I’ve been on a major denim kick lately, with a focus on adding styles that work for warmer weather. Even though summer is the season for shorts and dresses, I’ve found that having a few go-to pairs of jeans makes styling other staples, like white blouses and strappy sandals, much easier.

If you’re in the market for new denim, today I’m sharing a spring/summer 2023 denim guide with a try-on of eight pairs I recommend! The post is divided up by wash: white, light, and dark. For reference, I’m 5’9″, ~135 lbs and a size 25 or 26 in most brands. Let me know if you have any questions, fit or otherwise, in the comments!

Spring and Summer 2023 Denim

White Jeans

Mother Zip Ankle: Relaxed Yet Polished

Outfit Details: Mother Zip Ankle Jeans (26, also at Revolve and Saks)

These are the perfect relaxed yet polished white jeans. They have a high waist, a wide straight leg, an ankle-length inseam (27.5″), and the perfect amount of stretch. The wash (Fairest of them All) is Mother’s best-selling white. These hit me at a great spot for all shoe types, but if you’re shorter, they’ll likely be full-length or even too long to wear with flats. I also got them in blue (Let’s Wine About It) because I love the fit so much!

AGOLDE LANA: Versatile Off-White Straight Leg Jeans

Outfit Details: AGOLDE Lana Jeans (26, also at AGOLDE)

These are currently my favorite full-length straight leg white denim. My aesthetician was wearing a gorgeous pair of white jeans at a recent appointment, and I complimented her only to find out they were the Lanas! We have different body types, so it goes to show they flatter almost anyone. They’re mid-rise which I love for tucking blouses (ultra high-rise jeans can shorten my torso). They’re rigid but gain flexibility with wear. They have a very cool girl ’90s feel but dress up easily thanks to the closed hem. Size down if between sizes (especially if you have a straight figure).

DL1961 Hepburn: Full-Length Wide Leg Jeans

Outfit Details: DL1961 Hepburn Jeans (25, also in an ankle-length version)

I purchased these wide leg jeans earlier this spring and they are incredibly comfortable. They’re just wide enough to be on trend without getting in the way. The frayed hemline and warmer wash add a relaxed feel, but I also love how they look with heels! The length works well for me (5’9″), but if you’re on the shorter side you may want to consider the ankle-length version. The light blue wash is on my radar too!

Light Wash Jeans

PAIGE Cindy: Light Wash Casual Ankle Jeans

Outfit Details: Paige Jeans (26)

These are my tried and true light wash ankle jeans for summer. Paige denim has lived-in stretch but doesn’t loosen with wear. The rise, fit (slim fit through the thigh and straight at the leg opening), and length are perfect for all sorts of tops and shoes. The wash pictured is “Totally With Fly Hem,” but “Mel” is another option I’d try for summer.

MOTHER Rambler Ankle: Everyday Boyfriend Jeans

Outfit Details: MOTHER Jeans (25, also at Bloomingdale’s and Tuckernuck)

These are my current favorite relaxed, loose fit jeans. Like most MOTHER styles, these are lightweight jeans with a soft feel and gentle stretch. The wash and wide straight leg (leg opening is 17.75″—they’re not sloppy or baggy, just perfectly relaxed) are ideal for casual summer looks. I love the pair with a simple t-shirt or tank! Size down if between sizes. If you prefer more polish, this pair is nearly identical but has a closed hem.

Veronica Beard Taylor: On-Trend Dress Up and Down Jeans

I scooped these jeans at the Shopbop spring sale having never tried Veronica Beard denim before, and WOW, I wish I’d known what I was missing! These are light and airy, fit like a glove, and are incredibly flattering. The raw hem, wide leg, and light wash gives them a relaxed feel that’s perfect for summer. With flats or sneaks they’d have an even more laidback vibe, but I love styling them for a night out with a crop top and heeled sandals. I’m telling you, do not sleep on this pair.

Outfit Details: Veronica Beard Jeans (25, also at Saks Fifth Avenue and Net-a-Porter)

Medium and Dark Wash Jeans

Frame Le Bardot Wide Leg Jeans: Dressy Wide Leg Jeans

Outfit Details: Frame Jeans (25, also at Anthropologie and Nordstrom)

I went through a period where I was so obsessed with the wide leg trend (still am!) that it was all I bought. These Frame jeans were a result of that. They’re casual chic, and I like that they’re more fitted through the thigh and fall to relaxed wide legs. The dark blue wash feels best with heels (the inseam is 33.5″). Madewell makes a similar pair for less. If you’re loving this trend as much as I am, don’t miss my wide leg denim style guide!

SLVRLAKE London Jeans: Classic Dressy Jeans

Outfit Details: SLVRLAKE London Jeans (25, wish I had 26; also at Shopbop and Nordstrom)

My dressiest pairs in all seasons tend to be dark and many are flare jeans to accommodate heels, but this is the pair I’ve been reaching for to dress up since the weather warmed up. I’m wearing a size 25 but I sometimes wish I had the 26 for more breathing room as they are very rigid. They look great with a pointed toe pump or a heeled sandal, and I love the super dark wash and contrast stitching.

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