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 favorite 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 color.
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 colors 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 favorite jeans a new lease of life this spring.
The Best Spring Trends to Wear With Jeans:
1. Barn Jackets
Style Notes: My favorite 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 favorite denim outfits.
Shop the Trend:
Reformation
Archer Denim Jacket
For an updated take on double denim.
Toteme
Oversized Corduroy-Trimmed Waxed Organic Cotton Jacket
The minimalist’s must-have spring jacket.
ASOS Design
Oversized Washed Barn Jacket With Leather Look Collar in Stone
I’m such a fan of the slouchy fit, which looks especially cool when styled with straight-leg denim.
Barbour
Sonnie Corduroy-Trimmed Cotton-Canvas Jacket
For those who want crisp white this season.
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 favorite 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:
Alaïa
Criss Cross Leather-Trimmed Leopard-Print Calf Hair Ballet 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 it 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
Balenciaga
Hourglass Double-Breasted Wool Jacket
This would also look great with tailored trousers.
Zara
Tailored Round Neck Blazer
The round neckline adds to the 50s style.
Helsa
The Tweed S Curve Blazer
4. Unbuttoned Shirt
Style Notes: Admittedly more of 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.
The goes-with-everything shirt.
DISSH
Palma Cream Silk Blend Shirt
Wear with jeans this spring, and the matching shorts in summer.
Toteme
Relaxed Striped Shirt Ecru/blossom
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 color 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:
Zara
ZW Collection Cotton Jacket
Wear with your jeans and a vest top.
SLVRLAKE
Mica Frayed Denim Shorts
The perfect spring and summer shorts
& Other Stories
Tailored Vest
The tailored vest is a wardrobe staple at this point.
Le Monde Beryl
Luna Leather Ballet Flats
Elevate your blue denim looks with a pair of pale yellow flats.
Khaite
Renato Ribbed Wool-Blend Jersey Tank
Gucci
Jackie Notte Mini Crinkled Patent-Leather Shoulder Bag
6. Boat Shoes
Style Notes: In case you need 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 them with leather jackets or wearing them 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?
Bally
Pathy Studded Leather Loafers
Spice things up with some studs.
I love this affordable pair.
Miu Miu
Canvas & Leather Boat Shoe
All the fashion girlies are after these flats.
Aeyde
Harris Leather Boat Shoes
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 sneakers.
Shop the Trend:
Reformation
Campbell Cotton Polo Sweater
This has such a nostalgic feel.
Zara
Striped Knit Polo Shirt
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.
Guest in REsidence
Striped Cashmere Polo Sweater
J.Crew
Mariner Jersey Long-Sleeve Polo T-Shirt
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.