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
Despite owning more pairs of jeans than any one person needs (occupational hazard), I find myself reaching for the same handful of styles again and again. So today I’m sharing the five denim styles I’m wearing most this summer, along with a few ideas for how to style them.
#1. Madewell Jules: My Everyday Slim Straight
Left: Madewell Jules in Atlin Wash (29) // Caslon Short Sleeve Quarter Zip Sweatshirt (S) // Dolce Vita Sariya (8.5) // similar bag // BaubleBar Melanie Earrings // Tom Ford sunnies
Right: Madewell Jules in Foster Wash (29) // Sanctuary Manhattan button up tank (S) // Dolce Vita Laurie wedges (8) // Dolce Vita Selene mesh bag
I mean, you knew these would be first, I’m sure!
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 Atlin Wash (29) // Splendid Kylie (M) // beek Palila in Tan c/o (8) // J.Crew Summer Rollneck (M) // LAGOS hoops // similar necklace
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.
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
Left: PAIGE Anessa in Tonal Ecru (30) // PAIGE Vesta Top c/o (M) // Sam Edelman Camille (8) // sunnies
Right: 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
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.
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.
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
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.
I usually reach for 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
Left: KUT from the Kloth Kelsey (10) // 525 Saylor Square Neck Tank c/o EVEREVE (M) // Splendid Daria wedges (8) // Rebecca Minkoff Edie // YSL sunnies // Jenny Bird hoops
Right: 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
For #3, I’m cheating a little and including two pairs of white jeans because they serve the same purpose in my summer wardrobe.
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.
KUT from the Kloth Kelsey (10) // Splendid Erica Cardigan c/o (M) // Splendid Asher Studded Sandal (8)
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.
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
Left: PAIGE Sasha 32″ Wide Leg Jean (30) // cardigan // Sam Edelman Elissa (8.5) // earrings // similar bag
Right: PAIGE Tatum 32″ Wide Leg Jean (30) // Quince sweater tank (M) // Sam Edelman Elissa (8.5) // Maison de Sabre tote c/o
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. 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.
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
Left: Madewell The Ultimate Wide-Leg Jean in Airy Denim c/o (29) // Splendid Shelly c/o (M) // Steve Madden Tracie Jelly c/o (8) // similar bag
Right: Madewell The Ultimate Wide-Leg Jean in Airy Denim c/o (29) // EVEREVE Nora (M) // Dolce Vita Laurie wedges (8) // Rebecca Minkoff Edie
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.
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.
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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