This Dark-Denim Trend is Returning This Autumn—5 Ways Fashion Aficionados are Styling It Now

      Few wardrobe staples reflect the trends, cultural sentiment, and levels of taste of a specific era quite like denim. Denim, particularly jeans, has long served as the foundation of many people's closets, transitioning from essential workwear to a prominent fashion statement. Successfully adapting to microtrends, fads, and evolving fashion landscapes, jeans have become the go-to item for nearly everyone, worn regularly for weekends, work, evenings out, and everything in between. We are all familiar with classic light-blue denim, characterized by its soft, sometimes faded and whiskered appearance. White denim is also well-liked but is best reserved for occasions far removed from public transport, children, or cups of coffee. Similarly, black jeans remain a reliable choice, popular among those who favor monochromatic styles and seek practicality for their evening outfits.

      However, there's a notable gap, and here is where indigo jeans have surfaced as a revitalized trend, tapping into the quiet-luxury aesthetic of contemporary fashion with a simple, confident style that suggests chic sophistication. Indigo jeans, along with dark blue and navy options, gained popularity in the '90s. Brands like Levi's, Evisu, True Religion, Guess, Diesel, and Calvin Klein dominated the denim market back then, influenced by a whirlwind of celebrity endorsements, streetwear movements, music styles, and youth culture, often promoting indigo, selvedge, and dark denim looks. Much like other '90s revivals—such as slip dresses, baby tees, and delicate strappy kitten heels—indigo jeans are making a comeback, now seen through a modern perspective.

      I consulted stylist and denim authority Kelly Harrington for insights on which brands excel in this area today. "Nudie Jeans not only focus on sustainability but shine in dark indigo, especially the Clean Eileen in Classic Blue, which is deep but comfortable," she shares. "I also admire COS's dark denim barrel shape, Aligne's Rigid Barrel, and Weekday's Blue Rinse Astro Loose." For a lasting investment piece, Blackhorse Lane Ateliers produces handmade jeans in the UK. These brands cater to the demand for stylish, timeless, and contemporary denim, reminiscent of the washes, fits, and shapes favored in the beloved '90s.

      Denim expert Kelly Harrington is seen sporting a chic indigo double-denim ensemble. A fantastic alternative to traditional blue and black styles, indigo jeans are gaining popularity this autumn for good reason. "Dark indigo denim is a timeless classic that effortlessly blends smart and casual, making it ideal for transitions from day to night," Harrington explains. "Indigo is incredibly adaptable; these jeans are often unwashed, allowing for customized fading and whiskering that reflects your personal wearing pattern." The more you wear your indigo jeans, the more they conform to your shape and develop a cherished patina.

      So, how should they be styled? "I wear them in multiple ways," Harrington states. "With a matching denim jacket for a cohesive look, or teamed with dressier tops for an elevated casual style. Personally, I love pairing dark denim with a classic shirt and either flats or kitten heels." Continue reading to explore how the fashion elite are reviving this trend and to see our selections of the best indigo jeans available now.

      1. **Sweatshirt + Indigo Jeans + Suede Bag**

       **Style Notes:** Wide-leg jeans paired with a tee remain a dependable combination. As temperatures drop, you might need to layer a sweatshirt. A deep blue denim grounding autumnal shades like caramel, mocha, olive, and chocolate makes for an appealing ensemble, with Monikh Dale (seen above) exemplifying this approach beautifully. A suede bag and chic flip-flops on an unexpectedly warm early-autumn day (or more realistically, loafers) complete this casual look, perfect for laid-back weekends.

       **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 quintessentially Parisian look with a dark-wash, straight-leg pair of jeans, a Breton tee, loafers, and a bucket bag. This effortless style, thanks to icons like Jane Birkin, continues to be chic today. Indigo denim complements this timeless aesthetic perfectly, as evidenced by Abisola Omole's wonderful interpretation.

       **Shop the Look:**

       - **M&S Collection:** Pure Cotton Everyday Fit Top

       - **Levi's:** Cinch Baggy Lightweight Jeans

       - **DUNE LONDON:** Leather Slip On Ruched Toe