Denim is a fashion staple that has stood the test of time. In 2023, we’re seeing a rise in the popularity of the ankle crop and distressed treatments that range from unfinished hems to redone patchwork. Pleated trousers, dramatically pooling wide legs, and form-fitting boot-cut flares are also everywhere, with these more standout shapes hailing from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. The versatile ensemble is a perfect blank canvas, and no one understands this better than singing sensation and fashionista, Elaine.
The 24-year-old hit-maker is notorious for illustrating her fashion know-how through denim styles such as head-turning cuts, of-the-moment silhouettes, and specific decades-old washes that cycle in and out of fashion eras. Being a zoomer, Elaine adds a modern touch to the true-blue colourway through asymmetrical waistbands and overly exaggerated slits.
Yes, one can make the case that classic blue jeans never go out of style. However, each season comes with its own unique set of particularly noteworthy denim looks. With retailers such as The Fix, Mr Price, and Cotton On co-signing fashion’s latest trend, it is bound to take over the streets. We have curated a list of some of Elaine’s hottest reinvented denim looks for you to try out in 2023.
Redefined Skinny Jeans
Wherever you stand on the subject of skinny jeans, we can say with certainty that they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. Especially not when covetable labels like Mugler are doubling down on the divisive trend with its signature Spiral silhouette (categorised by Net-A-Porter as a “cult find”). As one of the faces of Mugler’s ground-breaking campaign, Elaine rocked a figure-hugging pair of jeans with edgy, black-coloured pleather detail on the calves. From elevated slits to fabric panels to corset-inspired waists and cut-outs, there’s nothing basic about this season’s skinny jeans.
Reinvented Denim Mini-Skirt
Old trends are being revived at a rate of knots in 2023. The latest retro piece doing the rounds on the fashion set? The denim miniskirt. A wardrobe staple in the Noughties, belt-like denim minis are back with a vengeance, frayed hems, embellishments, and all. Expectedly, our fashion muse, Elaine, got the memo. Pictured above, the superstar rocks a mini denim skirt with a daring slit. Giving us Spice Girl vibes, she rocks a pair of red-hot calf boots – which are set to be a hot trend this winter.
Moreover, denim miniskirts give you the best of both worlds: the ease and effortless appeal of blue jeans, plus the elevated, party-ready feeling of a fashionable skirt.
Reimagined Cargo Pants
Among the major trends in 2023 is utilitarian wear — the face of which is undoubtedly cargo pants. Big and baggy, this oversized silhouette is straight out of the Y2K era and has become increasingly popular in the denim category too. As bold as these bottoms look, their ultra-loose fit also means they’re breezy. As a performing artist, it is no surprise that Elaine invested in this fashion ensemble which is both comfortable and stylish. The singing sensation’s denim-on-denim iteration of the pants is nostalgic of the fashion dispensation during the 2010s.
Reinvented Patchwork
For those who are looking for a less classic take on the staple, patchwork pieces and mixed wash styles are one way to change things up in this department, especially with many brands recycling fabric from old pairs or offcuts to fashion into new creations. A fashion enthusiast, Elaine opted for a more dressed approach when she styled her patched pair of denim jeans with a statement puffer jacket.
Redefined Maxi Dresses
Mini skirts and dresses might still be getting a lot of attention since Miu Miu debuted its viral micro numbers a few seasons back, but let’s not forget one of the standout styles from the spring 2023 runways was the total opposite: the maxi denim. There were a range of takes on the trend from designers such as Brandon Maxwell (sparkly) and Jonathan Simkhai (trench-like). Elaine opted for a light wash maxi denim dress with a modish corset and high waist appeal. She created an aesthetic contrast between the denim dress and the royal blue cape that she adorned.
Re-emergence of Barbiecore
With pink solidifying its status as the colour of the moment thanks, in large part, to Valentino and Pantone, there’s no wrong way to wear it. We suggest testing out the hue on a pair of jeans, whether you want to go total Barbiecore or would rather start off small with bright cuffs or pocket details. Experimental when it comes to fashion, Elaine showed us all that acid washed pink denim can be fashionable if styled correctly. The superstar compiled her outfit using a pink and white tie and dye bandeau top, as well as a similar coloured cap.