The Season’s Must-Have Denim Trends—and How to Style Them

The Senior Vice President of Youth Development discusses how positive environments and experiences are key to helping young people thrive.

The bread and butter of any well-rounded wardrobe, denim is a perennially cool staple that effortlessly transitions through seasons and occasions, much like a well-tailored blazer or a classic white sneaker. Today’s biggest denim trends strike a perfect balance between reimagined classics and fresh new silhouettes, from timeless bootcut jeans to sculptural barrel styles and modern denim sets—and with the right styling, each proves endlessly versatile.  

Ready to refresh your denim rotation? Read on for your guide to the latest denim trends—and how to style your denim with ease. 

Barrel Jeans

Poised to be one of the biggest denim trends of 2025, barrel-leg jeans offer a fresh take on the classic wide-leg jean. Defined by their novel, horseshoe-like silhouette—fitted at the waist, flaring out through the mid-leg, and tapering at the ankles—they feature curved, twisted seams for a sculpted, elongating effect. We’ve put a luxe spin on our barrel jeans by crafting them in LA from premium, non-stretch denim, featuring an angled high-rise waist for a universally flattering fit.Incredibly versatile, they can be dressed up or down with ease—use them to elevate a slim sneaker and crisp tee, or pair them with strappy heels and a slinky top for a night out. The key is ensuring your horseshoe jeans fit snug in the waist to showcase their architectural shape. 

Bootcut Jeans

More a timeless classic than a denim trend, bootcut jeans are designed for a balanced, elongating silhouette—fitted through the hips and thighs, nipping in at the knee, and finishing with a subtle flare at the hem. Constructed from premium denim with just the right amount of stretch, our bootcut jeans offer a refined, curve-hugging fit in a range of washes, from classic blue to chic ecru, infusing polished ease into even the most casual looks. Designed to fit effortlessly over boots—hence the name—this versatile style pairs well with a short heel, casual sneaker, or strappy sandal...whatever you prefer. 

Denim Sets

A matching set is always chic, but in denim? It brings a cool factor that can seamlessly transition from casual to dressier occasions. Traditionally defined by a denim jacket with matching jeans—the classic Canadian tuxedo—denim sets have evolved to include denim tops and vests, effortlessly styled back to coordinating jeans, skirts, and shorts. Our take on the current denim trend features laser-printed patterns, intricate eyelet cutouts, and unique washes that go beyond classic blue. The versatility of these pieces is what makes them a solid investment—wear them together, separately, or mix and match with other denim hues for depth and dimension.

Denim Dresses

Much like a well-loved pair of jeans, denim dresses are a versatile staple that will get you plenty of sartorial mileage, working well for both your on-duty and off-duty looks, depending on the wash and cut. We’ve perfected the denim dress with premium materials and chic silhouettes, from sleek, mod-inspired shift dresses that pair effortlessly with a heel, to lighter, flouncy midi dresses that bring a casual-cool air to sneakers, ballet flats, and sandals.The denim dress can also effortlessly bridge the seasons, transitioning from spring and summer to cooler months with ease—simply swap in a tall boot or layer under your favorite knits and jackets.

Long Denim Shorts

As temperatures rise, long denim shorts emerge as the ultimate warm-weather denim trend—airy, practical, and far more versatile than classic cut-offs. Hitting at or just above the knee, they nod to Y2K nostalgia while still feeling fresh. Our longline jean shorts are expertly tailored for a fit that’s polished, not overly casual—high rise with a snug fit at the waist, relaxed through the leg for a flattering silhouette. Their added length also creates more opportunity for dressing them up—simply throw on a silky blouse and kitten heels for a chic evening look, or style with a blazer and ballet flats for the office.

Q&A

Pearle Peterson

For Pearle, a 19-year-old vocalist and performer from Sequim, Washington, her experience at Boys & Girls Clubs has been the ultimate journey of self-discovery. While her passion for singing has always been clear, pursuing music as a career became a reality when opportunities she found at her local Club led her to the chance to sing the national anthem at the World Series—twice.  

With the unwavering support of her Olympic Peninsula Club’s career development programs, performance opportunities, and mentorship, Pearle has not only honed her talents but also built the confidence to go after her dreams. “Her story underscores how these kinds of programs can help young people discover and embrace their identities,” says Bateman. 

Now studying Lyric Theater at the University of Illinois, Pearle is on her way to a future as an actress in musical theater—an ambition she credits Boys & Girls Clubs for helping her discover. 

Langston Howard

A young fashion designer and entrepreneur, Langston made his New York Fashion Week debut at just 13 years old—an incredible achievement that’s not only a testament to his talents, but also to the life-changing opportunities provided by his local Club. Through a program called Fashion Industry Club offered at the Southeast Michigan Boys & Girls Club, Langston gained the hands-on experience and industry exposure needed to get his designs on the runway while still in high school.  

Langston was able to build valuable connections and gain the inspiration needed to kickstart his career. This experience led to his selection for the prestigious Maison Black Fashion Mentoring program, through which he showcased his designs at NYFW. “This experience boosted his self-confidence and provided him with valuable skills and networks that will last a lifetime,” says Bateman. 

But Langston’s journey doesn’t end there. Today, he’s the CEO of his very own clothing label, The Top, which aims to inspire its wearers to build confidence and stay motivated.

Nico Flowers

Nico’s story is one of resilience and transformation: from overcoming mental health challenges that once held him back to pursuing a political science degree at Florida State University and aspiring to become a U.S. Congressman. 

When Nico first walked through the doors of his local Northeast Florida Club, he was struggling with anxiety and behavioral issues, which stemmed from past traumas like facing homelessness. With the support of the Club’s trauma-informed programs and resources, he learned how to better navigate anxiety, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and ultimately regain control of his future. “Positive mental health is core to youth success in all areas, and we’re playing a huge role in providing proactive and responsive initiatives,” notes Bateman. 

Beyond overcoming these hurdles, Nico made a lasting impact within his Club. He launched a hair salon offering free haircuts, fostering both connection and meaningful conversations among members. His evolution from someone seeking support to becoming a mentor and leader among his peers ultimately led him to be named Boys & Girls Clubs’ 2024-2025 National Youth of the Year, an honor that reflects his dedication to personal growth and community impact.