No one would have believed in the early years of the 2020s that the infamously hated skinny jean would return to fashion so soon. Until very recently, in fact, the looming possibility of their return was far from my mind. But, in the wake of the growing fondness online for the trends of the 2010s, and jeans on various recent runways growing suspiciously tight, I suspect that the return of the skinny jean to mainstream fashion is closer than we think…
Now, before we judge them too harshly for their crimes as the ultimate fashion piece of the millennial generation, we must consider all of the different ways skinny jeans can (and have) been worn. Around ten years ago, skinny jeans were absolutely everywhere, and it is probably this period of time which you initially associate with them. Then, just like that, they disappeared and you wouldn’t see anyone under the age of 30 sporting them anywhere, or daring to express anything but contempt for the style. But, what this popular fashion prohibition neglects to consider is that by the 2010s the style was already tired, and instead, we should be taking inspiration from the skinny jeans of decades past, the skinny jeans of the glamorous 50s, or the sexy 00s, or the emo scene, even punk subcultures.
So, skinny jeans might not be the sworn enemies you initially thought them to be. In fact, if you wear them well, they might just be the key to setting yourself apart from the endless hoards of sidge girls, all clad rather predictably in the same wide-leg jeans. Although recent wide-leg jean styles may be tried and tested, it is only a matter of time before they become tired, too.
“Skinny jeans might not be the sworn enemies you initially thought them to be”
Skinny jeans have been going in and out of popularity for about as long as jeans have existed – they are so much more than just the high-waisted drainpipes propping up many a millennial hipster. This is a survival guide to a trend which might at first seem like the end of the world, but may actually help you elevate one of the most essential parts of any wardrobe.
Adapting to other recent trends
One of the most immediately noticeable features of skinny jeans styled in an outdated way is the notorious high-rise waist. Instead, wearing skinny jeans with the more recently popular low waist is an excellent way to update the style so that it becomes refreshing and sexy. Referencing other popular trends, such as recent nostalgia for the McBling style of the noughties with its iconic back pocket decoration (as pioneered by Apple Bottom and True Religion jeans), can be a great way to update the style.
Leaning into the sexy
Form-fitting styles and sex appeal often go hand in hand, unsurprisingly. And when it comes to trousers, it doesn’t get much more form fitting than the skinny jean. The style has a long history of emphasising one’s figure to a sexy and elegant effect, only heightened when combined with the right heel, making the legs appear even longer. Wearing skinny jeans in 2025, however, should be about unapologetically showing off the sexiness of all body types.
The importance of silhouette
Another recently popular jean style, the bootcut, similarly form-fitting with a subtle flare around the ankle, points to one of the most important aspects of styling skinny jeans – creating an interesting silhouette. This attention to silhouette is evident in recent skinny jean appearances on the runway, such as in Alexander McQueen AW24, where Seán McGirr’s jeans were at their skinniest around the ankle, and became more baggy around the foot. You can create a similarly interesting silhouette by stacking your skinny jeans with belts, a textured pair of boots, or even leg-warmers or fur!
It’s all about the shoes!
“The difference between a pair of old trainers and a pair of kitten heels is what transforms skinny jeans from outdated to refreshingly fun”
The real key to styling skinny jeans, however, is your choice of shoe. By avoiding the types of shoes paired with skinny jeans in the 2010s, you can easily update your looks to remain stylish. The difference between a pair of old trainers and a pair of kitten heels is what transforms skinny jeans from outdated to refreshingly fun. Skinny jeans can be an excellent blank canvas on top of which to wear your loudest pair of boots, whether they are heeled, or stylishly weathered. Pumps or ballet flats are also an option for a more dainty, 50s-inspired look, and any kind of heel perfectly completes the skinny jean silhouette for an undeniably glamorous look. The simplicity of skinny jeans draws all attention to your shoes, so you can change a look entirely through a bold choice of shoe.
Everyone you know may talk about them as if they are harbingers of a fashion apocalypse, but skinny jeans are far more versatile than we give them credit for. With the right shoes, the right accessories, and an open mind, you could do pretty much anything with a pair of skinny jeans. If nothing else, wearing something so widely and passionately hated is certainly a lot of fun.
