Blink and you’ll miss a denim trend. With the rapid pace of the fashion cycle, it can feel like new It jeans emerge daily. Just last fall, dark-wash pairs had fashion people hooked. This spring, though, the pendulum is swinging toward light-wash denim—poised to give its older, more polished counterpart a run for its money.

Indeed, dark-wash jeans exude a sophisticated, refined feel, while light-wash pairs skew more casual. That said, they’re far from limited to off-duty moments. Styled with a silk cami or lace blouse, the denim can feel instantly elevated. Still, light-wash jeans truly shine in laid-back settings—think your go-to neighborhood bar or a park picnic. Put simply, there’s no wrong way (or place) to wear them. There’s also the matter of silhouette. Right now, slouchy and straight-leg jeans are leading the charge. But if slim or skinny styles are more your speed, by all means, slip into the bottoms.