Best dark denim jeans and how to style them this season

Shake up your denim game…

dark denim jeans© Photo: Getty Images
Orin Carlin
Orin CarlinContent Writer
Updated: February 7, 2023
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There's no denying that a stylish pair of jeans is a total wardrobe must-have. Who could have possibly guessed that the universally adored style, invented in the 19th century, would come to fulfil such a different function in contemporary wardrobes in relation to its original use.

Jeans were first worn as workwear by manual labourers because the super strong diagonal twill weave required to create denim was (and still is) extremely durable. Fast forward a few years, denim jeans are worn by practically everyone, and certainly not restricted to the confines of workwear. In fact, unless your office dress code is super chill, most of us wouldn't dare to rock jeans to work – how the times have changed.

MORE: How to style double denim

Light-wash blues, creamy off-whites and muted ecrus are all perfect for staging a dressed-down summer denim moment, but in the depths of winter as we currently stand, we've turned our attention to shades that fall on the darker end of the spectrum.

A woman in a black outfit walks down a runway, holding a black bag.

And we're not alone – Stella McCartney showcased utilitarian separates within its fall/winter 2022-23 runway crafted from rich black denim with faded seam accents, including peplum tops and generous fit straight-leg styles that were cinched in at the waist with military belts.

A woman with long blonde hair walks down a runway in a sparkling top and black pants.© Photo: Getty Images

The dark denim agenda was also present at Isabel Marant which saw mid-waisted baggy styles teamed with sheer polo necks adorned with lattice-style beading.

READ: The best flared trousers and how to nail the retro trend this season

RELATED: Baggy jeans outfits that are perfect for winter

 

Two models walk down a runway, one in a black and white patterned jacket and jeans.

 

Whereas within Dior's Cruise collection it was all about inky blue straight-leg styles with major button cuff detailing. Creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri brought noughties nostalgia to the fore via monogrammed bomber jackets, turning to glossy black brogues to highlight the slightly lustrous sheen of the dark blue denim.

If you're looking to invest this season, we adore styles by Frame, 7 For All Mankind and Victoria Beckham, but the more moderately priced Reiss, Cos and Everlane all offer some excellent alternatives.  

Hello! Fashion shares our favourite ways to style dark denim jeans:   

With a powdery-hued shirt 

  

A woman in a blue coat and jeans stands on a cobblestone street, holding a purse.© Photo: Getty Images

 

Black wide-leg jeans with feather trim at the hem, modeled by an unidentified individual.

16 Arlington feather-detail slim-cut jeans, £495, Farfetch

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With slouchy heeled boots

  

A woman in a beige trench coat and ripped jeans walks along a concrete path.© Photo: Getty Images

 

With a leather coat

 

Woman in brown coat and green turtleneck stands on urban street.© Photo: Getty Images

  

Brown wide-leg jeans with belt loops and button closures displayed on a white background.

Yoko high waist wide brown jeans, £40, Monki

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With an ultra-wide collar shirt

  

Person in black coat and sunglasses stands on city street with bicycles and shops in background.© Photo: Getty Images

 

With a vibrant knit  

  

Woman in green sweater and black jeans walking on a sidewalk.© Photo: Getty Images

 

 

Black jeans with white stitching and a button on the waistband.

 

Ellendale Denim Pant, £70, Dickies

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With a bold asymmetric jacket

  

Paulina Gretzky in yellow leather jacket and red sunglasses walking on city street.© Photo: Getty Images

 

With a cropped cable knit

 

Woman in sunglasses and black coat walking down a city street.© Photo: Getty Images

  

Black wide-leg jeans with belt loops and pockets displayed on a white background.

Agolde Baggy Low Slung jeans, £280, Net-A-Porter

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With a matching jacket

  

Woman in sunglasses and black jacket walking down the street, talking on her phone.© Photo: Getty Images

 

With a tweed jacket

 

Woman in sunglasses and white jacket with black trim walks down city street.© Photo: Getty Images

  

A pair of dark blue denim cargo pants with multiple pockets displayed on a white background.

Mason Low Loose Cargo Jeans, £59, Weekday

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With a wool overcoat

  

Woman in sunglasses and long gray coat stands holding a black handbag.© Photo: Getty Images

 

With futuristic accessories

Woman in denim jumpsuit and black coat walking down city street.© Photo: Getty Images
Pair of dark blue wide-leg jeans with pockets and belt loops.

Blue high-waisted ultra-flared jeans, £47, River Island

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