How to Style Your Skinny Jeans for Fall

Bracing myself for the backlash on this one, but the rumors are true: skinny jeans are back! While I wasn’t expecting them to make their return this quickly, I guess I shouldn’t be all too surprised after seeing the cigarette-style pant trends of late. And they’re not entirely riddled with early 2000s teenage angst; the contentious trend is back with a bit of a face-lift. Because let’s be honest, designers wouldn’t declare war for nothing.

From Miu Miu to Balenciaga, fall 2024 runways stood in solidarity with the controversial skinny. With trend charts continuing to report the dominance of a baggy, boyfriend-style silhouette, the comeback of the skin-tight denim comes as a bit of a shock. Perhaps it’s Chloe’s return to boho chic, or The Row’s debut of lady-like silhouettes, that have us craving something a bit more form-fitted. Either way, there’s no denying that skinny jeans have stolen their fair share of headlines this season. And If the idea of squeezing into your denim doesn’t appeal to you anymore–not to worry–brands now realize our preferred exercise of choice is pilates, not squatting our way into our skinnies. With a renewed focus on slim-fit versus ultra-skinny, it seems designers have finally (hopefully) left the confined, jeggings-style denim in the past.

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But hey, it seems that some of you were privy to this information long before me, a trend-forecasting extraordinaire. After doing a bit of skinny jeans shopping myself, I discovered that most options were low stock, if not sold out (don’t worry, I still found the best ones). So, either some of you never stopped wearing them, or some of you are way ahead of the curve. How does it feel to single-handedly save the skinny jean population?

Ahead, see how I’m styling the most talked about trend of the season. And if you’re anything like me, and ditched your skinnies a long time ago, shop the list of must-have slim-fits below.

Go for the no pants look

Jacket | Jeans (Plus) | Shoulder Bag | Loafers | Earrings

Ah, I see what we’re doing here. Designers are designing new skinny jeans, but only in coordination with other trending, voluminous silhouettes. Meaning, they want us to wear the skinny jeans, but styled in a way that makes it look like we’re not actually wearing the skinny jeans. Despite the deception, I see no problem. For someone who is a bit more skinny jeans-averse at the moment, this is the perfect segue to wriggling my way back into another pair of slim-fit denim.

Tuck them into knee-high boots

I’ll be the first to admit that while some Y2K trends should be punishable by law (chunky highlights, velour tracksuits, visible camis–do you want me to keep going?), I am eternally grateful to a younger Kim K for showing me the power that lies within tucking your jeans into your knee-high boots. In fact, I recently tucked my favorite slim-fit jeans into my Staud Wally Boots, and let me tell ya: that look is going into the outfit hall-of-fame. A little rookie advice? Pull your long socks over your jeans (it doesn’t have to be perfect) to prevent excess bunching when slipping into your boots, and know that it’s okay if the line between your jeans and your boots isn’t seamless. After all, this is 2024, not 2004.

Embrace the return of bohomania

Skinny jeans aren’t the only early aughts’ staple making waves this fall. Be it a suede shoulder bag, or a wooden pair of clogs, there’s a little bit of boho for everyone this season. Similar to skinny jeans, boho chic is being met with a touch of apprehension; but after taking a look online, it’s clear that with a modernized styling approach, there’s little to be afraid of. Instead of the usual kitschy, overly-accessorized looks of the past, this season’s bohemian return meets us where we’re at: more matured and pared-back.

Style with the purrr-fect kitten heel

Oh boy, I can feel it: Skinny jeans, boho chic, and kitten heels–I’ve ruffled some feathers, haven’t I? Well, as with all polarizing trends, there’s the wrong way to style them, and then there’s the right way to style them. (At this point, I do hope I’m making it clear that the outfit displayed before you is the right way.) Since we’re currently experiencing a shortage of peplum tops and infinity scarves, I feel pretty confident that fall 2024’s version of skinnies will feel a bit more exciting. I personally love the elongated look created by adding a pointed kitten heel to a pair of body-hugging jeans. And don’t be afraid to swap your regular blue wash for a darker rinse; you’ll feel immediately more put-together.

Bust out the ankle boots

While I am saying that you can wear your ankle boots and skinny jeans again, I am not saying that it’s socially acceptable to keep cuffing your skinnies in order to avoid a trip to the tailor. Instead of trying to make a longer length work, I’d suggest springing for the cropped, ankle-length kind. When wearing any style of denim with ankle boots, the hem of the pant should be grazing the top of your foot, or hitting just above the top of your shoe. And in order to keep proportions in balance, go for a chunkier knit, or a slim-fit top and an oversized coat.