6 Ways to Make This "Dated" Jeans Trend Look Very 2023
In fashion, once something is deemed "out", you can never be sure it's gone for good. This is a great news for those of us who pride ourselves on investing in capsule pieces, timeless classics and forever staples.
At a certain point, it felt like skinny jeans were a thing of the past—first with the emergence of the slightly slouchier straight-leg, followed by the ongoing baggy jean craze. But thanks to the likes of Catherine, Princess of Wales and Gisele Bündchen, who refuse to let go of their skin-tight denim, we've been reminded just how sleek this controversial cut can look.
And they're not the only ones set on keeping skinnies around. Scrolling through Instagram recently, the whole Who What Wear UK team has sensed a fitted-jeans comeback. Style tastemakers including Anouk Yve, Anne-Laure Mais and Lorna of Symphony of Silk are all showcasing chic summer looks built around this rediscovered staple. Consider us inspired.
So, to assist in spreading the word that skinny jeans are indeed back, we've rounded up some of our favourite outfits featuring this divisive denim style. Scroll on to see, and we promise you'll soon be digging out your skinnies or adding one of the below styles to your wish list.
1. Tank Top + Mid-Waist Jeans + Heeled Sandals
Style Notes: Super high-rise skinnies can feel a little 2010, so tuck your tank top into a mid-waist pair and add some trending accessories to give the look a modern spin.
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A best seller for a reason.
2. Striped Shirt + White Jeans + Plimsolls
Style Notes: A striped shirt is a sartorial fix-all, especially if you choose classic blue and white. Opt for ecru jeans and plimsolls in the summer months, then switch over to indigo denim and boots come autumn.
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3. Blazer + Mid-Blue Jeans + Espadrilles
Style Notes: Let a pair of summery shoes like espadrilles peek out from the bottom of your skinny jeans, then chuck on a lightweight blazer. To make this look evening-appropriate, take note from Lena Farl (pictured) and layer a silk shirt underneath.
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I like to stick to linen blazers in the warmer months.
Every year, this French staple seems to come back stronger.
4. White Shirt + Distressed Jeans + Mini Bag
Style Notes: To balance out the formality of your white button-down, team it with a pair of distressed jeans and a colour-pop mini bag. Bonus points for a cropped silhouette, like Marina's Torres's (pictured).
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5. Black Tee + Cropped Jeans + Loafers
Style Notes: As is the case with other types of jeans, a simple tee is all you need to make an outfit—but smart black loafers and touches of gold will elevate the combination.
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Everyone I know who owns these loafers swears they're worth the investment.
6. Crochet Top + High-Rise Jeans + Shoulder Bag
Style Notes: If you've decided to go for high-waisted skinny jeans, style them with an on-trend crochet crop top. This way, your outfit will look wholly 2023.
Shop the Look:
You could easily style this wash year-round.
Next Up: 8 Easy Summer Trouser Outfits I Can't Wait to Copy
Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.
A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor to Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.
In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.
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