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.
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
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:
Reformation
Archer Denim Jacket
For an updated take on double denim.
TOTEME
Corduroy-Trimmed Coated-Canvas Jacket
The minimalist’s must-have spring jacket.
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.
DÔEN
Pascual Corduroy-Trimmed Cotton Jacket
For those who want crisp white this season.
ARKET
Lined Canvas Jacket
While it looks great with jeans, the barn jacket is versatile enough to work with almost any spring outfit.
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
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:
& Other Stories
Almond-Toe Ballerina Flats
These would look especially good with black or white jeans.
Reformation
Prudence Ballet Flat
Sezane
Matilda Ballerinas
For a more classic look, opt for a leather snakeskin texture.
ZARA
Animal Print Fabric Ballet Flats
For a Scandi-inspired look.
LE MONDE BERYL
Stella Leopard-Print Ribbed Velvet Mary Jane Ballet Flats
Style with blue jeans and a white shirt for an excellent outfit.
AEYDE
Uma Snake-Effect Leather Ballet Flats
3. Hourglass Blazer
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.
Shop the Trend:
ALIGNE
Daphne Waisted Boucle Blazer
Malina
Carol Wool Blend Blazer
This would also look great with tailored trousers.
ZARA
Fitted Round Neck Blazer
The round neckline adds to the 50s style.
4. Unbuttoned Shirt
Style Notes: Admittedly more a spring styling trick than a trend, the crisp shirt is back but with the addendum that the top few buttons are left open. The undone look of the shirt paired with jeans creates an effortless, Parisian-inspired look that we all aspire to.
Shop the Trend:
COS
Oversized Tailored Shirt
A blue shirt is a spring staple.
With Nothing Underneath
The Classic: Weave, White
The goes-with-everything shirt.
DISSH
Palma Cream Silk Blend Shirt
Wear with jeans this spring, and the matching shorts in summer.
TOTEME
Striped Cotton and Silk-Blend Shirt
This would look great with white jeans.
MATTEAU
Striped Cotton-Poplin Shirt
Proof that a great shirt doesn’t have to break the bank.
5. Pale Yellow
Style Notes: If there’s one colour that you need to have in your spring wardrobe this year, it’s pale yellow. Warm and sunny, this gorgeous hue pairs beautifully with black, white and blue denim.
Shop the Trend:
ARKET
Tie-Belt Cotton Blouse
The adjustable waist tie is a genius touch.
ZARA
Zw Collection Cotton Jacket
Wear with your jeans and a vest top.
& Other Stories
Tailored Waistcoat
The tailored vest is a wardrobe staple at this point.
Russell & Bromley
Harker Heels
Elevate your blue denim looks with a pair of pale yellow heels.
KHAITE
Renato Ribbed Wool-Blend Jersey Tank
LE MONDE BERYL
Luna Leather Ballet Flats
The Scandi girls would approve.
6. Boat Shoes
Style Notes: In case you needed further evidence that preppy style is having a heavy influence on spring trends this year, it looks like the boat shoe is set to be this season’s must-have flat. Keep it modern and fresh by pairing with leather jackets or wearing with a double denim ensemble.
Shop the Trend:
Reformation
Kyla Boat Shoe
Suede may not be the most practical option for actually being on a boat, but it’s perfect for spring style.
Free People
Yachting Day Boat Shoes
Anyone got a spare yacht?
H&M
Leather Driving Loafers
GIANVITO ROSSI
Vandée Suede Boat Shoes
A truly sophisticated boat shoe.
These also come in a darker brown hue.
Miu Miu
Faded Unlined Suede Loafers
All the fashion girlies are after these flats.
7. Polo Shirts
Style Notes: Preppy or ’90s grunge-inspired, the polo shirt is back—and works especially well with jeans. If you want to lean into the 90s vibe, pair with wide-leg, low-waisted jeans and trainers.
Shop the Trend:
Reformation
Campbell Cotton Polo Sweater
This has such a nostalgic feel.
ZARA
Striped Knit Polo Top
This feels super Scandi, don’t you think?
LESET
James Striped Mélange Merino Wool Sweater
This soft grey is so versatile.
&DAUGHTER
Edith Wool Polo Sweater
For a pop of spring colour.
CITIZENS OF HUMANITY
Aris Twill-Trimmed Cotton-Jersey Polo Shirt
ME+EM
Cotton Stripe Crop Polo Top