Denim trends 2023: We've got the 6 biggest jean looks for the upcoming autumn/winter season

The denim trends 2023 offer a refresh to the most classic pieces in your closet. Guided by the latest runways (shown back in February), there were countless jeans and denim items across a number of fashion houses, ushering in updates to a staple. 

Your best jeans will never truly go out of fashion, but there are a few key looks that will set your denim apart this season. From statement outerwear to dimensional textures, designers including Dior, Zimmermann, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Diesel featured denim on their catwalks for the autumn/winter season, proving that this basic is going nowhere. This year's autumn/winter fashion trends 2023 sees a return to classic silhouettes and tailoring, which became a common thread in the denim trends too. But while jeans got a business casual update, designers weren't ready to let go of '90s fashion trends just yet, with double denim and cargo detailing continuing to crop up in various collections. But as well as structured outerwear and mixed denim washes, we also spotted a return to one of the most divisive pieces of denim - the skinny jean.

If you're ready to rethink how to style jeans and denim in general for the upcoming season, these six key autumn/winter denim trends for 2023 are the ones to look out for. Whether you want to breathe new life into classic pieces you've had on rotation for years or feel ready to invest in something new, these are the biggest looks to have on your radar.

6 autumn/winter denim trends 2023 to look out for this season

After analysing hundreds of runway shows for the upcoming autumn/winter 2023/2024 season, these are the trends we noticed cropping up again and again. Here's what you need to know, including how to style the trend and where to shop for seasonal pieces.

1. Structural jackets

The best denim jackets have been a trend for as long as we can remember, but they're back for autumn/winter 2023 with a delightfully modern take on the classic shape. First becoming a workwear staple back in the early 1900s with Levi's' launch of the 'Type 1' button-up jacket, the street style look has hardly wavered. But this season saw the introduction of a re-interpretation of a denim jacket silhouette, and this is a trend we're expecting to boom come winter.

An angular, waist-nipping cut and oversized sleeves are the defining characteristics of this denim trend. Creating an hourglass silhouette that pairs perfectly with the popular baggy and low-rise bottoms of the moment, this is a style to add to your capsule wardrobe if you're on the hunt for elevated basics. However, if this jacket shape doesn't quite fit with your personal style, you can go for a more toned-down feel à la Dior by sticking to a slouchier shape with a tighter fit around the middle. 

What to look out for:

• Waist nipping: Wondering how to style a denim jacket to flatter your frame? Shop hourglass styles that will contour your frame or consider how you can style up a slouchier fit with a statement belt to get the look.
• Oversized sleeves: The balloon sleeve look is a trend in its own right, but it looks even better contrasted with a tighter fit around the torso. Look out for ruffles or floaty fabrics for a more feminine feel.
• Cropped lengths: Shorter cuts work best with more volumised styles, as they help to lengthen your lower torso, so opt for a jacket that cuts just under your hips or higher for maximum impact. Layer with a cropped cardigan with a statement collar when pulling your winter capsule wardrobe together.

2. Textured jeans

Another reinvention of a timeless style, the autumn/winter denim trends 2023 are leaning into classic jean shapes with exciting and unusual textures. With countless types of jeans on the market, this trend allows you to stick to your favourite shape, like mom jeans, whilst adding some edge to your ensemble through dimensional patterns or light distressing. 

Roberto Cavalli is a go-to label when it comes to modernising timeless silhouettes (like bootcut jeans) with unexpected prints, but this trend can be made more wearable for everyday with a shiny or metallic finish as seen on the Jean Paul Gaultier runway. Metallic trousers are a fashion crowd favourite, adding some '80s disco to even the most simple of outfits. 

When it comes to styling this denim trend, each label offered its own spin on the look. For a true cold weather feel, make your look even more tactile with a fluffy faux fur coat and knitted scarf. Or, to let your jeans be the focal point of your outfit, take inspiration from Coach and pair them with a plain duffle and shoulder bag.

What to look out for:

• Shiny finishes: Look out for the metallic jeans trend for a more wearable take on this look. Go bold with silver to expertly channel the fashion colour trends.
• 3D patterns: A tactile trend, opt for familiar patterns in 3D fabrications to bring this trend to life. Not for the faint-hearted, by choosing a print you already wear on the regualr, such as stripes or leopard print, this look will feel less daunted
• Rips and distressing: Ripped jeans have been a trend for a while now, but it can be tricky to wear the trend without it looking too youthful. Opt for a looser fit and distressing lower down the legs for a more sophisticated edge.

3. Denim layering

As long as you have more than one denim piece in your wardrobe, this is a trend you can partake in with minimal effort. We saw multiple brands layering denim pieces on the runway to create subversive looks that can be worn in countless ways, proving that the key to nailing denim often lies in the styling rather than the shapes alone. A brilliant smart casual outfit idea that will take you out of your comfort zone, there are no rules here.

Denim on denim, AKA the Canadian Tuxedo, has swung in and out of popularity since the days of Britney and Justin Timberlake on the red carpet. But if basic double denim feels slightly too preppy for you, layering different washes or pairing a baggy jacket with a fitted shirt gives the same feel with a more fashion-forward take. 

What to look out for:

• Tailoring: The majority of designers layered some sort of tailored piece with a looser, slouchier item to accentuate the sandwich of denim. Invest in a jacket with a wide, pointy collar or a long denim skirt with a slit to avoid your layers looking frumpy.
• Layers: A denim waistcoat or shirt will make layering simple. Wear either underneath a denim jacket or trench, or tuck into looser bottoms for a casual take on the trend.
• Jorts: AKA jean shorts, are a rising trend this year. Invest in some comfortable and baggy denim shorts and style with a structured denim top or tuck in a jacket for a simple take on the layered denim trend.

4. Denim shirts

Although denim is typically associated with casual outfits, there is always room to smarten it up. One of the most popular ways to do this on the runways for autumn/winter was with a trusty denim shirt - an unfailing staple that we guarantee most people have somewhere in their wardrobe. And if you don't, let this be proof that it is a very worthwhile investment.

Wondering exactly how to wear a denim shirt? We love Zimmermann's refined dark denim shirt buttoned up to the top, paired with a matching indigo skirt for a truly sleek finish. Lighter washes, as seen at Nahmias, will pair well with dopamine dressing shades like yellow and red if you want to inject some warmth into your winter outfit ideas. The fit you opt for is up to you - go baggy for a shacket style, or keep it more fitted and cropped to wear in place of a long sleeved tee during the colder months.

What to look out for:

• Dark washes: Dark blue hues are extremely versatile and work best if you want to wear your shirt to the office. If you're wondering how to style baggy jeans, a darker wash on top will help to smarten them up.
• Shackets: An oversized shirt can be layered over a tee or even hoodie come winter for a relaxed and modern feel. You can also wear it done up over tighter fitting bottoms or tights as an alternative to the best jumper dresses.
• Fitted styles: For a new take on smart-casual, wear a denim button-up in place of a regular shirt by going for a fitted style. Incorporate into white jeans outfits for a subtle double-denim outfit or style classic blue denim with black tailored trousers and chunky boots for a casually cool autumn outfit.

5. Mixed washes

Marine Serre and Ahluwalia both played into the denim dress trend by mixing washes in one garment, whilst the likes of Etudes and Dior mixed and matched different pieces to create just the right amount of colour clashing. This autumn/winter denim trend can also be used to add dimension to typically looser-fitting items, as darker washes can be used to add contours that enhance your shape.

One of the most versatile trends of the season, you can lean as far into the clashing element as you feel comfortable. Keep things all blue in varying shades or go bold by styling Barbiecore pink with acid wash finishes. One of the biggest denim trends of the spring/summer trends 2023 was undoubtedly denim maxi skirts - a true boho capsule wardrobe staple - so why not combine it with this year's denim shirt trend in two different tones to nail three looks in one?

What to look out for:

• Muti-tonal pieces: This striped dress by Ahluwalia is a masterclass in multi-tonal dressing, so look for striped patterns - a big spring/summer 2024 trend from Copenhagen Fashion Week - to get the luxury look for less.
• Clashing washes: Take two different denim hues and throw them together for a runway-inspired ensemble. Opt for white and light blue to keep the clash subtle, or go statement with a deep blue top and a grey acid wash.
• Colourful accents: Invest in some colourful denim, like pink or red jeans, to liven up any outfit and create a beautifully clashing look.

6. Skinny cuts

We can't quite believe we're saying this, but skinny jeans seem to be back. Although most of us probably still get a lot of wear out of our tried and true best skinny jeans, they really fell from grace in the high fashion world in recent years. But according to the autumn/winter denim trends, they're one of the hottest pieces as we head into the end of the year.

Seen styled with the best knee high boots at Celine and embellished with Gorpcore-esque cargo pockets at Diesel, it's not just the skinny jean we know and love that's back on our radar, but modernised versions of it too. It's no secret that trends move in cycles, as made evident by the return of the '90s and Y2K trends, but the re-introduction of skinny jeans has come around even quicker than we expected. 

Whether you've been eagerly awaiting their return or you're preparing to finally invest in your first pair of skinny jeans, there are infinite ways to style this piece. We love how they look with chunky boots for rainy day outfit ideas, or style them up with dressy flats like ballerina pumps.

What to look out for:

• Classic skinnies: Yes, it's true, your humble pair of basic skinny jeans is one of the key autumn/winter denim trends for 2023. Dig out old favourites or keep an eye out for a classic mid-rise skinny fit pair with some extra stretch to bag the most comfortable jeans.
• Updated skinnies: The majority of skinny jeans spotted on the runways had some kind of modern twist, so look out for unusual textures or embellishments to get a more trend-led piece.
• Low-rise fits: Low-rise bottoms are another big trend for 2023, mainly due to the 00s resurgence. Give your skinny jeans a vintage feel by opting for a lower cut and pair with a tucked-in blouse to keep things sophisticated, inspired by Celine's runway looks.