One of the biggest debates every season centers around the current styles of denim and denim washes. Denim over the past few seasons has been skinny, retro and has been offered in more styles than just pants. For the spring and summer 2014 seasons, denim is maturing past the skinny jean and pulling in retro or vintage influences from the 1980’s, 1990’s and modern 2000’s.

Denim pants: The denim pant for spring and summer 2014 is being offered in three distinct styles. The skinny jean is continuing, but quickly becoming overshadowed by the boyfriend jean; which has been gaining in popularity over the past few years. The boyfriend jean has officially overtaken the skinny jean as the “IT” denim style of the season. This means everyone who was afraid to wear skinny jeans can fret no longer. The boyfriend jean is forgiving, relaxed and easy to wear with almost any figure. 

The third denim pant style which is gaining popularity is often referred to as the “Mom” jean. These are the jeans our dear Mother’s wore in the 1980’s; and unfortunately many kept wearing them in the 1990’s. The “Mom” jean offers a high waist and loose fit which is neither boyfriend jean nor skinny jean. The loose fit is comfortable, but not always flattering.

Denim washes: The wash of one’s jeans can instantly set the piece apart from denim “win” versus denim “failure.” The denim wash for the spring and summer 2014 seasons is medium, light, white or muted. In addition to regular denim washes, we are starting to see variations of the vintage acid wash with a less splotchy finish.

Over the past few seasons we have seen denim or chambray shirts, denim jackets, denim dresses and the like. For the spring 2014 and summer 2014 seasons the denim trend has calmed down. Chambray or denim shirts have moved aside for crisp cotton shirts and the denim dress has moved into storage. For spring and summer 2014, the only denim at the front of your closet should be pants, shorts, skirts (short) and jackets.

Colored denim has been a huge trend over the past few years. For the spring and summer 2014 seasons, colored denim is still around but not very important. Look more for muted blues, blue variations and white.

Printed denim has also been a huge trend over the past few years. This trend is also continuing into spring and summer 2014, but has lost its’ dominant edge. You can keep printed denim pants in your wardrobe rotation but it is not something you want to invest in for the long term.

Destroyed denim is another trend we have watched explode over the past few seasons. This trend is still in place but has been starting to fade. If you have destroyed denim from a past season you can still wear it this season, but do not invest in a new destroyed piece. The trend is about to end.

Cropped jeans are also popping up for the spring and summer 2014 seasons. This denim style enjoyed popularity is the late 1990’s through the early 2000’s. The style is back for 2014 and offers a cool alternative to ankle length jeans on a warm spring day. Look for light washes and white.

What is your favorite denim  trend this season?

Shop the denim trend for spring and summer 2014: