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I Thought I'd Worn Jeans With Everything, But These 7 Spring Trends Are Making Denim Feel Fresh Again

By Kevin Harson

I Thought I'd Worn Jeans With Everything, But These 7 Spring Trends Are Making Denim Feel Fresh Again

Rejoice, spring is here! And that means only one thing—time for some outfit refreshes. It feels like I've been living in jeans non-stop for seemingly forever, but as something of a denim devotee, I realistically won't be giving up my favourite jeans any time soon. Luckily, spring is the brilliant kind of transitional season when you can hang on to beloved denim and make it feel new and exciting again by switching out the styling options. So long, chunky knits and wool coats, and hello light layers and warm pops of colour.

The start of the new season also means a reset of the top trends, and while spring is obviously flooded with dress and skirt inspiration, there are also plenty of options that are perfectly suited to pair with jeans. This wardrobe staple can form the ideal foundation for a number of this season's must-haves, from need-to-know colours to trending pieces.

@smythsisters wearing a polo shirt with jeans

This spring, it feels like the trends are leaning toward the classics, with a kind of nostalgia for preppy looks running through many of the top picks. From the yacht-ready boat shoe to the countryside-worthy barn jacket, refined, classic staples are ranking high on the trending list. Turns out, they work especially well with denim, making jeans of all shades look a touch more elevated.

Here, discover my pick of the very best trends that will give your favourite jeans a new lease of life this spring.

The Best Spring Trends to Wear With Jeans:

1. Barn Jackets

@symphonyofsilk wearing barn jacket and jeans

Style Notes: My favourite part of spring is switching out the heavy wool coats I've relied on seemingly forever for a mix of lighter jackets. This season, the nostalgic barn jacket is topping the trend charts for lightweight, versatile spring outerwear, adding a classic, understatedly preppy look to your favourite denim outfits.

Shop the Trend:

Archer Denim Jacket

Reformation

Archer Denim Jacket

For an updated take on double denim.

Corduroy-Trimmed Coated-Canvas Jacket

TOTEME

Corduroy-Trimmed Coated-Canvas Jacket

The minimalist's must-have spring jacket.

Asos Design Oversized Washed Barn Jacket With Leather Look Collar in Stone

ASOS DESIGN

Washed Barn Jacket With Leather Look Collar

I'm such a fan of the slouchy fit, which looks especially cool when styled with straight-leg denim.

Pascual Corduroy-Trimmed Cotton Jacket

DÔEN

Pascual Corduroy-Trimmed Cotton Jacket

For those who want crisp white this season.

Lined Canvas Jacket – Light Beige – Women – Arket Gb

ARKET

Lined Canvas Jacket

While it looks great with jeans, the barn jacket is versatile enough to work with almost any spring outfit.

Corduroy-Trimmed Cotton-Twill Jacket

BURBERRY

Corduroy-Trimmed Cotton-Twill Jacket

The cropped fit would make this jacket especially well-suited to wearing with high-waisted jeans.

2. Animal Print Flats

@nnennaechem wearing animal print flats with jeans

Style Notes: My favourite thing about jeans-based outfits is how simple they can be—throw on a white t-shirt and a jacket and you're set. But to keep it interesting, you always want an accessory that spices it up. This spring, animal print flats are the piece to do the trick, whether you go with leopard, zebra or cow.

Shop the Trend:

Almond-Toe Ballerina Flats

& Other Stories

Almond-Toe Ballerina Flats

These would look especially good with black or white jeans.

Prudence Ballet Flat

Reformation

Prudence Ballet Flat

Matilda Ballerinas - Brown Python Print - Bovine Leather - Sézane

Sezane

Matilda Ballerinas

For a more classic look, opt for a leather snakeskin texture.

Animal Print Fabric Ballet Flats

ZARA

Animal Print Fabric Ballet Flats

For a Scandi-inspired look.

Stella Leopard-Print Ribbed Velvet Mary Jane Ballet Flats

LE MONDE BERYL

Stella Leopard-Print Ribbed Velvet Mary Jane Ballet Flats

Style with blue jeans and a white shirt for an excellent outfit.

Uma Snake-Effect Leather Ballet Flats

AEYDE

Uma Snake-Effect Leather Ballet Flats

3. Hourglass Blazer

@kimturkington_ wearing a brown blazer and jeans

Style Notes: To give denim a more polished look, try pairing with the hourglass blazer. With its 50-inspired shape, the cinched waist fit creates a beautiful silhouette when paired with straight leg jeans.

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I Thought I'd Worn Jeans With Everything, But These 7 Spring Trends Are Making Denim Feel Fresh Again - GQ British Lifestyle