In case you missed it (you didn't), a pair of jeans broke the internet recently.
Superstar rapper Kendrick Lamar chose to wear low-rise flares by French brand Celine for his halftime performance at America's favourite televised sporting event, the Super Bowl.
Cue breathless online coverage about the "return of bellbottom jeans".
Kendrick Lamar wears Celine flares while performing at The Superbowl. Image: Getty.
The heart palpitations of millennial women were heard around the world.
Is this really going to be the year we bring our 2000s-era jeans — the distressed ones that drag on the floor, collecting dirt — out of retirement?
The answer is no. Kendrick looked cool as hell, but no — you do not need to wear the jeans you've seen in the memes.
Watch: The Style Maths Method. Post continues below.
Although we're likely to see a few "directional" flares in the mix from brands catering to clued-in Gen-Z customers, thankfully, there are some other key styles that feel a lot more wearable (and less reminiscent of your misspent youth) that you could be turning your attention to instead.
If the very thought of buying new jeans for autumn has you in a tizzy, take a deep breath and read on, because I'm going to break it right down for you.
Here are the three pairs you'll really want in your wardrobe for the new season.
Elle Ferguson wears barrel-leg jeans. Image: Instagram/@elle_ferguson
Last year we talked a lot about barrel jeans. They looked new. Kinda scary. A bit "off to the saloon".
But now that the trend has had a season or two to bed in, we're seeing styles that feel more refined and approachable hit the market. With less volume through the leg and a tapered ankle, they still have that fresh, elevated look you're craving.
They're especially crisp in light-wash or white denim, with many of the newer pairs featuring darts for a more tailored look.
This statement style is all about showing off the leg shape, so consider styling barrel leg jeans with a cropped jacket to play up the proportions. They also look effortlessly cool with a tucked-in tee or knit and sneakers.
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Laura Jade Stone wears black high-waisted jeans. Image: Instagram/@laurajadestone.
Australian fashion influencer Laura Jade Stone is the queen of styling jeans, and she recently posted about her top-tier favourite styles, drawing my attention to a colourway I haven't considered for a minute: black denim.
In the past, you might've worn black skinny jeans or opted for a baggy fit, but Stone is all about embracing the sleeker side of dark-wash denim. Particularly when it comes to her evening looks, where she favours a straight leg cut with a high waist. If you miss your old faithful black skinnies, this silhouette is like the fashion-forward reboot.
This year we're seeing lots of asymmetrical and off-the-shoulder tops, as well as statement collar blouses. With all that focus on the top of your outfit, a pair of straight leg black or charcoal jeans provides the ultimate chic base.
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Emilia Morris wears dark denim jeans. Instagram/@emiliamorrisstylist.
Brown is undoubtedly the It-colour of 2025 (read all about why here), and indigo denim is the perfect complement to shades like taupe, latte and chocolate brown.
We're seeing dark blue styles in clean, high-waisted cuts coming through this season, and you're right if you're feeling a slightly retro vibe. They're definitely a vintage style worth digging up.
Dark denim is surprisingly easy to style — you can go for the full denim tuxedo with a matching shirt, or pop on any oversized collared shirt to really lean into their polished aesthetic.
If you work in a casual office, consider them your new work jeans — the indigo wash is more profesh than light blue and it's a breeze to team with blazers and heels.
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Will you be wearing any of these new season denim trends? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Feature image: Instagram/@elleferguson; @anastasia_sovah; @laurajadestone.
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