Earlier this year, I shared my predictions for the biggest denim trends of the season in my Spring 2026 Denim Trends post, based on industry trend reports, runway influences, and what was starting to show up in retailers’ spring collections. Now that summer is here, we have a much clearer picture of what actually stuck.
Looking back, most of those trends have found their way into my regular rotation in one form or another, although a few have gotten significantly more wear than others.
A reader recently asked me to share the denim styles and washes I’m wearing most right now, along with some ideas for how I style them, and I thought that would be a fun follow-up to that spring trend report.
My Current Denim Rotation
For someone with a closet full of denim, I have a surprisingly small regular rotation. While I enjoy trying new styles, once I find a pair I love, I’m perfectly happy to wear it on repeat. So these are the five denim styles I’m wearing most right now, along with a few ideas for how I like to style them.
#1. Madewell Jules: My Everyday Slim Straight
I mean, you knew these would be first, I’m sure!
Madewell Jules in Atlin Wash (29) // Caslon Short Sleeve Quarter Zip Sweatshirt (S) // Dolce Vita Sariya (8.5) // BaubleBar Melanie Earrings // Tom Ford sunnies // Quince Italian Leather Satchel
There’s really nothing I can say about the Madewell Jules that I haven’t already said, but I now own them in three colors (a medium wash, a light wash, and ecru), and they’re almost always the first pair I reach for when I want something casual, comfortable, and easy.
Madewell Jules in Foster Wash (29) // Sanctuary Manhattan button up tank (S) // Dolce Vita Laurie wedges (8) // YSL sunnies // Dolce Vita Selene mesh bag
The slim straight silhouette is such a classic look. They might read as a skinny jean on some women, but on me they feel more like a classic ankle straight. The mid-rise pairs well with most of my tops, and they work with every shoe in my summer closet, which makes them incredibly versatile. Compared to many of the premium denim styles in my closet, the price point is hard to beat.
If I’m running errands, heading to lunch, traveling, or just getting dressed for a typical day at home, there’s a very good chance I’m reaching for one of my pairs of Jules jeans.
Madewell Jules in Atlin Wash (29) // Splendid Kylie (M) // beek Palila in Tan c/o (8) // J.Crew Summer Rollneck (M) // LAGOS hoops // similar necklace
And for women who need a little more room through the leg, I want to give a shout-out to the Risen OG Straight. It gives a similar overall effect but has a higher rise and a slightly more relaxed fit.
#2. PAIGE Anessa: My Favorite Wide-Leg Jean
If the Madewell Jules is my go-to slim straight, the Anessa is my go-to wide-leg jean. I’ve loved this style for years as a cropped jean, and it continues to be a favorite now that PAIGE offers it in a more modern 31″ inseam. It’s the perfect length on me for wearing with flats or a low heel, which adds to its versatility.
PAIGE Anessa W/ Twisted Outseam c/o EVEREVE (30) // similar brown tank // Quince linen jacket (M) // TKEES Square Toe Lily c/o // Clare V. Grande Fanny // sunnies
I often hear these described as the jeans that look good on everyone. I never like to make bold claims like that because fit is so personal, but they’re definitely one of the most flattering wide-leg styles I’ve tried. They have enough room through the leg to feel current without being overly voluminous, and the high rise holds everything in. They’re stretchy and incredibly comfortable, but they never seem to lose their shape.
PAIGE Anessa in Tonal Ecru (30) // PAIGE Vesta Top c/o (M) // Sam Edelman Camille (8) // YSL sunnies
This wash is 30% off right now and is such a versatile option. It’s the most similar to my favorite, most-worn pair (pictured above with the striped sweater tank), which I picked up during last year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I also own these in ecru and the twisted outseam style, and they all get plenty of wear.
similar PAIGE Anessa (29) // 525 Saylor Square Neck Tank c/o EVEREVE (M) // Loeffler Randall Jovie Jelly Flip Flop c/o (8) // Madewell Woven Shoulder Bag c/o
I usually reach for one of these when I want to elevate my everyday style without looking overly dressed up. They’re perfect for date nights, lunch with friends, casual dinners, or any occasion where I want to feel put together while still being comfortable.
#3. PAIGE Mason & KUT from the Kloth Kelsey: White Denim for Flats
For #3, I’m cheating a little and including two pairs of white jeans because they serve the same purpose in my summer wardrobe.
Left: KUT from the Kloth Kelsey (10) // 525 Saylor Square Neck Tank c/o EVEREVE (M) // Splendid Daria wedges (8) // Rebecca Minkoff Edie – 20% off // YSL sunnies // Jenny Bird hoops
The PAIGE Mason is a slim straight ankle jean with a polished finished hem, while the KUT from the Kloth Kelsey has a more relaxed kick-flare silhouette and a raw hem. Even though the overall vibe is slightly different, I wear them in much the same way. When I want the fresh, polished look of white denim with flat sandals, sneakers, or ballet flats, I reach for one of these two pairs.
PAIGE Mason (30) // Lilla P Scoop Neck Tank (M) // Kaanas Alayta Sandals (8) // Thatch Goldie Soirée Fish Necklace c/o // beaded stretch bracelets // YSL sunnies
Both have a clean, crisp white wash and an ankle-length inseam that works beautifully with flats. They’re made from soft, stretchy denim that is comfortable to wear and holds its shape well throughout the day, although the PAIGE pair feels a bit more substantial.
KUT from the Kloth Kelsey (10) // Splendid Erica Cardigan c/o (M) // Splendid Asher Studded Sandal (8)
I reach for these anytime I want to wear white denim in a casual way, and I almost always pack one pair when I travel. They’re easy to dress up or down and work with nearly every top in my suitcase. They instantly make an outfit feel fresh and polished.
#4. PAIGE Sasha or PAIGE Tatum: White Denim for Heels
While I tend to reach for cropped or ankle-length white denim with flats, I love a full-length style when I’m wearing heels.
PAIGE Tatum 32″ Wide Leg Jean (30) // Quince sweater tank (M) // Sam Edelman Elissa (8.5) // Maison de Sabre tote c/o
The PAIGE Sasha 32″ Wide Leg Jean in Crisp White has become one of my favorite options because the slim wide-leg silhouette and 32″ inseam create such a long, lean line. The Tatum has a very similar look, and I have photos in both, but I ended up keeping the Sasha because I prefer the comfort of the higher rise.
PAIGE Sasha 32″ Wide Leg Jean (30) // Splendid Devon Cardigan // Sam Edelman Elissa (8.5) // earrings // similar bag
They’re both made from the same thick, soft, stretchy white denim as the PAIGE Mason. The fabric is comfortable, flattering, and holds its shape well through multiple wears and washings.
I typically reserve these for church on Sundays or dinners out when I want a dressier white denim look because they require about a 3″ heel, and I haven’t bothered to have them shortened for my lower heels. Besides, I think it’s nice to have at least one pair of jeans in my wardrobe each season that I can wear with sky-high heels when the occasion calls for it.
#5. Madewell The Ultimate Wide-Leg Jean in Airy Denim: Lightweight Denim
I’m including these even though they’re a relatively new addition to my closet because they’ve quickly worked their way into my regular rotation.
Madewell The Ultimate Wide-Leg Jean in Airy Denim c/o (29) // EVEREVE Nora (M) // Dolce Vita Laurie wedges (8) // Rebecca Minkoff Edie – 20% off
My biggest issue with them is that they’re just a touch too long for flats, and when I wear them with a low kitten heel, they occasionally get caught under my foot when I walk. But once I decided to stop worrying about that and wear them anyway, I realized how much I enjoy them. (And I’m hoping they shrink up a bit in the wash… length only, please!)
The fabric is incredibly soft, lightweight, and comfortable, with a fluid drape that feels more like a trouser than a traditional pair of jeans. They have a relaxed, almost ladylike quality that makes them perfect for hot summer days when I want the look of denim without the weight of heavier fabrics.
Madewell The Ultimate Wide-Leg Jean in Airy Denim c/o (29) // Splendid Shelly c/o (M) // Steve Madden Tracie Jelly c/o (8)
And while the tie waist does limit my top options a bit, I think it’s a fun detail that keeps them feeling modern and sets them apart from the other jeans in my summer wardrobe.
I usually reach for these when I want something a little different from my usual jeans. I like to pair them with a thong kitten-heel sandal, which complements their relaxed, flowy silhouette and makes the overall outfit feel more current.
Final Thoughts
One thing this exercise reminded me of is that the “best” jeans aren’t necessarily the newest or trendiest ones. They’re the pairs you consistently reach for because they fit well, work with the rest of your wardrobe, and suit your lifestyle.
I’d love to hear which denim styles are getting the most wear in your closet this summer.
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33 Responses
I saw this weekend that VonMaur online had the Madewell Jules on sale for $37.
I have literally wore jeans of any sort about 4 times total since our summer weather has arrived here in Southern Ontario. Don’t you find them just to heavy and hot in summer temperatures? I tend to gravitate towards linen or a lighter cotton pant when pants are required.
I enjoy crop length in both straight and a smallish wide leg but more often than not, its just too warm.
Awesome!
My go to denim – the pull on travel jean from Talbots, in petite. They have a trouser leg and the exact perfect inseam length for me, no trip to my tailor required! Have those in 3 washes. I also have an ecru pull on trouser jean from Chico’s, size regular, but in crop length, which for me makes for the perfect ankle jean. Also an ecru boyfriend jean, again from Chico’s, same size as the other pair, and this jean reads like a relaxed slim straight ankle jean on me. And that is my entire denim collection, year round. 😉
I’m wearing my linen pants mostly or shorts. For church I do wear my white and ecru jeans. I can’t wear jeans in the summer even wide leg ones which are cooler.
Same here Terri! I haven’t worn long pants that aren’t linen since March, and probably won’t break them out again til October. On that note, I’ve finally given myself permission to spend more on higher quality denim shorts! I used to only buy cheaper ones. Then I realized if I live in shorts for half the year, it makes just as much sense to splurge on them as full length jeans.
My go to jeans right now are the KUT from the KLOTH Meg-they fit me really well and are comfortable. I tried the ANESSA jean and they just didn’t fit right? I will say that was a mail from Nordstrom and would like to try on in store just out of curiosity-another blogger I follow says they look great everyone; maybe I am not everyone lol! Also wear linen blend pants from Dillards that I love (Westbound brand-their store brand and on sale now)-have wheat color and olive.
sorry to post twice, for some reason my comment was gone when I hit submit-guess not!
I’ve always thought the Meg silhouette is very close to the Anessa, but it has a lower rise. Maybe that’s partly what you like better? Either way, I agree, I’m not sure that there is any one style of jeans that fits everyone.
I am enjoying my KUT from the KLOTH Meg jeans as they fit really well. I tried the ANESSA jeans but didn’t fit me very well-seemed like too much fabric? I should try on in store and see-another blogger mentioned they fit everyone, guess I am not everyone lol! Also wear the Dillards Westbound brand linen blend pants in oatmeal and olive color (sale now).
I love all the jeans you share in your posts. I wear Paige, Frame, Democracy, Levi’s, Wit and Wisdom. I live in jeans and n n the summer I’ll just wear white or lighter washed blue. Thanks for always including them.
In case anyone is interested… Nordstrom has the Petite (26″ inseam) Paige Anessa for $116!! I don’t like how short they are on the model but hoping they will be longer on my 5″3 frame. I just ordered a pair to try. I like the lighter color for spring/summer and slightly cropped.
Forgot to include: It’s the twisted seam raw hem.
Oh, good to know!
I do love your Madewell Jules, but here in the Midwest I never wear jeans in the summer. I wear shorts practically every day. But I wear dresses to church and out to dinner. My wardrobe of jeans has to wait until late September.
I don’t typically wear denim in the summer. It’s much too heavy and I get hot. I prefer shorts, summer dresses, skirt or linen pants. I did purchase a pair of Loft white patch pocket wide legs. I love those. They’re very versatile and I can wear them to the office as well.
I love all of your denim styles though for the summer. I especially like the red and blue striped sweater with denim.
As for the Jules, do you recommend your regular size? I’m thinking of getting the Atlin wash since they’re on sale and a good price point for my budget.
Thank you for all of your hard work to keep us stylish!
I feel like they run big. You can probably size down, especially if you’re in between sizes at all.
I like all the examples of how you wear your most-worn styles. Like others have said though, I don’t wear jeans much in the summer as it’s just too hot. Interesting there were no MOTHER jeans in the list?!?
Yep, crazy, right? They just haven’t worked as well for me lately.
How about a wider variety of price points? I have some Old Navy and Loft jeans that I absolutely love and fit better than some of the higher end brands. I don’t mind paying more for better quality but I just don’t see it in the jeans.
For everyone who says jeans are too hot in summer – I hear you but I can wear the wide leg styles in a lighter weight. Skinny or very slim? Not til it cools off. I wear shorts occasionally but am at the point where I really don’t care for the way my knees look LOL. Glad that flowy dresses are in too.
I’m glad you’ve found some lower-priced jeans that you love. Fit and feel are so personal, and that’s really what matters most. I occasionally try jeans from Old Navy and LOFT, but I haven’t found that they measure up to the premium brands in terms of fit, fabric, wash, and long-term wearability. That’s not to say everyone needs to spend more on denim, but for me, they’re worth it, and this post was about the styles that have gotten the most wear in my closet this summer.
I’m smitten with the sweater tank from Quince–you showed this before–I’m contemplating. My concern is if it has rolls near the bottom that make it look like YOU have rolls at the bottom?
My favorite jean right now, that I reach for, is one I found at a resale boutique. Its from White & Black market–its a straight boyfriend style with very slight planned distress on one knee–I absolutely love how soft it is–lightweight for the midwest weather–and the length on my little over 5’3″ is sooo perfect. Sometimes ya just get lucky!
Yeah, I know what you mean about the Quince sweater tank. I feel like it looks ok but I was concerned it might do that.
I don’t wear jeans much in the summer here in the Houston area, although I have worn my white and ecru jeans when I know I’ll be in air conditioning. I was surprised there were no Mother jeans in your favorites! I am unable to join your Facebook group today. I don’t know what the problem is.
Yeah, I haven’t really found MOTHER to work for me lately. I do still have the Hustler Roller Sneak in two colors, and I’ve worn the blue pair a couple times to church with a low heel, but my go-tos are mostly Paige and Madewell right now. Did you figure out the FB Group? Sometimes FB can be glitchy.
You definitely have some nice options. Since I’m still recovering from my Feb. shoulder surgery, my jeans and other pants that are not a pull on style, aren’t getting much wear. I have a pair of pull on chambray jeans that I am wearing a good bit.
I’m sorry to hear the recovery is going so slowly, it sounds like you found some good options in the meantime!
Like many on here jeans are too hot for me to wear in Palm Springs (111 today), but we try and escape the desert heat often, so I have a few pairs in my wardrobe. I think my body shape is very similar to yours, and I have the Madewell Jules in a light and dark wash, the Paige Anissa 31 and the twisted ones too in ecru.
Although not jeans I have to give an honorable mention to the Aritzia Lodge pants in crepe, I have them in three colors and just LOVE them. So far, I have been able to wear them all summer, they wash and wear really well too!
Everyone seems to love those, but they were too tight in my waist. They look great, though.
For me to wear jeans in the summer they must be worn-in soft, drapey and lightweight! My favorites for now are an old pair from AG, a boyfriend style that is just perfect for summer! I love to roll the cuffs on those. Also any pair with some Tencel or Modal in them to give them a light drape. I did purchase the Paige Anessa with the twisted hem. I love how the look and fit, but they were heavier than I thought they will be. Waiting until Fall to wear them. I also discovered that my local mall is getting an Aritzia store in 2027. Now I don’t have to travel all the way to King of Prussia to shop!
I do prefer the lighter-weight ones this time of year, although I feel like the Anessa falls into that category. I’ve never minded denim in the summer, not sure why. I just like it and I also like how it looks with summer tops – the juxtaposition of it appeals to me, I think.
ANYWHO. I haven’t had as much luck at Aritzia as some of you, but I do like to pop in there every once in a while.
I love the Jules jeans way more than I expected! It’s taken me a little while to get used to the mid-rise fit after mostly wearing high and extra-high rise these last few years. I really hope they make a black wash soon!
So glad you like them! I also wish they had a slightly higher rise, but for some reason, it doesn’t bother me too much with these. I think b/c it isn’t tight and cutting in the way some stretchier jeans do.