Denim is the backbone of a great wardrobe. 

This season, however, what's trending is far more adventurous than your everyday  blue jean bottoms.

As designers explore new cuts, embellishments and washes for spring/summer, current styles have the power to turn heads. Here are the seven you need right now.

Sami Miro Vintage flipped the switch on denim this season. The Los Angeles-based label presented a head-turning assortment of fashions made using deadstock of the rugged material.

Sami Miro Vintage flipped the switch on denim this season.

The Los Angeles-based label presented a head-turning assortment of fashions crafted with deadstock of the rugged material.

Models stormed the catwalk of their spring 2024 runway show in NYC wearing everything from corsets to belts and bra tops made of denim, and style stars have taken note.

Earlier this month, Katie Holmes was spotted chatting on her cell phone in a casual yet put-together matching denim set by Banana Republic 

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Matching sets

The Canadian Tuxedo has been a style statement for decades - from denim jackets paired with jeans to denim shirts styled with shorts - its enduring popularity speaks to its timeless appeal that continues this spring/summer.

Earlier this month, Katie Holmes was spotted chatting on her cell phone in a casual yet put-together look by Banana Republic on the streets of New York.

The star cut a sleek figure in the label's Aria Italian Denim Vest featuring darts that shaped her waist, and a cutaway front, paired with the label's matching Wide Leg Trouser crafted from a non-stretch, Italian denim in a weight that's light enough for warm weather.

The mom-of-one opted for a look in the same denim shade, but by pairing different washes you can create visual interest and depth.  

Katie played with proportion by wearing a fitted vest with a wider pantleg.

Alicia Keys was on trend and in theme at the opening night of her new Broadway show "Hell's Kitchen" at the Shubert Theatre in a dark wash denim look by Jean Paul Gaultier from FWRD

Alicia Keys was on trend and in theme at the opening night of her new Broadway show "Hell's Kitchen" at the Shubert Theatre.

To celebrate the semi-autobiographical jukebox musical that tells the story of her upbringing in the 90s, Alicia donned a denim-on-denim Jean Paul Gaultier look from FWRD.

Her cropped conical denim jacket featured contrast stitching that highlighted her bust - a look made popular by Madonna during her Blonde Ambition Tour in 1990.

She paired the stomach-baring garment with matching high waisted bottoms, and accessorized with gold earrings and black pointed pumps.

Dark wash denim 

No wardrobe is complete without a pair or four of blue jeans. 

While spring is usually synonymous with lighter washes, spring 2024 denim has flipped the script with dark denim being en vogue.

Deeper shades are versatile, body flattering and appear much more polished than their lighter counterparts.

Embellished options

Embellishment in the form of beading and embroidery adds a unique touch and personality to an otherwise basic piece of clothing.

Abbey Cone attended the 2024 CMT Music Awards in a light-wash denim set that featured hanging crystals along the jacket and skirt's edge.

Joining her in elevated denim was Maleah Joi Moon at the "Hell's Kitchen" Broadway opening night.

Playing the lead role of "Ali" in Alicia Keys' musical, Maleah hit the red carpet channeling the Grammy-award winner's signature Y2K style in head-to-toe PatBO.

She showed off her toned tummy in a hand beaded denim bralette topped by an embellished denim puffer coat, and embellished jeans. 

Ornamentation introduces texture and visual interest to denim making it more dynamic for a formal occasion.

Abbey Cone and Maleah Joi Moon embraced embellished denim for the red carpet 

Statement-making pieces  

While denim never goes out of style, design details follow the ebb and flow of the trend cycle.

In 2024, denim dresses are making their red carpet debut.

Heidi Klum oozed sex appeal at the Fashion Trust Awards in Beverly Hills, California,  in an floor-length denim gown with a thigh-high slit.

Only fastening a few of the bottoms, the "America's Got Talent" judge flashed her perfect pins and collarbone. 

Denim garments have predominantly been humble pieces worn like a blank canvas to show off louder garments.

That, however, is no longer the case. 

Katie Holmes elevated her street style with a double-breasted Chloe denim trench coat while out in NYC.

Holmes layered the studded military-inspired jacket over a black crewneck top and matching bottoms, making for a tres chic look.

Heidi Klum oozed sex appeal at the Fashion Trust Awards in Beverly Hills, California, in an denim floor-length gown with a thigh-high slit.

Katie Holmes elevated her street style with a double-breasted Chloe denim trench coat while out in NYC

Playsuits 

A denim playsuit takes the guesswork out of dressing.

The one-and-done garment requires minimal effort to style, and its versatility allows the piece to be worn for a wide range of occasions, from casual outings to more dressed-up events, depending on how you accessorize them.

Select a style that showcases your best assets and pay attention to the waistline, sleeve length, and overall silhouette to ensure a comfortable and flattering fit.

For a casual daytime look, pair it with sneakers or sandals and simple jewelry. 

For a more dressed-up vibe, add heels or mules and statement accessories like a heavy handed necklace or earrings.

Denim cargos

Cargo pants exude an effortlessly cool vibe.

Last season we saw fashion insiders on the streets of Paris stepping out in elevated versions of the utilitarian bottoms boasting multiple side pockets.

The Y2K casual trend has been reimagined for spring/summer in denim fabrics.

Be it shorts, a skirt or trousers, the military-style bottoms boasting giant pockets are just what our closets need this season. 

Once designed for comfort and convenience, today's iterations by designer labels like Retrofete are not only sleek but uber stylish.

Experiment with different shirt options to create balance. 

Hailey Bieber rocked a pair of dark wash denim cargos with a white short sleeve top.

A denim playsuit like this one by One Teaspoon takes the guesswork out of dressing. Stone Canvas Prophecy Jumpsuit, $178; oneteaspoon.com

Cargo pants made of denim exude an effortlessly cool vibe, à la Hailey Bieber

Once designed for comfort and convenience, today's cargo iterations by designer labels like Retrofete are not only sleek but uber stylish

Pleats are typically reserved for trousers but the design detail adds a unique and stylish twist to denim, as seen on Jennifer Lopez

Pleated jeans - like this pair by Mavi - lend a more polished appearance than regular blue jeans. Pera Pleated Wide Leg Jeans, $128; mavi.com

Pleated denim trousers 

Pleats are typically reserved for trousers but the design detail adds a unique and stylish twist to denim.

The folds add depth, making pleated jeans more visually interesting compared to say, a skinny pair.

Pleats also lend a more polished appearance, as seen on Jennifer Lopez.

The elevated detail allows for versatile styling options. Jen paired her baggy bottoms with a green cropped turtleneck sweater and Ugg boots for a casual outing in the Big Apple.

Take a tip from the star and balance the bottoms with a simple top like a basic t-shirts, crop top, blouse, or tank tops to let the pleats stand out.