3 min readIf reminiscing upon your Tumblr-era style makes you wince, prepare yourselves: Colored jeans are surging in popularity this season, but this isn’t a revival of the neon skinnies you once wore to the Vans Warped Tour. Current iterations from Madewell, Paige, AG, and other popular denim labels feel more refined. Think rich, saturated hues cut in slouchy, wide-leg silhouettes, styled with cropped trench coats and suede hobo bags. In other words, the comeback is less pop-punk and more fashion-forward.
To help you adopt the emerging look, we’ve broken down eight fashion girl-approved outfit ideas below. After seeing these, you’ll see that colored denim doesn’t have to be as daunting as it seems. We’ve seen washes in olive green, pale pink, butter yellow, taupe, and burgundy styled with neutral staples like white button-ups and brown leather jackets. In other words, this is the perfect opportunity to give your neutral staples a new look for spring.
With a Tonal Palette
When in doubt, build your outfit around the color of your denim. A tonal jacket in a contrasting texture—think buttery suede or croc-embossed leather—lends an air of sophistication to baggier bottoms. And while you’re test-driving spring fashion trends, why not pick up a pair of zebra-print Adidas sneakers?
Damson Madder Wylie Button Cuff Jeans
Mango Nilo Croc Embossed Faux Leather Jacket
Skims Cotton Jersey T-Shirt
Adidas Zebra Tokyo Sneakers
Tory Burch Kira Soft Leather Shoulder Bag
With a Basic Tee
A basic tee makes a reliable pairing for any type of denim, including unconventional washes. Though classic white never fails, street style from Milan and Copenhagen suggests that faded brown and gray tops will be popular with taupe and mauve jeans.
Paige Anessa Wide Leg Jeans
Zara Washed Effect T-Shirt
AllSaints Nellie Wool Blend Coat
Barbour x Farm Rio Maria Clara Twill Tote
Prada 75MM Slingback Pumps
Under a Tan Jacket
Known for its versatility, a tan trench coat can work with just about any bottoms. The same goes for a camel-colored wool coat. When it comes to outerwear, these two staples should be the first things you reach for when styling colored jeans.
Madewell Darted Barrel Jeans
Meshki Alden Short Trench
Simonmiller Studded Mini Puffin Bag
Rag & Bone Brynn Slingback Pump
Annika Inez Small Hemisphere Earrings
With a White Button-Up
This classic outfit formula works just as well with colored denim as it does with traditional blue washes. A crisp white collared shirt softens grungier finishes like AG’s taupe Adria jeans, allowing you to play with fun accessories like a slouchy suede hobo or oversized tortoiseshell sunglasses.
AG Adria Low Rise Wide Leg Jeans
Madewell Easy Poplin Button-Up Shirt
Tory Burch Cap-Toe Slingback
Kurt Geiger London Chelsea Slouch Hobo Bag
Dezi Pusha Shield Sunglasses
As a Matching Set
You’re well-versed in the Canadian tuxedo, so consider a matching set cut from colored denim. No need for an exact match—if you’re working with something in your existing wardrobe, a jacket in a similar shade creates the same effect. A cream bag and shoes bring balance to bold sets like this limited-edition Lee x Crayola collab.
Lee x Crayola Carpenter Jeans
Lee x Crayola Cropped Chore Jacket
Schutz Lexi Slingback Pump
In Monochrome
Pastel colors aren’t revolutionary for spring—but a monochrome outfit with pale pink jeans certainly feels new and exciting. Vivaia’s satin sneakerinas (worn by Bella Hadid and Charli XCX) make an easy shoe pairing for DL1961’s Ballet wash.
DL1961 Karmine Wide Leg Ankle Jeans
Vivaia Cristina Satin Sneakerina
Chloe Paddington Leather Satchel
Nialaya Cuban Charm Bracelet
Under a Leather Bomber
A leather bomber jacket and sleek boots make a primary-colored wash feel unexpectedly luxe. Bold as they are, La Ligne’s cherry-red Isadora jeans fit effortlessly into a closet anchored by brown and burgundy.
La Ligne Isadora Herringbone Jeans
Lamarque Theia Leather Bomber
Gap Long Sleeve Essential Ribbed Top
Alohas Kalila Slouch Boot
Gucci Borsetto Medium Boston Bag
With an Unexpected Accent Color
If you like to play with color, pair your denim with a silk blouse in an unexpected shade—perhaps jewel-like deep eggplant purple or brown jeans with a chartreuse, olive, or emerald green top. Keep your accessories simple to allow the unique color combination to shine.
Reiss Ameira Silk Button-Up Shirt
Sebago Will Tassel Loafers
Coach Brooklyn 34 Shoulder Bag
Jennifer Fisher Madison Avenue Necklace
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