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Denim is a fashion paradox: it is one of the most timeless yet continuously evolving garments. Every few years, a new fad in length, cut, flare, wash, and detailing seems to circulate into our wardrobes. Recently, there's been buzz around the resurgence of the skinny jean, a fit that was collectively tossed in 2018 as trends started shifting toward the baggy-fit “mom” jeans. As we know, trends recycle. They rebrand and find a way to become appealing again, and skinny jeans have been (accurately) on the trend prediction list for 2025.

This style has recently been embraced by Vogue editors and celebrities alike. Trendsetters like Bella Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski, and Kendall Jenner have all been caught proudly sporting skinny jeans in past months.

 

The huge asterisk of this trend is the cut and styling. The 2010s, American Eagle, skin-hugging jeans are forever dead (sorry millennials). Instead, skinny jeans have been rebirthed as a high rise, low elastane jean. According to Pinterest, they’re best styled with a tall boot for a chic, equestrian-style, Ralph Lauren look instead of the casual “jeggings” aesthetic that we killed long ago. 

Elle Magazine identified a few updated ways to wear skinny jeans. Wear skinnies tucked into a boot and pair them with a plain tee and a racing jacket for an effortless, model off-duty look. Or, go sleek and simple. Pair tight black pants – leather or denim – with a slinky going-out top for a sexy, Catwoman-esque vibe. A split hem pant with heels is a chic, modern out-on-the-town go-to. For a casual approach, throw on a basic straight jean with tall boots, an oversized sweater, and coat for cold weather dressing.

Boho chic, yet another trend resurfacing in recent months, compliments skinny jeans perfectly. Parisian designer Isabel Marant is well-versed in leg-hugging cuts, which appeared in her Spring/Summer 2025 runway show. According to Glamour Magazine, “...Marant’s tight pants are playful, vintage-inspired takes on the trend. Ideal with flowing tunics or cropped cardigans and cowboy boots for the ultimate festival look.”

 

TikTok, however, seems to be divided on the issue. Some embrace the rebirth happily, emphasizing proper styling. Distressed skinnies with a heel or sneaker are being replaced with simple, traditionally-colored skinny jeans, paired with a tall heeled boot, kitten heel or chic flat. Others question the pants practicality because the aforementioned styling isn’t appropriate for everyone's daily outings. Additionally, the new trend has been criticized for its exclusive nature. The label “skinny jeans” implies that they are only for one body type, excluding curvier shoppers. Outlets from Vogue to CNBC are depicting skinny jeans on thin models and influencers, failing to show the trend on more diverse body types. The most successful trends are ones that everyone can take part in. Therefore, the skinny jean comeback may struggle to maintain relevance, and stay within our screens, not reaching our streets. 

 

Even with a plethora of inspiration for skinny jean-based outfits, my oversized jeans aren’t going anywhere. In my opinion, the skinny fit looks best with a heeled boot— something I’m not wearing daily (yet). This makes the trend inaccessible to the college girl demographic. Though I respect the revival of old trends, styling skinny jeans for the next generation feels complicated and exclusive. 

Whether you’re on board or not, there’s no doubt that skinny jeans are a new closet staple for some – at least on runways and social media platforms. Fashion is cyclical and we often revive 20-year-old fads as fast as we once discarded them. The rise of skinny jeans begs the question: what other millennial trends may resurface? Peplum cuts, bandage dresses, grungy pieces, and side parts are inevitably coming back as we embrace the 2010s in mainstream fashion.