I've done all the research - these are the 5 denim trends everyone will be wearing this season (myself included)

We take denim very seriously here at Marie Claire UK. By regularly testing the best pairs of denim to round up failsafe options to invest in for many seasons to come—we are keen purveyors of the humble capsule wardrobe piece.

Of course, we understand that when it comes to the best jeans, the options are endless. This is especially true when investing in key pieces for the colder months ahead now that November is here and December is just a couple of blinks away. So, if you're looking to invest in key denim staples to make everyday denim styling easier, we got you covered.

This season, denim was seen everywhere on the runway in various iterations, from styles that had been going strong before autumn/winter to the reintroduction of other polarising styles that are slowly but surely making a comeback (skinny jeans, we're looking at you).

At McQueen's AW24 show, creative director Seán McGirr introduced plenty of discourse-worthy looks. One would assume that the laminated dresses or dome-like tops would be at the top of people's conversations. However, another divisive piece caused the majority of disputes: the skinny jeans.

A classic noughties staple that is a true love-it-or-hate-it piece, the skinny jean was spotted in all its glory on the catwalk. Further cementing its return was Balenciaga, who paired low-rise skinny jeans with an oversized leather jacket, knee-high boots, and an XL scarf: chic.

The beauty of denim is that what works for one person does not have to work for another. There truly are so many different iterations, ranging from baggy to darted and even horseshoe. Over at Chloé, we witnessed a stray away from the skinny jeans and were presented with ultra-chic boho baggy jeans paired with a tailored coat.

In contrast, Acne Studios was a reliable source for extra-baggy jeans, and Alaia's low-rise horseshoe style is perfect for those who still love a more flared silhouette.

So, where can we find all of these incredible denim options? We've done all the internet digging to find the best options for each denim trend and gathered some expert styling inspiration, plus tips on pairing them to ensure you're all-ready this season.

HORSESHOE

Another solid denim style that continues to grow in popularity every season is horseshoe jeans. With their atypical silhouette, horseshoe jeans have the same DNA as a baggy style with a unique exaggerated flare at the sides and a taper at the bottom. These jeans are a great formal style for the office that can be layered with their ready-to-wear pieces or on their own, as seen on the runways at Alaia's AW24 show.

What to wear with Horseshoe jeans?

The secret to working with horseshoe jeans lies in the shoes. When styling a voluminous silhouette, opt for a streamlined shoe such as a simple flat or stiletto heel for a harmonious look that subtly tapers the denim at the ankle. In the colder months, reach for a pair of cowboy boots or heeled ankle boots and you're good to go.

90S STRAIGHT-LEG

An incredibly easy-to-style denim shape, 90s straight-leg jeans are some of the most flattering jeans out there. Usually coming in mid-rise styles, they're fitted around the thigh and slightly taper out at the leg. This classic style was seen on the runway, with shows like Chanel and Balmain styling their iterations. You can't go wrong with a pair of these.

What to wear with 90s straight-leg jeans?

Probably one of the easiest jeans to style, 90s straight-legs pair beautifully with pretty much anything. Wax jackets, cropped knits, ankle boots, blazers, you name it- they'll look great. For an effortless daytime look, follow a chic outfit formula and style these jeans with a great chunky knit, trench coat, and flats.

DARTED

Gucci introduced darted jeans in their Spring/Summer 24 collection, and have since become a stand-out style this year. Other brands that have successfully incorporated the style for Autumn/Winter include Munthe and Dion Lee.

These jeans feature darting detailing on the waistline that resembles a single pleat or a single darted line throughout the leg. Whichever iteration is your favourite, you're bound to look and feel extremely chic.

What to wear with darted jeans?

Holding a similar silhouette to 90s straight-leg jeans and baggy jeans, darted jeans keep their shape mostly at the waistline with two darts on either leg. As mentioned, some styles also have a darting pleat across the leg for some extra dimension, so the choice is yours when selecting a style.

Pair these jeans with a crisp shirt and a wool blazer as extra layering to make sure you stay warm during the colder days. In terms of footwear, you can't go wrong with a cosy yet chic pair of boots to elevate any day or nighttime look.

Skinny Jeans

Yes, skinny jeans are back. The divisive silhouette is becoming a new found runway and street style staple alongside other noughties staple pieces. Take some styling cues from Balenciaga or McQueen by Seán McGirr's autumn/winter 2024 show to give the classic style a twist.

What to wear with skinny jeans?

For the skinny jeans adverse, we get it: skinny jeans can often be daunting to style. Regardless, they also offer many styling opportunities, especially during autumn/winter, as they serve as an excellent base for those often troublesome oversized coats that are hard to style with a looser pair of jeans. They are also the perfect pair to tuck into boots. Opt for a sleek scarf coat and knee-length boots for a comfy yet chic office-to-dinner look to balance your look.

Baggy

Baggy jeans have been one of the most popular denim styles this year. Styled on the runway at Dior under dresses and oversized jackets, they have been popularised by celebrities like Dua Lipa, Hailey Bieber, and Katie Holmes. Take cues from the experts and style these jeans for an effortless daytime look or edgy chic nighttime event.

What to wear with baggy jeans?

A personal favourite, baggy jeans are a strict part of my denim arsenal. Wearing a pair an embarrassing amount a week, I can safely say I am the ultimate baggy jeans expert. Of course, I understand that they can be daunting if you're not used to styling them, but they work great for everyone, including those who are not fans of a total oversized look.

To avoid a puddling situation, I recommend opting for a pair of shoes with some height, be it platforms or pointed-toe kitten-heeled boots. As a baggy pair of jeans can oftentimes be a dramatic statement, keep things simple with a warm, comfy knit and a great handbag to complete the look.