Outdated Denim Trends You Don't Want To Be Caught Wearing In 2024

Denim trends are always shifting and evolving. In 2024, we're staying on the pulse of what's become uncool in order to avoid a jean-related faux pas. Conversely, we're deeply invested in what's current in the world of denim. 2024 is witnessing a whole slew of new denim trends. We're exploring budding vistas of skirts, dresses, and jean cuts. Loose denim is a good reflexive choice when styling a look, because skinny jeans are still out for the most part. Denim-on-denim is another overarching trend that's still worth exploring, because the concept has come a long way since the early aughts. The Canadian tuxedo has gotten a major makeover!

We love denim so much because it's such an essential part of a contemporary wardrobe. The sturdy, cotton textile has managed to become indispensable to any sartorial enthusiast because it's so versatile. There are jeans, obviously, but also denim dresses, jackets, vests, shirts, and even shoes. So of any fashion staple, denim is arguably the thing that shifts and moves the most. While there's nothing wrong with wearing whatever you want (Kate Middleton certainly isn't letting go of the skinny jean trend), if you want to stay current, we've got you covered for which denim trends to avoid for 2024.

There are rumors and whispers that skinny jeans are creeping back into fashion, but the beloved second-skins of the early 2000s have not officially regained the stamp of approval quite yet. Until then, avoid the tube-tight jeans, and stick with what's trending at the moment: wide-leg denim. Looser cuts are still the most popular and flattering style when it comes to a classic jean, as fashion isn't ready to wriggle back into something tight. Honestly, thank goodness, because wide-leg denim is so much more comfortable. 

Whether it's holes in the knees or entire legs of shredded denim, 2024 is turning its back on the distressed trend. Rips in jeans were trending hard in the 2010s, and there's a reason it went out of style and never came back. Optically, it's chaotic. The beauty of denim is its versatility, which means we're usually styling it with bright colors, experimental footwear, and statement pieces. So when denim starts to tell its own (tragic) story thanks to tears, rips, and lacerations, it gets too busy. Instead, opt for cuffed jeans. The purposeful roll of denim cuffs adds texture and dimension, as well as tone, since the turned up portion tends to be lighter. 

The denim maxi skirt had a recent revival. After being a beloved staple of '90s fashion, the oversized skirt got a lot of post-pandemic love. From 2021-2023, the denim maxi skirt was a bold way to bring a lot of fabric to an outfit. But the cumbersome skirt has been overshadowed by its sleeker, hotter younger sister: the denim mini dress. 2024 is bringing sex appeal to denim trends, and a mini dress is the perfect way to rock the look. 

It was only a few short years ago that jean boots were trending as the newest and most unusual way to wear denim. Thankfully, that fad is behind us. Not only was the look unfortunate, but the concept was completely impractical. In the summer, no one wants jeans on their feet; it's way too hot. In the winter, denim just isn't insulating enough for footwear. It was a lose-lose. What's trending now is jeans a little higher up the body. Instead of boots, think Bermuda shorts in denim. The charming look is preppy enough to work with any summer styling choices, and you'll be thankful for the cooling effect of shorts. 

Colorful denim was huge back in 2022. Jeans were saturated in neon tones, and denim jackets as well as pants went for full impact. It was all hot pink, lizard green, and highlighter yellow. While these color tones can pack a punch, this isn't the look we're after in 2024. White and cream-toned denim is the way to go. Seek out denim jeans and jackets in linen, sea pearl, and cloud white tones. Plus, off-white denim has a nautical undertone to it, so that adds to the vibe.