Denim's bold new hue: earth tones take center stage
Colored denim is the season’s sartorial wild card, with flashy styles in cobalt blue, powder pink, and cherry red topping carts. But one denim wash has the broadest appeal: earth tones. A quiet revolution is underway, and it’s draped in shades of dusty brown, light beige, and rich ochre.
Zoë kravitz leads the charge
Cool and refined, Zoë Kravitz is a particular fan of the muted hue, sporting The Row’s dusty brown Finbar jeans with her transitional coats and signature black ballet flats. It’s a look that speaks volumes without shouting – a testament to minimalist chic.
The luxe label and beyond
The Row isn’t the only one embracing the new neutral—Ossou’s light brown jeans starred in Vogue Shopping’s latest denim shoot, alongside a pair from Citizens of Humanity. This isn’t a fleeting trend; it’s a deliberate shift towards sophisticated simplicity.
Retail roundup: where to find the perfect earth tone
Levi’s Low Loose jeans ($110) offer a relaxed silhouette that pairs beautifully with striped tees and chunky sandals. Mother’s Dodger Sneak jeans ($258) provide effortless style, anchoring everyday looks with ease. And Rùadh’s slouchy Archer jeans ($520) feel distinctly of the moment, effortlessly complementing oversized trenches and pointed-toe pumps.
Styling the earth tone: a versatile palette
Like its close closet counterpart—the classic blue jean—earth-toned denim can be styled as a statement or pared back to monochromatic pieces. Consider Levi’s beige jeans as a chic foundation for Kallmeyer’s striped tee, Auralee’s navy blouson, and red-hot thong sandals from Christopher Esber. The same holds true for styles from Mother and Slvrlake, both of which anchor everyday looks with ease. Rùadh’s slouchy pair, on the other hand, feels distinctly of the moment, pairing seamlessly with Toteme’s vibrant red trench and Phoebe Philo’s loafer-like pumps. It’s a remarkably adaptable shade.
Radar items: key pieces to invest in
Róhe’s structured jean in rich beige—a clean, modern base for Marina Moscone’s printed scarf top, A.Emery’s flip-flops, and a croc-embellished doctor bag from Altuzarra—is a standout. Don't overlook the Agolde wide-leg jeans, or the Frame straight-leg denim, both offering a similar polished feel. And for a minimalist touch, Ossou’s earthy brown-wash jeans paired with Comme Si’s bright red button-up is a winning combination.
The verdict: earth tones are the spring’s coolest surprise
Ultimately, earth-toned denim isn’t just a trend; it’s a quiet assertion of style. It’s about embracing understated elegance and letting the quality of the fabric speak for itself. Forget the loud hues—this season, it’s all about the grounding power of beige, brown, and taupe.