Skinny jeans may be the most popular denim style, but the general consensus is that they're also the most difficult to wear and shop for. The fit and length generally need to be close to perfect, and because of their formfitting nature, they don't work with just any top or pair of shoes. That said, when you keep a few key styling and shopping rules in mind, we can guarantee that your future will be filled with flawless skinny-jean outfits.
In recent seasons, the stylish street style set has been stepping out in more straight-leg, cropped-flare, and other directional styles. Throughout the most recent fashion month, however, we were somewhat surprised to find that there were more skinny jean–wearing show attendees than usual. While we could speculate why, we're thinking that the oversize blazers and slouchy boots that were everywhere (and happen to look the best with skinnies) may have had something to do with it. Whatever the reason, we seized the opportunity to reflect on what mistakes to avoid so you'll never have to question how to wear skinny jeans again.
Keep reading to find out the eight skinny-jean mistakes to give up once and for all, and then shop stylish pairs that will lead to many on-point outfits.
DON'T: Let a less-than-perfect fit elude you
DO: Throw on a cool belt
DON'T: Try to stuff them into too-tight boots
DO: Invest in the slouchy boot trend
DON'T: Get sloppy
DO: Add polish by tucking in a voluminous top
DON'T: Forgo cropped styles when wearing heels
DO: Elongate your legs by showing some ankle
DON'T: Opt for tight-fitting tops
DO: Play with oversize proportions
DON'T: Choose boring outerwear
DO: Show your personality with a cool coat
DON'T: Only wear them with a T-shirt
DO: Think outside the box in terms of layering
Related: The Skinny Jean Style I Would Never Wear With Ankle Boots
DON'T: Let skinny jeans bunch at the ankles
DO: Choose skinnies that skim the tops of your ankle boots
SHOP OUR SKINNY-JEAN PICKS
These are Cindy Crawford–approved.Available in sizes 23 to 32.
We've lost count of how many celebrities are fans of this classic style.Available in sizes 23 to 32.
Related: The Sneakers That Look Best With Skinny Jeans
Classic Levi's are a tried-and-true wardrobe staple.Available in sizes 16L to 26S.
You can't go wrong with clean and simple black skinnies.Available in sizes 24 to 30.
These wallet-friendly jeans have earned a cult following in Hollywood.Available in sizes 24 to 33.
Grlfrnd is another of our favorite celeb-adored denim brands.Available in sizes 23 to 32.
You'll wear this classic blue pair just about everywhere.Available in sizes 23 to 32.
We can't get over how sleek these skinny jeans look with black mules.Available in sizes 24 to 32.
One of our favorite size-inclusive denim brands.Available in sizes 00 to 24.
We love the light wash and lightly frayed cropped hem on this pair.Available in sizes 24 to 30.
These feature a cool, flattering back seam.Available in sizes 23 to 31.
Colored skinny jeans—it's a thing.Available in sizes 2 to 12.
This post was updated by Anna LaPlaca.
-
Blake Lively, Sofia Richie, and More Stylish Women Know These Jeans Are Better Than DesignerThey're $98 but look way pricier.
-
Fashion People Swear By Khaite's Jeans—Now I Know WhySignature silhouettes and striking details.
-
4 Anti-Trend Outfits I Spot Every Time I'm in EuropeClassic looks that are always in style.
-
3 Non-Holiday Ways to Wear Velvet This WinterYou're welcome.
-
Hailey Bieber Just Used the TikTok Styling Hack That Will Actually Go the DistanceI'm going to use it this weekend.
-
Jennifer Lopez Just Wore the $98 Jeans the Internet LovesShe must've read the reviews.
-
Fashion People in Paris Will Wear These 4 Elevated Basics With Jeans in 2025Easy-to-style looks.
-
After 15 Years as a Fashion Writer, I Know These Free Style Tweaks Will Make a Big ImpactHow to give your wardrobe a new lease on life.
