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2023 is all about trends making a comeback and this includes dark wash denim, which is regaining popularity. The last few years have been all about lighter washes reminiscent of the '80s and '90s, but now they're making room for their darker counterpart. With denim trends changing so often, it's hard to keep up with what's in style, but if you've been itching to wear your deep blue jeans, now's the time to pull them out of the back of your closet.
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What makes dark jeans so great is how versatile they are. They're dressier than stonewashed jeans, with some offices even considering dark denim acceptable to wear to work. Outside of the office, dark wash jeans can easily be dressed down with a simple t-shirt or tank top on warm summer days without having to sacrifice fashion over function. The dark color is also very forgiving and has a slimming effect, much like wearing black. Read on to find out how can you incorporate dark wash denim into your 2023 wardrobe.
Dress up your dark jeans with a fancy appliqué sweater
Whether you're going to brunch with friends or having a date with a special someone, dark wash denim will make you look just fancy enough without being too overdressed. Pair your jeans with a dressy sweater in a light color for contrast and pointy-toed ankle boots. Opt for a relaxed straight-legged or slightly tapered fit with the cuffs rolled up.
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Wide-legged jeans are on trend
Skinny jeans have had a long run in the fashion world but now? The bigger, the better. Wide-legged jeans have made a comeback and you'll be extra trendy if you wear them in a deep blue wash. These days, the legs aren't as big as JNCO jeans of the '90s but some modern styles are pretty close. Since dark washes are a bit more elegant, don't go too wide. Chunky boots and a fitted sweater complete this look.
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Tuck your dark wash jeans into knee-high boots
In this case, it's okay to pull out your skinny jeans. Wearing your dark denim tucked into over-the-knee boots is a great timeless look for spring or fall. Knee-high or OTK boots are still in style and it's looking like they're here to stay. What better way than to pair them with a form-fitting dark wash denim and a ruffled top? The best thing about skinny jeans is that they hug your bum in all the right places, which is something bigger fits lack.
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Incorporate dark wash denim into your athleisure
Everyone loves athleisure — the clothes are comfortable, cute, and functional. In the past, people only wore athletic wear to work out. However, with the rise of yoga pants and trendy tracksuit sets, athleisure became a fashion category of its own. To elevate your streetwear, ditch the sweatpants for dark wash jeans. To keep the look casual, pick a pair with rips and distressed hems.
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Dark wash denim is great for the office
Office dress codes can be tricky sometimes, especially during Casual Fridays, but many businesses have relaxed their standards over the years and have given denim jeans a pass. In this case, a dark wash will have you looking professional, yet laid-back. You want to opt for a relaxed fit that mimics a trouser to keep this look office friendly. Add a light-colored turtleneck and a hip-grazing black blazer to complete your outfit.
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Be on trend with a long denim skirt
Long denim skirts are huge for 2023 and there are a million ways you can style them. From straight fits to an A-line silhouette, ankle-grazing denim skirts can be paired with a t-shirt or a fancy sweater. For a dressier look, choose one with a dark wash and tiered ruffles. Make your outfit more festive with a matching balloon-sleeved fitted top. Slip on some heels and you'll be ready to head out to your special event.
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Recommended
As a seasoned fashion enthusiast with a keen eye for trends, I can confidently attest to the resurgence of dark wash denim as a prominent fashion statement in 2023. The cyclic nature of fashion trends has brought about a revival of this classic, versatile denim option. My expertise stems from a deep understanding of the evolution of denim trends over the years and a comprehensive awareness of the current fashion landscape.
Now, let's delve into the various concepts highlighted in the article, providing valuable insights and expanding on each trend mentioned:
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Dark Wash Denim's Versatility: Dark wash denim is celebrated for its versatility, offering a dressier alternative to stonewashed jeans. Its adaptability extends to professional settings, with some offices now deeming dark denim acceptable for work attire. The dark color not only adds a touch of sophistication but also has a slimming effect, reminiscent of the timeless appeal of black clothing.
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Dressing Up with Appliqué Sweaters: To elevate your dark denim, the article suggests pairing it with a fancy appliqué sweater. This combination strikes a balance between casual and dressy, making it suitable for various occasions, from brunch with friends to a date night. The contrast of a light-colored sweater and pointy-toed ankle boots adds a touch of elegance to the ensemble.
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The Return of Wide-Legged Jeans: Skinny jeans are taking a backseat as wide-legged jeans make a comeback. This trend emphasizes a "the bigger, the better" philosophy, offering a modern take on the wide-legged styles popular in the '90s. Opting for a deep blue wash adds a touch of elegance to this trend. Pairing wide-legged jeans with chunky boots and a fitted sweater creates a stylish, on-trend look.
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Tucking Jeans into Knee-High Boots: Dark wash denim seamlessly transitions into fall and spring by tucking them into knee-high boots. This timeless look is versatile, allowing the use of skinny jeans to highlight the form-fitting nature that complements knee-high boots. A ruffled top adds a feminine touch to the ensemble, creating a polished and fashionable appearance.
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Dark Wash Denim in Athleisure: Athleisure continues to dominate the fashion scene, and the article suggests incorporating dark wash denim into this casual, yet stylish category. By swapping sweatpants for distressed dark wash jeans, one can achieve a comfortable yet trendy streetwear look. This showcases the evolving nature of fashion, where athletic wear becomes a fashionable category on its own.
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Dark Denim for the Office: The evolving landscape of office dress codes is reflected in the acceptance of dark wash denim. For Casual Fridays or offices with relaxed standards, a pair of dark wash denim in a relaxed fit, mimicking trousers, can strike the perfect balance between professionalism and laid-back style. Combining it with a light-colored turtleneck and a hip-grazing black blazer completes the office-friendly ensemble.
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On-Trend Long Denim Skirts: Long denim skirts, particularly those with a dark wash, are highlighted as a major trend for 2023. From straight fits to A-line silhouettes, these skirts offer a myriad of styling options. Pairing them with a t-shirt or a fancy sweater creates a versatile look suitable for various occasions. Choosing a dark wash and incorporating tiered ruffles adds a touch of elegance, making it an ideal choice for special events.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of fashion trends allows me to confidently affirm the significance of dark wash denim in 2023, and I trust that these insights will guide you in incorporating this classic trend into your wardrobe with style and flair.
