The Denim Trends That Will Dominate Fall 2022

When it comes to autumn, there's no doubt that denim is at the top of everyone's must-have list. After all, a classic denim piece is crucial for a well-rounded wardrobe. Whether you like a skinny fit or a baggier style, jeans are one of the most important pieces you need to invest in. However, even denim isn't immune to remixes and trendy updates. This fall, denim will get its makeover thanks to the rise of Y2K fashion.

The nostalgic trends of the '90s and 2000s have made a splash in almost every corner of the fashion industry. According to the NPD Group, straight legs accounted for one-third of overall jean sales in 2021. This data places straight legs as the highest-selling jean in the U.S., beating out a longtime favorite: skinny jeans. In part, this change is due to the overall shift in trends towards looser fits. Although there is a new jean favorite, fall 2022 will see even straight-leg jeans receiving updates and twists.

While many will get middle school nightmares thinking about denim midi skirts, it's safe to say they have come back in full force. Nowadays, denim midi skirts are a symbol of the cool, laidback girl who wants to look in style but relaxed. In fact, according to data Shopstyle shared with The Zoe Report, searches for denim midi skirts on their website rose 61% in 2022. Part of the reason why denim midi and maxi skirts have made headlines again is that we aren't wearing them as you would expect. This time around denim midi skirts is being paired with cropped tops or basic white tanks.

As well, the actual denim skirt is no longer your run-of-the-mill' blue denim skirt. The new reiterations of the denim midi and maxi skirts are using different colors and patterns to bring this piece into a new era. Celebrities like Bella Hadid have already taken point. The model recently matched a beige tank top with a denim skirt that contained burlap patchwork (via Sassy Daily). Acne Studios Fall 2022 show also boasts a high-waisted, long denim skirt in a fiery red. These new denim midi/maxi skirts help usher in a new era of a classic piece.

While on the topic of 2000s fashion trends, there's no better representation of this era than low-rise jeans. Like it or not, low-rise jeans are iconic when talking about this era. It's a piece that evokes strong opinions in favor and against. Regardless, the low-rise jeans are ready to shine again this fall. Looking at Missoni's spring 2022 line, there are new takes on how to style low-rise denim jeans. While you can go more conservative with styling it with a printed bodysuit or top tucked into your jeans, the more popular way to style these jeans is with cropped tops. Even if this isn't your style, cropped tops are a gem to pair with low-rise jeans as it accentuates the torso by creating more space between the start of your jeans and the bottom of your top.

If you want to wear this trend in a chic but warm way for fall, take a look at model Emily Ratajkowski's styling. According to Denimology, Ratajkowski paired her ultra-low-rise jeans with a simple white top and cardigan to showcase her growing baby bump back in 2020. Previously, she also paired low-rise pants with an oversized blazer and crop top. Her styling proves that even with low-rise jeans, you can make them chic and comfortable for you. If you don't feel comfortable showing so much skin with low-rise jeans, try pairing an oversized blazer on top to cover up.

As we already know, cargo pants will be in high gear this fall season. Continuing with the trend of loose styles of jeans, the cargo pant a level of comfort and chicness. Not only are cargo pants very practical (because let's be honest women's jeans never have enough pockets), but they are the newest street style trend that has exploded when made in denim. According to Diya & Co., the popularity of the cargo pant is only going to get bigger. Research conducted by the brand showed that cargo pants increased by 33% in popularity (via Women's Wear Daily).

Styling denim cargo jeans can be challenging due to their practicality. At the end of the day, how do you make all those pockets look chic? According to the Blumarine Spring 2022 Ready-to-Wear show, you should just embrace the quirkiness. Showcasing denim on denim looks, oversized blouses, and risqué tops, Blumarine shows us that cargo doesn't mean boring. Although you can definitely opt to wear denim cargo jeans in oversized '90s fashion, the best way to bring them into 2022 this fall is by dressing them up. One way you can do this is by following the example of the Isabel Marant Fall 2022 Ready-to-Wear show, which showcased denim cargo jeans styled with velvet bodysuits and sophisticated evening tops. Designers like Isabel Marant and Blumarine show us that the new denim cargo jeans can be both fun and sophisticated.

If you've been keeping up with the recent trends, you know that most of them are reminiscent of the '90s and 2000s. These eras are currently dominating fashion trends, and there's no telling how long they will last. However, high-rise flare jeans are entering the spotlight to represent the uniqueness of '70s fashion.

Although flare jeans have always existed in some capacity on the trends list, this fall season will see the push of high-rise flare jeans. These jeans are high-waisted and with the right fit, can help elongate your legs and work on any body type. One example of styling high-rise flare jeans for fall comes from Jennifer Lopez. During her recent trip to Paris, per Footwear News, the singer-actress donned a pair of light wash high-rise flared jeans with a sweater and belt for a classic and chic look.

As a summer-to-fall transitional piece, high-rise flare jeans are perfect, since they can be paired with almost any top for any occasion. Back in 2020, Brandon Maxwell showcased the perfect transitional fall outfit at his Spring 2020 Ready-to-Wear show, where he showcased a multitude of high-rise flared denim jeans. Maxwell showed us that even though the trend is flare denim, it doesn't need to be over the top to get a similar vibe. Reach for denim jeans with a small flare to add that touch of the trend without fully committing to a retro look.

The common thread throughout this fall's denim trends is combining comfort and style. With that being said, it's simply obvious to include baggy jeans. It's easy to confuse baggy jeans with straight-leg jeans, considering they both are the complete opposite of skinny jeans. However, the difference between baggy jeans, straight-leg jeans, and wide-leg jeans is still there.

According to Lee, "Baggy refers to a loose, relaxed fit in jeans. Baggy jeans have even more room than standard relaxed fit jeans do; there's plenty of space left inside the seat, legs, and leg opening to create a baggy fit." This definition by Lee means that although they are all pretty loose, baggy jeans are oversized in all areas of the jean.

If you want to style baggy jeans, take a cue from model Gigi Hadid (via Hadid's Closet). Recently, Hadid styled a pair of baggy denim jeans with a cropped, tight-fitting cami for a casual and simple ensemble. When working with these oversized pants, you want to balance the proportions with a tighter top. Throw a blazer on top, and you can easily make this relaxed look into the perfect outfit for a night out.