With the focus on quiet luxury reaching such great heights as of late, it’s confirmation that I’m not the only one looking for ways to infuse an expensive-looking air into my current rotation of outfits. My looks rely heavily on jeans, so I am laser-focused on finding any denim styling tip or trick to achieve that elevated feel I aim for—the easier the better. Imagine my excitement when I came to spot a new denim trend percolating that manages to instantly make your outfit look more expensive: dark-wash jeans.
With a quick scroll through my Instagram feed and the latest street style photos from fashion month, it became glaringly clear that dark denim is about to have a major moment, and for good reason. The darker, moodier washes give jeans a more polished feel that reads dressier than the rest, so you can wear the denim style with any top or shoe style and get that expensive-looking boost. Sure, you could argue that black denim does the same, but something about a darker blue wash feels richer and fresher at the moment.
For the stylish proof, keep scrolling to check out 11 chic denim outfit ideas that incorporate dark-wash jeans and shop each look, plus more of my top picks to consider in a variety of styles.
Sylvie Mus pairs a sleeveless cream turtleneck knit with slightly flared dark-wash jeans and black buckled kitten heels.
Anouk Yve is casual chic in a plaid jacket, dark ankle-length jeans, and trendy neutral Adidas sneakers.
Abisola Omole takes on this season’s biggest color, pairing her chic red coat with dark-wash wide-leg jeans.
Julie is the epitome of French-girl chic with a classic blue button-down and dark high-waisted, wide-leg jeans.
Lucy Williams gives her dark-wash denim the London treatment with a cool leather jacket, a striped sweater, and black patent loafers.
Sasha Mei gave her dark jeans a preppy twist with classic loafers and a denim jacket.
Clara Dyrhauge is an example of quiet luxury with a simple black sweater, belted dark-wash denim, and pointed-toe heels.
Danish models-turned-jewelry-designers Amalie and Cecilie Moosgaard Nielsen have been frequently spotted in dark-wash jeans. Wear yours with a white button-down and wrap belt to re-create this chic look.
Brittany Bathgate paired her dark cuffed jeans with a navy coat, a navy sweater, a simple neck scarf, and cool black boots.
Claire Most turned her dark straight-leg jeans into a casual-cool look with a white button-down shirt and trendy black slide sandals.
Alexis Foreman is known for her minimal looks. Here, she wears a pair of dark-wash jeans with an oversize black blazer and Western-inspired boots.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
