FASHION
AN ARGUMENT FOR SKINNY JEANS
By Emma Strawbridge, 9 September 2024
Picture: Getty
Now, there was scepticism when ballet flats returned to the scene, and look at us now? It’s what we call *growth*. We were missing the right styling cues when they were around in the 2010s, but now we have the means to style them well, and we’re including skinny jeans in that statement. Keep reading to find out how we’ll be styling them for AW24.
#1: WITH KNEE-HIGH BOOTS
This season is all about the equestrian aesthetic – think houndstooth blazers and denim with boots slipped over the top. It's an easy way to get back into the skinny jean, and if you go for a wide-fitting boot, it won't feel like such a dramatic silhouette change from your relaxed-denim looks.
GET THE LOOK:
Pull&Bear high waisted ultra skinny jean in black, £20
& Other Stories wool single breasted blazer with tie detail in brown check, £175
Topshop Tara premium leather knee high heeled boots in black, £145
ASOS DESIGN linen drape high neck asymmetric smart top in natural, £30
#2: WITH TAILORING
There’s something very cool about pairing a skinny jean with an oversized blazer and loafers – the proportion play just gives it an elevated feel. If you like your blazers with a true mensy fit, take a look at ASOS man.
GET THE LOOK:
Levi's 501 skinny fit jeans in dark blue, £80
Stradivarius oversized blazer in grey, £45.99
Topshop knitted compact fitted waist cardigan in buttermilk, £40
#3: WITH OFF-DUTY LOOKS
It’s easy for skinnies to look more dressed up, and while we don’t want to veer too close to the style of the 2010s, we still want to be able to wear them on dressed-down days. Our advice? Wear them high-waisted, with a jumper/sweat/whatever layer of choice tucked in, then add sneaks or loafers.
GET THE LOOK:
Topshop high rise Jamie jeans in mid blue, £42
Polo Ralph Lauren rugby polo shirt with badges in cream, £269
Pictures: Getty
IF WE HAVEN’T MANAGED TO CONVINCE YOU:
With all the 70s boho looks coming off the runways, we’re looking to the 70s for more than just ruffles and knee-highs. A less dramatic cousin of the flare, bootcut jeans are skinny in the leg with a flare at the ankle (as the name suggests, they’re cut to fit over boots). Go for these if you want the close fit on the upper leg but like a little shape.
STRAIGHT-LEG
A classic – we’ll never tire of straight-leg jeans, and neither do the It-girls. Bella, Kendall, Em Rata: they all wear them on the daily, and they go with everything. You may be undecided on the skinny, but this style is sure-fire and enduring.
