This Dark-Denim Trend is Making a Return This Autumn—Here Are 5 Ways Stylish Dressers are Sporting It Today.

      Few wardrobe items reflect trends, cultural sentiments, and taste levels of a specific era as much as denim. Denim, particularly jeans, have been essential to many people's closets, transforming from workwear necessity to a prominent fashion statement. Over the years, jeans have adeptly navigated microtrends, fads, and evolving fashion landscapes, establishing themselves as a reliable staple for various occasions—weekends, workdays, evening outings, and everything in between.

      We are all familiar with classic light-blue denim, often soft and sometimes faded or whiskered. White denim is also a popular choice but is best reserved for days away from public transport, children, or coffee spills. Similarly, black jeans are a consistent favorite for those favoring monochromatic outfits or wishing to add a touch of practicality to their evening attire. However, there's a noticeable gap for indigo jeans, which have recently reemerged as a refreshed trend, aligning with the current quiet-luxury fashion aesthetic characterized by a simple, chic allure.

      Indigo jeans, alongside dark-blue and navy styles, gained popularity in the '90s with iconic denim brands such as Levi's, Evisu, True Religion, Guess, Diesel, and Calvin Klein at the forefront. This was fueled by a blend of celebrity influence, streetwear culture, music trends, and youth culture, with many brands promoting indigo, selvedge, and dark denim. Like several '90s trends (think slip dresses, baby tees, and delicate strappy kitten heels), indigo jeans are making a comeback, now viewed through a modern lens.

      I consulted stylist and denim specialist Kelly Harrington on which brands currently excel in this area. "Nudie Jeans not only focuses on sustainability but shines in dark indigo, especially the Clean Eileen in Classic Blue, which is dark yet rinsed for comfort," she shared. "I also admire COS's dark denim barrel shape, Aligne's Rigid Barrel, and Weekday's Blue Rinse Astro Loose. For a timeless investment, Blackhorse Lane Ateliers produces handmade jeans in the UK." These brands cater to those seeking cool, classic, and modern denim, reminiscent of the favorite washes, fits, and silhouettes of fashion's beloved decade.

      Denim expert Kelly Harrington showcases an indigo double-denim ensemble. As a fantastic alternative to traditional blue and black jeans, indigo jeans have gained popularity this autumn. "Dark-indigo denim is a timeless classic that balances both smart and casual aesthetics, making it ideal for day-to-night transitions," Harrington notes. "Indigo is highly versatile; these jeans are often unwashed, enabling you to create custom fades and whiskers reflecting your unique wear." The more you wear indigo jeans, the more they adjust to your body and develop a cherished patina.

      How should one style them? "I wear them in various ways," Harrington explains. "With a matching denim jacket for a cohesive look, or paired with dressier tops for elevated casual attire. Personally, I enjoy pairing my dark denim with a classic shirt and comfy flats or kitten heels." Continue reading to explore how the fashion community is reviving this trend from the past and our selection of the best indigo jeans available now.

      1. Sweatshirt + Indigo Jeans + Suede Bag

      Style Notes: Wide-leg jeans paired with a tee create a dependable outfit. As temperatures drop, adding a sweatshirt becomes necessary. A deep blue denim grounds autumnal shades like caramel, mocha, olive, and chocolate. Take cues from Monikh Dale (above) and play with nature-inspired colors. A suede bag and stylish flip-flops (or loafers, which are likely more practical) finish this relaxed weekend look perfectly.

      Shop the Look:

      - ENTIRE STUDIOS: Box Round-Neck Cotton-Jersey Sweatshirt

      - ARKET: Lily Signature T-Shirt

      - Whistles: Dark Denim Cotton Wide Leg Pleat Trouser

      - Free People: Genesis Packable Sport Sandals

      - COS: Cavatelli Clutch Bag – Suede

      2. Striped T-shirt + Indigo Jeans + Loafers

      Style Notes: Achieve a chic Parisian vibe with dark-wash straight-leg jeans, a Breton tee, loafers, and a bucket bag. This timeless look, inspired by Jane Birkin, remains incredibly stylish. Indigo denim complements this ensemble by focusing on classic aesthetics, beautifully modeled here by Abisola Omole.

      Shop the Look:

      - M&S Collection: Pure Cotton Everyday Fit Top

      - Levi's: Cinch Baggy Lightweight Jeans

      - DUNE LONDON: Leather Slip-On Ruched Toe Loafers

      - Sézane: Gary Bag in Smooth Chocolate

      3. Blazer + Indigo Jeans + Leather Accessories

      Style Notes: Indigo denim also suits the office, as demonstrated by Alexis Foreman, who pairs it with a blazer, blouse, and pointed-toe heeled boots for a polished yet modern appearance