Denim has come a long way since its humble beginnings as sturdy workwear. has cemented its status as a timeless wardrobe staple. In the decades since then, denim has transcended generations and cemented its status as a timeless wardrobe staple for men andwomen. 

In today's fast-paced world, women often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. Like a classy tote bag or a stylish Apple Watch band, denim has emerged as a go-to option for women that seamlessly combines fashion and functionality.

For working moms and busy professionals, the importance of finding outfits that effortlessly transition from one role to another cannot be overstated. Denim offers the perfect solution—it allows women to exude an air of sophistication and style while providing the comfort and ease of movement needed for a hectic day. Whether you're rushing from the office to pick up the kids or conquering a series of meetings, the right denim outfit ensures that you look chic and put-together throughout the day.

If you’re looking to take advantage of the latest denim trends, we can help. 

In celebration of  the 150th anniversary of denim, we’ll be diving into the latest denim trends tailored specifically for today's dynamic working women and moms. We’ll cover fits, washes, styling, and even some other denim accessories that you can use to create timeless outfits. 

Denim Cuts & Fits

No matter what type of clothing we’re talking about, there’s one statement that rings true: Fit is king.

You could have the perfect pair of denim in terms of wash and style, but if it doesn’t fit you right, you won’t look or feel your best. 

In 2023, we’ve identified four types of denim fits that you need to know about:

1. Straight-leg jeans

2. Wide-leg jeans

3. High-rise jeans

4. Cropped jeans

Straight-Leg Jeans

As the name suggests, straight-leg jeans feature a straight cut from the hips down to the ankles that creates a sleek and flattering silhouette. Unlike skinny jeans, straight-leg jeans offer a more relaxed fit without sacrificing style. They strike the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication, making them a go-to choice for many fashion-savvy women. Straight-leg jeans are a timeless denim style that flatters almost every body type. 

Let’s go ahead and style some straight-leg jeans. For a casual yet chic look, pair them with a simple white t-shirt and sneakers—it’s hard to go wrong with your favorite white tee! 

For an edgier vibe, you can add a leather (or vegan leather!) jacket. This type of look is sure to turn heads and have you stand out in a crowd. 

With the right outfit, you can even dress up straight-leg jeans: Start with a tailored blazer, a blouse, and a pair of heels—this combination exudes effortless elegance, suitable for a professional setting or a stylish evening out. 

Remember to accessorize with statement belts, jewelry, or a stylish handbag to complete your outfit and add that extra touch of flair. Straight-leg jeans are the perfect foundation for creating a multitude of fashionable and versatile outfits that can take you from day to night with ease.

Wide-Leg Jeans

Wide-leg jeans have made a strong comeback in recent years—they offer a refreshing departure from form-fitting styles and cater to those who love to stand out. These jeans feature a wide, loose-fitting leg that flares out from the hips, creating a relaxed and effortlessly chic look. Wide-leg jeans are known for their comfort and ability to provide a fashion-forward statement while maintaining a laid-back appeal.

Styling wide-leg jeans offers endless possibilities to showcase your personal style. For a boho-inspired ensemble combined with retro flair, pair them with a flowy blouse or a breezy, printed top. Finish off your unique and free-spirited look with a wide-brimmed hat, oversized sunglasses, and a pair of wedges. 

For a more tailored and sophisticated outfit that retains some of the retro flashiness of wide-leg jeans, tuck in a sleek blouse or a button-down shirt and cinch the waist with a belt to accentuate your figure. Take the entire ensemble to the next level with heels or platform shoes to add height and elongate your legs.

Last but not least, you can experiment with cropped wide-leg jeans—these jeans hit just above the ankle, making them a perfect choice to showcase your favorite statement shoes. Style them with a tucked-in graphic tee, a leather jacket, and ankle boots for the edgy vibe that we know and love. 

High-Rise Jeans

High-rise jeans sit at or above the natural waistline, offering a flattering and elongating effect while providing excellent coverage and support. These jeans tend to accentuate curves, create a defined waistline, and offer a sleek and polished look. 

Styling high-rise jeans gives you many different options—for a classic and timeless outfit, tuck in a fitted blouse or a button-down shirt to showcase the waistline and create a sophisticated silhouette. Add a pair of heels or ankle boots to complete your look and bring it up a notch.

Prefer a more casual and relaxed vibe? Pair your high-rise jeans with a tucked-in graphic tee or a cropped sweater. Layer with a denim or leather jacket for an effortlessly cool look that exudes confidence.

High-rise jeans also work well with a variety of footwear options. You can style them with ballet flats or strappy sandals for a chic and feminine touch, or make a statement with chunky platform shoes or ankle boots to add an edgier flair—the choice is yours! Experiment with different washes and finishes to achieve the desired look, whether it's classic blue denim or a trendy distressed style.

Cropped Jeans

When it comes to creating a trendy and modern look, look no further than cropped jeans. These jeans are characterized by their shorter length, typically hitting above the ankle, and they offer a fresh and youthful vibe, making them perfect for showcasing your favorite footwear and adding a playful touch to your outfits.

Styling cropped jeans opens up a world of possibilities. Let’s start with a  casual and laid-back look: Pair your favorite cropped jeans with a relaxed t-shirt or a flowy blouse and complete the ensemble with sneakers or flats. Whether you’re running errands or enjoying a weekend brunch with friends, you’ll be looking your absolute best.

For a slightly more formal outfit, try pairing cropped jeans with a fitted sweater or a button-down shirt, and add a pair of heels or ankle boots—this combination exudes sophistication and can easily transition from day to night.

Denim Washes and Colors 

Next, we have washes and colors—once you have the fit you like, it’s time to pick a denim wash that suits your style and the occasion you’ll be wearing them. 

In general, denim washes and colors can be separated into four categories:

1. Light-wash denim

2. Dark-wash denim

3. Black denim

4. Colored denim

Light-Wash Denim 

Light-wash denim, as the name suggests, includes colors that are lighter or even more faded. Light-wash jeans evoke a sense of effortless cool and are perfect for achieving a relaxed and laid-back look. These jeans are a popular choice for casual outings—however, they can be easily dressed up with the right outfit!

When it comes to styling light-wash jeans, the key is to embrace their casual nature while incorporating elements that elevate the overall ensemble. For a relaxed daytime look, pair light-wash jeans with a simple white t-shirt or a cozy sweater. Complete the outfit with sneakers or sandals for a comfortable and effortless vibe. 

Although light-wash jeans are usually worn for casual settings, you can certainly dress them up a bit. Rules are meant to be broken, right?

To dress up light-wash jeans, opt for a tailored blouse or a flowy top in a complementary color. Add heels or ankle boots to lend a touch of sophistication to the ensemble. Layering with a denim or leather jacket can also enhance the overall aesthetic and provide an extra layer of style.

Dark-Wash Denim

Classic, sophisticated, and elegant—dark-wash denim is a must-have staple in your wardrobe. These jeans have a deeper indigo hue and offer a more sleek and polished look that can seamlessly transition from day to night. 

Dark-wash jeans almost style themselves—their versatility is nearly unmatched. For a refined and office-appropriate ensemble, pair dark wash jeans with a crisp button-down shirt or a tailored blouse. If you really want to take it up a notch, add a blazer or a structured jacket to elevate the look and complete it with heels or ankle boots for a professional touch. But don’t forget the accessories!

Dark-wash denim can do casual looks too. For a casual yet chic outfit, opt for a fitted t-shirt or a chunky sweater and pair it with your favorite dark-wash jeans. 

Black Denim

Similar to dark-wash, black denim is a versatile must-have in any woman’s wardrobe. A sleek pair of black jeans can work in any environment: The office, a dinner party, or any casual occasion. Black jeans are a reliable choice to elevate your style game from day looks to night looks.

Black denim gives you the opportunity to create a stylish and unique monochromatic look—pair your favorite black jeans with a fitted black top or a crisp white blouse to create a sophisticated ensemble that can be dressed up with heels or dressed down with sneakers. 

Prefer a pop of color or a pattern? Incorporate a vibrant blazer, a statement belt, or a patterned scarf. Layering with different textures, such as a leather jacket or a cozy knit sweater, can add depth and visual interest to your outfit. 

Colored Denim

Colored jeans offer a vibrant and playful twist to traditional denim—it’s all about being bold and standing out! 

With a wide range of hues available, from pastels to bold and bright shades, colored jeans allow for endless possibilities in expressing your personal style. They are a fantastic way to inject a pop of color into your outfits and add a touch of fun and personality.

When it comes to styling colored jeans, it's all about finding the right balance between the jeans and the rest of your ensemble. For the most part, you’ll be looking at casual outfits. If you opt for a bold and vibrant colored pair, such as red or cobalt blue, keep the rest of your outfit relatively neutral—pair them with a white or black top to let the jeans take center stage. 

For a pastel-colored pair, such as mint green or lavender, you have the option to play with complementary colors or create a monochromatic look. Experiment with different patterns and textures to create interesting combinations—for example, a striped top or a floral blouse can add visual interest to your outfit. Complete the look with bold accessories—after all, your colored jeans provide a bold look!

Other Denim Options

Denim is so much more than just a pair of jeans. You’ve got other options for creating fun outfits, from accessories to jackets and much more. 

Let’s look at some of these other denim options.

Denim Jackets

No edgy look would be complete without a go-to denim jacket! 

Denim jackets come in many different washes—including all of the washes we talked about in the section above. Whether you're going for a casual or a more polished look, there’s a denim jacket for you! 

For a casual ensemble, layer your denim jacket over a basic t-shirt or a printed blouse, and pair it with jeans or a skirt for a double-denim look. Complete the outfit with sneakers or ankle boots for a laid-back vibe. 

To dress up your denim jacket, layer it over a dress or a tailored top, and pair it with heels or boots for a chic and edgy twist. Experiment with different washes and distressed details to achieve various looks, and don't forget to accessorize with statement jewelry or a stylish handbag to add a personal touch.

Denim Shoes

Denim works incredibly well on a pair of shoes, whether we’re talking about flats, sandals, or wedges. It’s typically used as an accent, but combined with other denim pieces, the right denim shoes can take your outfit up to the next level and turn some heads.

Denim Bags

Denim even works with your favorite handbag styles!

From crossbody bags to utilitarian tote bags, you can’t go wrong with a denim bag. Not only does it provide top-notch durability, but it can help you create bold go-to outfits by matching them to your current favorite denim pieces. We love denim handbags! 

Find Everything From Jeans to Jackets in Anne Klein’s Denim Collection

Armed with the knowledge above, it’s time to add some stylish denim pieces to your wardrobe.

Whether you love light-wash denim for your casual looks, or you prefer a chic night outfit with dark-wash, we’ve got you covered—the Anne Klein denim collection has everything you need to craft outfits that will have you looking and feeling your best.

Shop the Anne Klein denim collection today!

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