Tapered Jeans Are Fall’s Polished Denim Trend

1 min read

Jeans have always served as an off-duty style staple, with many of us turning to them as the base of a reliable outfit formula when we don’t know what to wear. Paired with leather boots and a shirt, they make for an easy, “smart casual” approach, while a cashmere sweater and sneakers is the ultimate weekend attire.

Now that we’re firmly in the fall season, we’ll be leaning on denim more than ever. And how better to achieve a level of polish for your outfits than with a tapered leg?

Usually, high-waisted barrel-leg jeans are notable for their extremely tapered leg, with a slim ankle and baggy knee creating the perfect combination of relaxed and sleek. But a tapered leg jean is even more refined than that, with just slightly less material around the thigh, meaning you can create a more streamlined silhouette.

Zara’s take on the trend leans into minimalism (despite the fact that embellished denim is in right now), with a front-pressed crease detail to add a feeling of precision. For under $80, the jean style comes in a range of color options, including a dark wash indigo—great for smarter occasions—a light blue, and a dark gray.

Style these jeans casually with a pair of ballet flats, a close-cropped, fine-gauge cashmere sweater, and a slicked-back bun. Or, layer them under a slip dress (don’t knock the dress-over-denim approach until you’ve tried it) and wear them with a pair of knee-high heeled boots for something more refined.