Are Skinny Jeans Cool Again?

The past few years have been governed by a love of the baggy, with relaxed, wide leg silhouettes being the preferred among influencers and designers. After ages of uncomfortable, tightfitting denim, baggy jeans emerged as the comfortable, relaxed and effortlessly cool alternative which quickly took off. The move seemed to be irreversible and yet, a decade later, we seem to be coming back to the same styles we had declared forever deceased.

Is it really a surprise?  Fashion, and specifically denim, operates in cycles, with trends repeating throughout the decades, oscillating from one extreme to the other. From micro to macro, baggy to skinny, minimalism to maximalism, every trend lives its time of glory, eventually being replaced by the next. And while some disappear for good (RIP 2010’s galaxy leggings), most eventually make a comeback. While this cycle has always defined the fashion space, social media has accelerated its pace making it feel so that everything is trending at once. There are too many trends to keep up with, and in reality, no trend at all, just a question of personal style. We now live in a world where baggy and skinny are coexisting, making it more of a question of choice rather thanfashion. 

One thing is for sure: the skinny jean is back and its cool. While many may react in horror to the thought of squeezingback into tight-fitting denim, the new styling is undeniably appealing. The latest reiterations move away from the late 2010’s high waisted skinny jeans and sneaker combo, insteadpaying homage to the icons of the 2000’s: think Kate Moss, Paris Hilton, Olsen Twins carelessly rocking low waisted skinnies in their off duty looks. Styled with boots, ballet flats and sometimes even heels, all was complemented by a flimsy cardigan and wraparound sunglasses, which exuded an air of iconic nonchalance.

The new and improved skinny jean wants to recreate that. Popular styles this time around tap into the boho country-chicresurgence, as well as rehabilitating the “rock‘n’roll lifestyles of its “indie sleaze” progenitors”, as British Vogue puts it. From country girl to grungy rockstar, the skinny jean can appeal to different vibes and aesthetics, drastically changing its look depending on how it is styled.

For the former think of a more equestrian look with skinnies, knee-high chocolate brown leather boots and perhaps a suede jacket with fringes to complete the horse-girl aesthetic à la Bella Hadid. If the latter sounds more like your style, pair your skinny denim with studded boots, a black leather jacket (fur also works) and a chunky silver belt, for a grungier look. McQueen’s Autumn/Winter 2024 interprets this by exhibiting skinny, on the verge of flared, jeans accessorised with denim ribbons lashing the ankles and deconstructed fur coats. There is also a third and perhaps less daring alternative: the Parisian chic. Spearheaded by Miu Miu and Prada, this movement styles skinny jeans with trenches, loafers and blouses for a sophisticated and elegant day to night attire that is workplace and date night appropriate. Sneakers are still a no go, but perhaps we could be seeing some ballet flats, another recent trend.

Skinny jeans may be cool again, but baggy denim is definitely not out. It's not about the piece itself, rather how it is styled that can bring any trend, even those long buried, back into the spotlight. For the select few that have kept wearing them, congratulations! For those that have swapped them for looser fits, take a trip down memory lane, dig into your closet and try to make skinny jeans cool again!