessa Wide Leg Crop Jeans

at Bloomingdale’s (29) // at Neiman’s (29)

KUT from the Kloth jacket (S) // ATM tee (M) // Paige Anessa (29) // Tory Burch slides (8) // earrings

Speaking of new silhouettes, I’m including these wide leg crops in good faith because I think I’ll be wearing them a lot, now that it’s warming up! It’s been too cold for sandals, and I don’t like these as much with clogs or sneakers or loafers. A low profile flat, such as these espadrille slides, or a chunky heeled sandal seem to work best with these.

The soft and stretchy lightweight denim with sandblasting at the thighs, raw hem, and almost flowy silhouette give these jeans a great summer beachy vibe. Because they have a lot of volume at the bottom, I usually tuck my top or wear a cropped, structured jacket like the one shown here.

If you want to give this style a try at a lower price point, check out the J.Crew Slim Wide Leg Jean or the KUT from the Kloth Meg.

#7. Fidelity Cher High Waist Ankle Slim Jeans

similar here (28)

similar Fidelity Denim (28) // Treasure & Bond blouse (S) // similar espadrilles // similar belt // earrings // similar necklace

When I want a black wash, I usually reach for these slim straight ankle jeans from Fidelity Denim. For some reason, I haven’t been wearing my other black jeans very much this spring, but these are the perfect solution for those days when I want to wear loafers or espadrilles.

The slim, straight ankle-length style lends itself to more conservative outfits, but the off-black wash keeps gives them a slightly edgy, modern appearance that aligns well with my personal style. I’m always trying to walk that fine line.

For a similar style for less, check out the J.Crew 9″ mid-rise vintage slim-straight jean in Charcoal wash or these Gap Factory high rise straight leg jeans.

#8. PAIGE Leenah

at Bloomingdale’s (29) // at Saks (29)

PAIGE Leenah (29) // Halogen sweater (S) // Dolce Vita platform sandals (7.5)

Finally, these wide leg trouser jeans are another “good faith” addition because I’ve only worn them once or twice since I got them, but it’s been a very cold spring over here!

These are my dressiest white jeans. With a finished hem, trouser style silhouette, and front patch pockets, they look great with a heel.

And if you want the look without the hefty price tag, Gap Factory has a very similar style that’s under $50; and it comes in short, regular, long lengths.

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