Post sponsored by Lane Bryant. All opinions and recommendations are my own, as always!

One of the things I love about blogging and having such a vibrant community of readers online is that my reader babes know they can come to me for style questions. This always makes me so happy, because I aim to be a resource for you on plus fashion. And because I’ve been doing this for so many years now, I’ve reached the point where I can anticipate when certain genres of queries will come up each season.

Sure enough, just as I started thinking “it’s going to be denim time soon,” the jean question DMs started rolling in. One common theme I’ve been getting in Qs lately is what styles to shop if you are looking to update your denim wardrobe. Since some of my most worn (and most comfortable) pairs of jeans in this last year have been from Lane Bryant, I partnered with them to try some of their new styles to put together a 2022 denim refresh guide, including what silhouettes to try based on what you’re wearing right now:

If you are having a hard time wearing anything but skinny jeans:

Try a boyfriend jean or straight leg style with a slimmer cut through the leg!

off the shoulder choker neck top / distressed boyfriend jeans / white sneakers

From a fashion perspective, it is undeniable that roomier denim silhouettes are ruling the day for 2022. I’m not saying get rid of your beloved skinnies, but if you are looking to update your jeans without getting too wild with wide legs, I always recommend a good boyfriend or straight leg style. Go for a pair with a slimmer silhouette for a little added volume, and look for options with flex to get the type of comfort you’d find in your softest pair of jeggings. This pair of light wash jeans from Lane Bryant checks every one of those boxes, with a nice amount of stretch, trendy distressing, and a rise that works perfectly for tucking in tees or cute tops like this cutout neckline number.

As far as styling goes, you can wear boyfriend jeans in almost all the same ways as skinnies (except tucking them into boots, of course).  Wear them with a cozy sweater now; with white sneakers and a tee for a casual look; and add a longline blazer or shacket to warm things up when temps inevitably fall again (I know the beautiful weather we’re getting now is just Fool’s Spring). Come summer, this style will be great with sandals and a breezy top, or loafers and an oversized button-down. And – because fashion is cyclical and everything old is new again – you can even dress them up with a strappy heeled sandal and a slinky going out top.

If you want to embrace volume – but not all over:

Go for a pair of flares!

snake print boho blouse / button fly flare jeans

This retro denim style is right on trend for 2022, especially in a darker wash and with a button fly. This is a more substantial, stiffer denim style (there is some stretch, but not nearly as much as the boyfriend pair above), so fit is crucial. I tried on this style in both a size 18 (my usual LB denim size) and a 20, which is what I ended up getting (and what I am wearing here).

Flares are great to wear with boots now, from ankle booties to taller platform options – the volume below the knee offers a lot of flexibility for styling. I actually am wearing a pair of tall Lane Bryant boots from a couple of years ago here – the rich oxblood hue was just the thing for the 70’s boho vibe of this snake print blouse.  As temps warm up, go for a wedge espadrille for a retro summery vibe, or a platform heel to make your legs look like they go on forever.

If you have been very happy living in sweatpants:

Reach for a pair of denim joggers!

oversized sunglasses / mixed stripe cardi / light wash joggers / white sneakers

While I’ve loved the emphasis on comfort the last couple of years have created, I’ve consistently found that actually getting *dressed* does wonders for my emotional well-being.  That doesn’t mean I’m ready to give up comfort, though – I’m just constantly on the lookout for clothing that combines it with fashion. This pair of denim joggers is a style I’ve seen trending at some of the coolest straight size brands, but specifically cut and fitted for a plus size body (one of the things that Lane Bryant consistently excels at). The purposeful athletic-inspired details do double duty for form and function here: The cute elastic tie waistband, for example, also has a great amount of stretch and flex, making for an incredibly comfortable pair of jeans. Expect to see me wearing these a lot!

The volume in the leg of this style also hits that sweet spot of roomy enough to be on trend, but not so much so as to be overwhelming if you are used to slimmer cuts. You can style a denim jogger in many of the same ways as a boyfriend jean (i.e. very versatile), and you can play the athleisure vibe up or down based on whether you showcase the sporty waist detail. I paired them with a mixed stripe cardigan, sneakers, and oversized sunnies here for a spring look that is comfy, casual, and easy – but not basic. For summer, I’ll wear them with chunky-soled sandals and a bright crop top to amp up the sporty Aughts vibes.

Which style are you most likely to wear? Do you have a different denim question? Come chat with me on Instagram on any of the posts with looks from this Denim Refresh – always happy to connect with my readers!