Madewell’s denim expert tells me these are the trends for summer 2024

I first fell in love with Madewell because of their jeans (I even got a job there for a discount). Before that, I was always someone who could never find the right style: the denim I tried on would always squeeze, pull apart, snag, and ultimately leave me feeling defeated. But Madewell has solved this problem with high-quality denim that literally lasts me for years; the small, tall, curvy and plus sizes also ensure that I always find the right fit. TBH, the brand now has a monopoly on my jeans drawer.

Naturally, this was one of the first places I visited when planning my summer wardrobe, but with over 100 denim styles on offer, it was admittedly a bit of a pain to navigate. That’s why I turned to denim expert Mary Pierson, senior vice president of Denim Design at Madewell, who shared with In the style the four best summer styles every wardrobe needs.

Below, discover the denim trends she predicts will dominate summer, including classic silhouettes and vintage-inspired styles.

Classic straight legs

For something you’ll be able to use for years to come, Pierson recommends straight-leg jeans, a silhouette she says will always be around (Tan France agrees). She attributes this to the style’s “classic look” and “universally flattering” cut, which she says cinches the waist and elongates the legs. Plus, they go well with everything: Pamela Anderson recently dressed hers up with strappy heeled sandals while Cindy Crawford proved how cool they looked with a pair of simple sneakers.

Pierson personally opts for the brand’s high-waisted ’90s straight-leg jeans, both long and cropped, because of their “timeless, laid-back vibe,” comfortable feel and “effortless look.” But for something lower-rise, shoppers (myself included) love the brand’s low-rise straight jeans, which offer a slightly more relaxed fit. The Baggy Straight jean takes that worn look a step further, with more room in the hips and thighs. But despite their oversized fit, they still look perfectly put together thanks to the raised patch pockets and tabbed waistband.

White Wide Leg Denim

White denim is of course in for summer, but Pierson even suggests pairing the classic color with a loose, oversized leg. Wide-leg jeans “embody that effortless summer vibe,” she said, explaining that they offer a “casual, chic aesthetic” and breathable comfort in warm weather. The silhouette finished in optical white is the epitome of a chic summer outfit.

For something with a more lived-in look, consider grabbing these Perfect Vintage Raw Hem Jeans, which shoppers say are “flattering,” “comfortable” and the perfect way to show off a cute pair of shoes thanks to their slightly cropped fit . hem. For a more refined look, loosely woven (i.e. extra breathable) pleated Harlows are a must, but if you want to try something a little different, I personally love this drawstring style. The adjustable waist allows you to wear it high and cinched or undone for a lower, more relaxed fit, almost like denim sweatpants.

Western-inspired flares

While Pierson says this year is all about classic, tried-and-true silhouettes and colors, there’s another style she thinks is major for 2024: flared jeans, a look we’ve seen from celebrities like Blake Lively, Kate Middleton and Jennifer. Anniston Rock. She attributed the style’s on-trend nature to the growing popularity of Western aesthetics, but added that they’re not just checking off a trend: the style is also incredibly flattering and “instantly elongates the legs.”

She recommends the Flea Market style: a skinny jean with a dramatic flare, available in both a classic mid-wash blue and a summer-ready white. But for something a little more subtle, shoppers love the brand’s Kick Out jeans, available in cropped and long styles. “They’re super comfortable and very flattering,” one shopper said of the cropped style, adding that while they’ll be wearing them all spring and summer “with sneakers or Birks,” they also plan to take them in winter by exchanging them. a pair of ankle boots.

Casual shorts

Summer denim isn’t complete without a cropped hem, and Pierson noted that she’s seen strong traction around looser-fitting styles, telling me that the brand’s relaxed mid-length denim shorts are already in becoming a shopping must-have. The loose fit makes any top look instantly (and effortlessly) cooler, and as someone who’s never liked pairing cutoffs with tight denim, I couldn’t agree more.

While this relaxed style may be a new favorite, shoppers love The Perfect Vintage Midi Shorts, which they say offer the perfect amount of coverage: you can bend over without things getting too cheeky, but it is not a complete Bermuda shorts. . And while traditional shorts are still a summer staple, I also love these oversized shorts that I’d wear with everything from a simple white tee to a loose, flowy sweater, and even over a swimsuit instead of a traditional one. cover.