Like a certain once-beloved apricot exfoliator, skinny jeans seem to have developed a bad reputation. If you balked at clicking on this article, I get it. Skinny jeans seem downright passé compared to the other myriad of denim options on the market. But hear me out: Sleeping on this style may mean missing out on a highly versatile category of bottoms.
Think of Audrey Hepburn in a turtleneck and topknot. An effortless French woman like Emmanuelle Alt breezing past in a Breton-stripe top. Evergreen Itgirl Kate Moss slinking around London in yet another flawless outfit. What do these looks have in common? All three are anchored by black skinny jeans, cropped at the ankle. The look is equal parts sophisticated, chic, and cool.
Still skeptical? Rest assured these aren't the skinny jeans of the past. If you know where to look, today's denim won't chafe or cause annoying waist gaps. A skinny black pair will sculpt and support, creating a long elegant line from waist to toe. I have a trusted pair in heavy rotation that are perfect for days when leggings feel juvenile but pants too formal.
Swayed to give black skinny jeans a second chance? Read on for my selects.
CLASSIC
Straight (cut) to the point.
FADED
A lived-in wash adds some rock-and-roll edge.
IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS
Grommets! Velvets! Pearls! Spice up your look (and your life) with subtle (or not-so-subtle) embellishments.
PETITE
Skip the trip to the tailor with these no-hemming-required pairs.
PLUS
Good jeans to show off your good genes.
COATED
A light coat of sheen makes for a cool yet sophisticated look.
Next up: The Best Winter Shoes to Wear With Skinny Jeans
-
See You in the Fall, Skinny Jeans—This Trend Is So Much Better For Summer With FlatsCasual, chic, and comfortable all in one.
-
This Nordstrom Rack Sale Has So Many Cool-Girl Essentials—These 25 Finds Are the StandoutsAn extra 20% off? Yes, please.
-
The Chicest Tops of Summer Are Hiding at Zara—and I'm Already Planning All My Outfits Around ThemFrom linen vests to halter silhouettes.
-
If a NYC Fashion Person Were Scrolling Through Amazon, They'd Buy These 27 BasicsOnly the best of the best.
-
Swim, Sandals, and SPF—30 Editor-Loved Summer Sale Finds From Anthropologie, Everlane, and J.CrewVacation-ready deals until June 15.
-
My Mom Wants to Start Shopping at Madewell—These Are the Sale Dresses and Sandals I Sent HerDiscounted through June 15.
-
I've Lived in NYC, L.A., and Boston—Here's Everything I Think Is Chic for SummerShop the highly curated list.
-
These 31 Rich-Looking Nordstrom Finds Are Giving "I Summer in the Hamptons"Minus the trust fund.
