When I think about skinny jeans, all I can hear is Beyonce singing “If you don’t jump to put jeans on, baby you don’t feel my pain,” and have flashbacks to not only the jumping, but the inevitable cuff I always added at the hem of my jeans because they never seemed to fit the length of my 5’2″ frame. Yet, despite all that, I still have my favorite pairs of skinny jeans tucked away at the bottom of my drawer.
Although I’m a firm believer in closet purging and purchasing clothes that you’re guaranteed to wear and feel good in, I haven’t gotten around to tossing my skinny jeans because I know what a staple they can be. They fit well, make me look good, and definitely have a time and a place to be worn (nothing else looks quite as good tucked into boots). Just as trends change over time, so can the way you style certain things to make them feel and look more modern—and yes, that includes how you style your skinny jeans.
If you want to break out your skinny jeans again (or just never took a break from yours and want new ideas on how to style them), we’ve got you covered. Here are ways to style your tried-and-true pair to make them look cool in 2023.
With an oversized blazer and flats
Source: @aida.bdji
Who would’ve thought we’d be suggesting you wear ballet flats and skinny jeans in the year 2023? To make the look more modern and less late-aughts (we don’t want any middle school flashbacks happening over here), pair them with an oversized blazer and a tucked-in tee.
Everlane
Linen Blazer
Madewell
Double-Breasted Blazer
ZARA
Slingback Flats
Jack Rogers
Pointed Bow Flats
With a white-button up and sandals
Source: @crystalinmarie
No outfit welcomes spring more than a breezy button-up paired with a pair of sandals. When combined with skinny jeans, they add to the timeless feel of the look—which is exactly what we’re going for here.
Caslon
Linen Button-Up
Foxcroft
Cotton Button-Up
Sam Edelman
Cutout Slides
Seychelles
Quilted Slides
With a trusty denim jacket
Source: @kateogata
Styling your black skinny jeans with your classic denim jacket is a prime example of an easy, classic outfit. To make it feel less dated, focus on the fit of the denim jacket; a more oversized one will look and feel more ready for 2023 than a fitted one will. This is a perfect look for running errands when paired with sneakers, or for a night out when paired with heels.
Silver Jeans Co.
Trucker Jacket
Free People
Denim Jacket
SLINK Jeans
Denim Trucker Jacket
Silver Jeans Co.
Cropped Denim Jacket
Paired with a heeled sandal
Source: @laurajadestone
A good pair of heeled sandals is a match made in heaven with skinny jeans. Regardless of if your heels are strappy or more of a mule, they work together with the skinny jeans to elongate your legs. Especially if you’re transitioning into spring, this is a killer combo.
Dolce Vita
Braided Mule
Jeffrey Campbell
Platform Slide
Katy Perry
Twisted Sandal
BP.
Jelly Sandal
With a bodysuit and white sneakers
Source: @menzabolamba
Keep it simple this season by pairing your skinny jeans with white sneakers and a black bodysuit. With your go-to pair of sunnies and grab your favorite handbag, it’s a simple combo that shouldn’t be underestimated. It’s seamless, classic, and super flattering.
Abercrombie & Fitch
Ruched Bodysuit
SKIMS
Sleeveless Bodysuit
Veja
Campo Sneaker
VINCE
Court Sneaker
With a pair of loafers
Source: @chrissyford
You know that pair of loafers you’ve been wearing all winter? Yup, they’re going to look great with your skinny jeans. To balance out the more substantial shoe on bottom, opt for a top with some volume (like the gorgeous striped one pictured above).
Steve Madden
Lotto Loafer
Franco Sarto
Carolynn Platform
Steve Madden
Carrine Bit Loafer
Sam Edelman
Buckle Loafer
Paired with sneakers and a cardigan
Source: @laura.byrnes
Sneakers, jeans, and a cardigan are the ultimate skinny-jean uniform. It’s low effort, but looks polished nonetheless. Don’t forget to top the outfit off with your favorite cardigan (especially for transitional weather).
Madewell
Cable Knit Cardigan
Madewell
Open-Stitch Cardigan
Nike
Blazer Low Platforms
Converse
Platform Chuck Taylor
With your favorite striped sweater
Source: @fashion_jackson
Stripes are certainly having a moment right now, and we’re all here for it. Oversized, fitted, draped over your shoulders, or quickly grabbed and thrown in your bag as you head out the door, they’re the timeless, French-feeling piece that keeps on giving.
Reformation
Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater
& Other Stories
Oversized Turtleneck
Madewell
Cashmere Striped Sweater
Eloquii
Striped Collared Sweater
