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SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ and I usually wear a small or medium in tops and dresses, a 29 or 30 in jeans and pants, and a size 8 shoe. Gifted items are indicated by c/o; everything else I purchased myself.

Top Denim Trends to Know (and Try!) for Summer 2025

Today we’re talking about the top denim trends for women this summer, and I’ve got a few outfit ideas to help you make them work in real life.

1. Wide Leg & Barrel Jeans

These relaxed silhouettes are still going strong this summer, especially in cropped and ankle lengths. They’re a great alternative to skinny or straight styles and perfect for showing off sandals or sneakers. The key is to let a little ankle show between the hem and your shoes—otherwise, the proportions can feel a bit heavy.

I’ve been wearing the PAIGE Anessa High Rise Wide Leg Ankle Jeans for several seasons now, and they’re still my favorite ankle-length wide leg style.

Z Supply Camino Top (L) // Splendid Dre Cardigan (S) // PAIGE Anessa (29) (budget option) // similar belt // Veronica Beard Via (8) (budget option) //

I also love the MOTHER Roller for a full-length wide leg option. Both are made from super soft, stretchy denim and fit a bit slimmer through the thigh than some of the more voluminous styles out there—flattering and comfortable.

MOTHER The Hustler Roller Sneak – simliar wash (29) // Sanctuary sweater vest (S) // Sam Edelman Bianka slingback pumps (8.5) // similar necklace

If you’re looking for something closer to the $100 range, the KUT from the Kloth Meg is a perennial favorite. It comes in a wide range of washes and colors, and the quality is great for the price.

KUT from the Kloth Meg – similar cuffed style (6) // FRAME tee (XS) // Sam Edelman slides (8) // similar belt

I also found some fun, budget-friendly options at Gap Factory—like the Soft Barrel Jeans and High Rise Wide-Leg Crop Jeans. Both styles are on-trend and easy to wear.

LEFT: Gap Factory Icon denim jacket // Gap Factory Shrunken tee (S) // Gap Factory barrel jeans (S) // Gola Viper (7.5)

RIGHT: Cropped Denim Shirt (M) // Fitted Cami (L) // High Rise Wide-Leg Crop Jeans (29) // Paul Green Hadley (8)

Style Tip: Pair wide leg or barrel jeans with fitted tanks, tucked tees, or cropped sweaters to balance the volume. For shoes, try platforms, low-profile sneakers, or a block heel to keep the proportions flattering.

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2. Cropped Jeans

Cropped denim is a summer go-to, and while more relaxed silhouettes are trending this season, I’ve been rediscovering the cropped flare—also known as the kick flare. These hit right above the ankle with a subtle flare at the hem, making them flattering, fun, and perfect for showing off a cute sandal or sneaker.

MOTHER Insider in Out Of The Blue (also at Bloomies & Saks) (29) // Sam Edelman slides (8) // EVEREVE Cecelia (S) // Dragon Diffusion tote

I recently picked up an old favorite, the MOTHER Insider Crop Step Fray, in a fresh bright blue wash with subtle fading through the thighs. They have that casual, lived-in look I love, and I know they’ll be on heavy rotation this summer. Fit-wise, they run true to size—I wear the 29, but size down if you’re in between. If you’re looking for a similar style for less, LOFT has a great option with their Patch Pocket Kick Crop Jeans in Bright Vintage Wash.

MOTHER Insider (also at Bloomies & Saks) (29) // VEJA Esplar (39) // EVEREVE tee (S) & Camp Jacket (M) // Naghedi tote

I also love the AG Mari Mid Rise Crop Jeans in Gallery White for a more classic straight-leg option with a clean hem. I’ve talked about these a lot—they’re made of AG’s Cloud Soft Stretch Denim, and they are truly the softest, most comfortable jeans I’ve ever put on my person, but they don’t bag out or lose their shape. They run true to size, or size up if in between; I have the 30.

AG Mari in Gallery White (also at Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus) (30) // Veronica Beard slides (8) // cloth & stone stripe tank (S) // earrings // similar necklace // bracelet pack

Style tip: Cropped jeans work well with boxy tees, fitted tanks, or cropped button-ups. Add a lightweight sweater or structured jacket for layering. Finish the look with flat sandals, low-top sneakers, or a block heel to show off the ankle.

Shop Crop Jeans for Summer:

3. White & Ecru Denim

Crisp white and soft ecru denim are summer staples—and they’re everywhere again this season. Whether you go for straight-leg jeans, cropped flares, or even white denim jacket or denim dress, these lighter washes instantly elevate your look. I love pairing them with black, camel, or soft pastels for a chic contrast.

The Good American Good Legs Straight is a great option right around the $100 mark. The denim is thick and stretchy with no show-through, and it has really good recovery. It’s also a great choice if you struggle with that annoying gap in the waist—these fit snug where it counts.

Good American Good Legs Straight (10) // Halogen polo sweater (M) // Vince slides (8) (option)

And of course, there’s the AG Mari that we discussed above, if you prefer a lighter, softer feel during the summer months. I also like the MOTHER Hustler for a white ankle flare and the MOTHER Weekender for a full length flare.

Aiden Cropped Shirting (S) // Splendid Dre (S) // MOTHER Hustler (30) // Veronica Beard Via (8)

If bright white feels a little too stark, ecru is a great alternative—it has a slightly softer, more modern feel while still being just as versatile. The MOTHER Tomcat in Cream Puffs is an amazing price at Nordstrom Rack.

EVEREVE Gia Cowl Neck Top (S) // MOTHER Tomcat in Cream Puffs (30) // Schutz Arissa (8) // similar belt

And I also like the Wit & Wisdom Tatum for a crop flare, and it just went on sale!

Wit & Wisdom Tatum (8) // old Treasure & Bond sweater (S) // Vionic Merlot (7.5)

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4. Drapey, Ultra-Soft “Pajama Jeans”

If you’ve ever wished your jeans felt more like pajamas, this trend is for you. These aren’t your typical stretchy skinnies—they’re made from super soft, drapey fabrics that move like lounge pants but look like denim. And it’s not just jeans, either—you’ll see this fabric showing up in dresses, jackets, and even shorts.

rag & bone’s Miramar line is a great example—I reviewed their shorts a few weeks ago (you can see that post here).

rag & bone Miramar Walking Shorts (M) // Z Supply tee (L) // stripe sweater (M) // Jeffrey Campbell boat shoes (8.5)

There are also more affordable options, like Gap Factory’s Supersoft Pull-On Barrel Pants and the Drapey Soft Seamed Wide-Leg Jeans I’m wearing below.

Gap Factory Drapey Soft Seamed Wide-Leg Jeans (30) // GF tee (M) // GF sweater (S) // Paul Green sneakers (8)

These are perfect for travel days, lounging, or anytime you want to look pulled together without sacrificing comfort. I wouldn’t wear them for a polished dinner out, but for errands, casual weekends, or long flights, they’re hard to beat.

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5. Denim Dresses

Denim dresses are having a real moment this summer—from belted shirt dresses to tiered midis and sleek mini styles. They’re an easy, all-in-one outfit that works with everything from sneakers and flats to wedges or espadrilles.

KUT from the Kloth sleeveless denim dress (M) // Veronica Beard slides (8) // wood earrings c/o

I added this KUT from the Kloth sleeveless denim dress ivory with contrast stitching to my closet this season, and I’ve already worn it twice! It has a super flattering sheath silhouette with great structure and seaming through the middle, and it pairs perfectly with flat slide sandals for an easy but polished summer look.

If you’re looking to try the trend, I rounded up a few more options below for you to browse.

Denim Dresses to Try

6. Longer Denim Shorts

I keep hearing that mid-length and longer denim shorts are taking over this summer—and while they’re definitely out there, I’m still seeing a lot of options in the 4″ range. Either way, we’re not seeing much of the ultra-short cutoffs anymore… thanks goodness!

I don’t love how I look in longer shorts, but I do like a mid-thigh length. These 5″ Mid Rise Soft Denim Shorts are a great example—they’re super soft, really comfortable, and hit that sweet spot between coverage and style.

5″ Mid Rise Soft Denim Shorts (29) // J.Crew linen tee (M) // Gola sneakers (7.5)

For something with a little more length and a relaxed fit, I also like the rag & bone Miramar Kaia Shorts. They have a 6.5″ inseam and that drapey, laid-back vibe that’s really trending right now. I feel like they walk the line between classic and trendy in the best way.

Shop Denim Shorts for Summer:

7. Denim Skirts

Denim skirts are back in a big way this year—especially in midi and maxi lengths—but I’m also seeing a lot of mid-thigh options out there. Basically, anything but knee-length looks current to my eye.

Pistola Alice (29) (similar option) // similar sweater (option) // Sam Edelman slingbacks (8.5)

To keep the style feeling modern and easy to wear, look for details like front slits, buttons, or patch pockets. These small updates make a big difference in how the skirt feels and moves.

I recently tried the rag & bone Miramar Gillian Trompe l’Oeil Faux Denim Cotton Terry Midi Skirt, but it’s getting really hard to find in stock. It’s a bit of a splurge, but it’s so comfy and really cute on. I love that it has real front pockets—unlike the walking shorts I have from the same line.

rag & bone Miramar Denim Terry skirt (8) // Faherty muscle tank (S) // Marc Fisher Glynne slides (8)

Stye tip: Denim skirts pair well with slim tanks, tucked-in tees, or lightweight button-up shirts. You could even try one with a denim vest for a full-on look. Finish it off with sneakers, slides, or a low block heel, depending on the vibe you’re going for.

Shop denim skirts for summer:

8. Cropped & Oversized Denim Jackets

Denim jackets are still a summer staple, but this year’s styles are getting an update. Boxier fits, cropped cuts, and oversized silhouettes are replacing the classic trucker jacket—at least for now.

Fitted trucker jackets aren’t out necessarily, but they’re starting to feel a little tired next to these newer shapes. I’ve personally put mine aside for now. Instead, I recently added the KUT from the Kloth Lana to my closet—it has a boxy, cropped silhouette with a raw shirttail hem that feels current without being too trendy.

KUT from the Kloth Lana c/o (S) // AG Mari (also at Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus) (30) // LNA Dessa Muscle Tee (M) // Veronica Beard Via (8)

I’m also seeing barrel sleeves (sometimes called cocoon sleeves) popping up more, which add a subtle statement without going over the top.

The SuperSoft Barrel Sleeve Icon Denim Jacket at Gap Factory is a great option if you’re looking to update your denim jacket this season—it’s stylish, affordable, and easy to wear.

Gap Factory Icon denim jacket // Gap Factory Shrunken tee (S) // Gap Factory barrel jeans (S) // Gola Viper (7.5)

If you prefer something more structured, try a peplum or denim blazer for a fresh take.

Style tip: While denim jackets always look great with contrasting bottoms—like pairing a blue jean jacket with white or olive pants, as I’ve shown here—a more current take is to wear similar shades of denim together. The key is to keep the tones close, but not too matchy. It’s not a look everyone loves, but it can be really chic when done right. Play around with it and see what you think!

Shop current denim jackets for 2025:

I hope this gave you a little inspiration for mixing up your denim this season. It’s fun to try a few updates when the weather shifts. Let me know which trends you’re into—or which ones you’re skipping this year!