The Split-Hem Jeans Trend Isn't Going Anywhere — Our Styling Tips

The split-hem jean trend is one of the more unique ways of rocking denim. It makes the jeans more architecturally interesting since the split allows the jeans to widen at the ankle without technically being a flare. The split is so fun because you can find it anywhere along the hem, too. We've seen the split on the outer sides of jeans, on the inside ankles, and even down the front of the leg. 

We can thank Victoria Beckham for popularizing this unique cut. In her Spring/Summer 2019 show, she debuted pants that featured the unexpected slit and it's taken off since. While the split hem works on any pant, we've seen the trend work amazingly with denim, and frankly, this has become our favorite way of styling the split too. It's a perfect way to play with loose denim since it's the way of the future. Jean brands from Abercrombie & Fitch to Levi's are now all offering the split hem in different washes and styles. There are even charming, easy tutorials on YouTube on how to do it yourself, so you can get handy with a DIY project. So whether you cut the splits into the hems yourself or buy your jeans that way, there are so many fun ways to style this incredible trend. 

Make your look preppy by styling split-hem jeans with white, pointed flats. The split encourages more focus on the shoes, so why not go with something unexpected, like white flats? Faded dark blue denim is a beautiful option to pair with this preppy look. A button-up top and brown bomber jacket give the look a collegiate vibe, while a white shoulder bag ties in both the top and the shoes. A slick middle part keeps the look modern and fresh. These covetable jeans are the ideal bottoms for easy, everyday styling. 

The split-hem jean trend works beautifully as the foundation of a Canadian tuxedo. Denim on denim has come a long way since the early aughts, and we're all about new ways of making this look current. When working with this style, opt for a harmonious denim wash for both the jacket and the jeans. A dark wash on high-waisted jeans and a cropped denim jacket is a gorgeous way to play with the classic denim-on-denim look. 

The seams along the front of the jeans, thanks to the vertical stitching, guide the eye to the front split in the hem. This is a great example of how elongating the leg looks when the split hem is at the front of the pants. Style your jeans with heeled boots and a biker chick bag. It's got some edge to it, which is always fun. 

We can't entirely forget about skinny jeans. For some of us, the skinny jean will never die, and that's okay! Thankfully, the split-hem trend works beautifully even with this cut of denim. If skinny jeans are your jam, opt for a rich, dark wash like black denim to showcase the front slit. While you can easily dress up split-hem jeans, the skinny jeans version is an easy way to keep the look low-key. Style yours with a simple loafer or sneaker, and lean into cozy vibes by pairing your look with a shacket. Cool sunglasses are never a bad idea, either. 

The split-hem denim trend even applies to splits on the inside of the jeans. The look is charming since it creates a flare while the legs of the jeans still keep their straight leg effect. The split-hem style works beautifully with heels. Stylist Kyla Flax told Byrdie how split-hem jeans are a great choice if you want to create a taller silhouette. "A split hem is a great style for elongating the leg," Flax explained. "What's great about this style is that it gives you versatility with your shoe choice." Well, a stellar shoe choice here is a snazzy pair of square-toed heels. Be the cool girl about town by pairing these heels and jeans with a blazer and ball cap.

The split hem in your denim doesn't have to be precisely on the side of your jeans or directly in the middle of the leg. Sometimes, it can appear in a creative slice that's off-center. Think of these as the messy breakup of split-hem jeans. The cut is imprecise deliberately, and looks even better with a shaggy hemline. Added distressed elements throughout the denim create the perfect sense of dilapidation. A faded, light blue denim wash is the perfect canvas for this distressing, since the jeans look vintage and well-loved. It's a playful look, so feel free to get inventive with the rest of your outfit. Barbiecore pink is a fun color to pair with a light wash jean. Outrageous sunglasses, pink shoes, and a hot pink jacket are spot on.