No, Not Skinny Jeans—These Are the 3 Denim Trends It Girls Will Be Wearing All 2026
Take notes.
Jeans are one of the most versatile style separates you can own, relying on the tried-and-true staple whether you're looking to dress them up or down. However, wear a denim silhouette that's so last year, and your ensemble will instantly look dated. So, what are the classic denim trends you need to add to your rotation to stay fresh and relevant?
Cigarette jeans, stovepipe denim, and bootcut styles are big for 2026, showing up on It girls left and right. While they're certainly in the skinny jeans family, none of the fits are as tight or restricting as their OG counterpart. Instead, each design provides a little extra room and a whole lot more style. Though knowing how to wear your newfound 2026 jeans trends is just as essential, and fashion people are hitting Instagram to show off their latest looks.
Ahead, discover the three classic denim trends, inspo imagery to get you started, and the rundown on where to buy the looks.
Cigarette Jeans
Cigarette jeans are easy to spot because of their hemline, which typically hits at or just above the ankle to show off your shoes. The polished design is also slim from hips to knees, gently tapering in towards the ankle. However, they're never overly tight, keeping it away from becoming a true skinny style.
Shop the Cigarette Denim Trend
Stovepipe Jeans
If your denim runs in a straight line from hips to ankle, you’ve got a stovepipe jean. This silhouette creates the illusion of longer legs without ever feeling stiff or tight, making it perfect for clean, sleek lines. Another instant giveaway? It can casually gather over your shoes when standing straight.
Shop the Stovepipe Denim Trend
Bootcut Jeans
The easiest to identify among the three styles is bootcut jeans, thanks to the silhouette's signature leg flare. Fitted through the waist, hips, and thighs, they flare out from the knee down, creating a balanced silhouette that complements a range of footwear—especially It-girl-adored pointed-toe boots.
Shop the Bootcut Denim Trend
Ruby Ford-Dunker (formerly Ruby McAuliffe) is a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle journalist featured in InStyle, the New York Post, Brides, Teen Vogue, Page Six, Shape, and more. When she’s not reporting on her latest fashion obsession or spotlighting beauty finds, she can be found listening to Taylor Swift, hunting for the best matcha latte, playing with her cats, or smiling her way through a dance workout. Email Ruby at therubybrand@gmail.com and keep up with her on Instagram @rubyymcauliffe.