Acid-wash denim may never feel as perennially timeless as its indigo and true-blue counterparts, yet there’s something undeniably appealing about the newest takes on the ’90s staple. Cool-girl brand Sea has a version that’s trouser-like: high-waisted and tapered. For resort 2019, Isabel Marant’s were super-bleached (think more ’80s glam rock than Saved by the Bell) and best teamed with an equally nostalgic going-out top or oversized blazer. Marant returned to acid wash for her spring/summer 2019 collection, too. This time, washed-out jean jackets were paired with party-ready short shorts and slouchy boots—more casual but just as wearable. The reigning queen of boho-Parisian cool wasn’t the only one to offer acid wash on the spring runways. Proenza Schouler showed blazers and collared shirts cut from bleached denim, along with long and loose dresses. Then there’s Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing, who embraced the materials ’80s connotations with a nod to today’s pervasive utilitarian-workwear trend. Over at Dior and Stella McCartney, the denim was treated to look more like tie-dye than grainy acid wash. Still, the effect evoked a laid-back nostalgia. 

If you’re still skeptical, heed the advice of Shopbop’s fashion director, Caroline Maguire: “Ease into the trend with a black acid wash. Chances are you’ll end up with more!” A modern classic? That depends on who you’re asking, but sometimes it’s enough for fashion to just be fun.

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From left: Proenza Schouler, Dior and Stella McCartney spring/summer 2019 Image by: Imaxtree