The Skinny Jean

Levi Strauss & Co. CEO Chip Bergh made a stunning statement earlier this year: “Skinny jeans will never die.” The perennial style has caused a heated debate since Quartz published its 2022 article claiming “the skinny jean is officially dead”. Then with Gen Z’s love of loose-fitting jeans driving the market for the past few seasons, many now believe the skinny jean is in peril. Not so, according to Chip Bergh who confidently claims “...the skinny jean is not going anywhere, anytime soon.”

However it’s true the trouser, cargo and wide leg jean have recently bumped its skinny leg cousin from the spotlight. But don’t rule out your second skin sisters just yet. Given the right time and place, skinny jeans are always in style. Here are tips on how to keep skinnies looking fresh and in rotation year round:

• Autumn
  Make sure your classic denim skinnies stay in rotation all fall, especially given the current boyfriend blazer trend. An oversized, menswear-inspired blazer must be balanced with a narrow, streamlined bottom for the silhouette to work. It otherwise looks sloppy, and even more so with shoulder-padded blazers. I can’t get enough of oversized blazers belted with skinny jeans and chunky sneakers. It’s today’s quintessential American Sportswear uniform.

• Winter
  Skinny leather jeggings are the perfect cold weather staple. They are versatile from fall to spring paired with long, bulky sweaters on brisk fall days or tucked into snow boots for Nor’easters. They can be dressed up to corporate casual when layered with an untucked white shirt and long, tailored vest. Super versatile and oh-so warm in freezing winter temps.

• Spring
  Legs-for-days date night looks never go out of style so show off your curves with high-waisted skinny jeans. Pair with a silky, off the shoulder top, faux fur cropped jacket and pumps or, for an edgier look, try a graphic tee, leather moto jacket and stiletto sandals. Your date will love it.

• Summer
  White skinny jeans are a must-have summer staple. Keep it simple with a tank, denim jacket, panama hat and statement espadrille or strappy, flat sandal. Hot weather is the time to try a distressed pair with tears, holes or an ankle-frayed hem for a chic, easy-breezy vibe. Lobster roll, anyone?