4 must-have denim trends for autumn, from wide-leg jeans to split skirts

Get ready for the new season with these key pieces. By Katie Wright.

Katie Wright
Thursday 05 October 2023 03:30 EDT
Denim dresses are trending for autumn (Aspiga/PA)
Denim dresses are trending for autumn (Aspiga/PA)

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When it comes to transitional fashion, it doesn’t get much better than denim.

Navigating that tricky time when it’s not warm enough for T-shirts, or cold enough for coats, is easy when you’ve got a capsule wardrobe of denim delights.

And with tons of catwalk and celebrity inspiration around, this autumn/winter, you’re spoiled for choice in the denim department.

From baggy jeans to retro skirts, these are the denim trends you’ll be seeing everywhere this season…

1. Wide-leg jeans

As seen on the catwalks at Diesel, Coach, Jean Paul Gaultier and more, wide-leg jeans are an autumn essential.

Take your cue from the likes of Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid with extra-long baggy jeans teamed with trainers or loafers, or opt for a cropped pair to show off a pair of statement ankle boots.

Monsoon Lucille Print Blouse, £42 (was £60); Lara Wide Leg Jeans, £80

Crew Clothing Parker Wide Leg Jeans, £69

2. Midi dresses

A denim midi dress is incredibly versatile at this time of year – especially if it’s indigo, as opposed to summery light blue.

A sleek pinafore is perfect for layering with long-sleeved ribbed tops or rollneck jumpers, while shirt-dresses go well with chunky trainers or knee-high boots.

Aspiga Trinity Tencel Denim Dress, £150; Montreal Trainers, £99

V by Very Curve Sleeveless Button Through Denim Dress, £38; Scoop Neck Puff Sleeve Jersey Top, £18; Adidas Originals Stan Smith Trainers, £61.20 (were £85), Very

3. Embroidered jeans

The latest Noughties look making a comeback, embellished and embroidered denim was a major trend on the AW23 runways, and now it’s hit the high street in a big way.

From cute floral motifs to cool graphic designs, these elevated jeans take denim to the next level.

Lucy & Yak Olly Jacket with Daisy-Mae Embroidery, £70; Dana Mom Jeans with Daisy-Mae Embroidery, £65; JoJo Socks, £7.50 (vest and shoes, stylist’s own)

Fanfare High Waisted Recycled Embroidered Faces Jeans, £159

4. Split skirts

As summer’s micro minis take a back seat, Nineties split-front skirts are the style to be seen in this season.

Try an indigo or black knee-length skirt teamed with ankle boots for a laid-back weekend look, or go full-on grunge with a faded, floor-sweeping maxi.

Oliver Bonas Washed Black Scalloped Pocket Denim Skirt, £65

PrettyLittleThing Vintage Mid Wash Split Front Denim Maxi Skirt, £32

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