How to Style Skinny Jeans in 2025

In my post about 2023 fashion trends, I explained why skinny jeans lost popularity. However, I do not think you need to start a bonfire in a field and toss into it all your jeggings and Universal Standard Seines. In my Stressing About The Latest Trend Makes You Look Old post from 2024, I talked about how it's more important to wear what you want as a grown-ass woman.

Now, in 2025, some are fighting for a skinny jeans resurgence, and we're seeing everything from jeggings to super wide-leg jeans at every store at a mall (or online). While I can't say I'll buy another pair of skinny jeans any time soon, I will also wear what I have for as long as they continue to fit my body, lifestyle, and personal style aesthetic. Below, I share how to style skinny jeans in 2025.

Silhouettes have changed over the past few years, and we women are no longer lollipops apologizing for taking up the space we deserve. From shoulder pads to full-leg trousers, we're not hiding anymore.

For the past several years, skinny jeans were most often styled with tunics and tops that draped in an attempt to camouflage the curves we were taught to be ashamed of. If they weren't styled with tops to hide, they were styled with tops that accentuated curves we were taught to highlight because they appeal to men. We used the skinny jeans trend to follow rules to appear slimmer, longer, curvier in the right places, and appeal to the patriarchy.

Oh, come on, Alison, this is pretty extreme. Skinny jeans are a tool of the patriarchy? But think about fashion in general for women. From heels to the lack of pockets, women's fashion has been primarily driven by aesthetics, not practicality. And that aesthetic is of a young, firm, fertile body. Corsets and girdles, push-up bras and pumps, wrap dresses and wiggle skirts. And when our body cannot be manipulated into the desired aesthetic, we are taught ways to hide it.

Well, it's a new day, it's a new dawn, and it's a new concept of fashion for me and you and all women. We're throwing those archaic style rules out of the window, my fellow grown women; empower your body and all that it is! Skinny jeans can be chic, but to do so, they need to be worn confidently in 2025, not as an apology or appeal to the male gaze.

If this looks familiar, it's because I updated this post for 2025 fashion trends and the latest ways to style skinny jeans in a modern fashion. I am going to focus on the different kinds of shoes to wear with skinny jeans and offer styling tips for a complete outfit.

How to Style Skinny Jeans in 2025

No style of denim is out of fashion in 2025, as long as it is styled well. Street style fashionistas rock everything from acid-washed pleated paperbag jeans to pedal pushers and it looks great. Go into any mall store or peruse the denim selection at an online boutique and you're going to see a plethora of rises, cuts, lengths, washes, and finishes of jeans. And in there, you will see plenty of skinny jeans.

In 2025, we are wearing skinny jeans with confidence, not as an apology. We will embrace the space we deserve, and wear skinny jeans because we like them, not because some archaic style rule said we have to because of our body type. I'll share some real-life style suggestions below, featuring my favorite skinny jean, the Seine from Universal Standard.

If you haven't seen it, check out my Universal Standard denim reviews. The Universal Standard Seine skinny jeans are available in midrise, high rise, petite plus three inseams, over a dozen different colors and washes, and every size and wash is available in sizes 00-40.

Style Skinny Jeans with Tall Boots

With the popularity of Americana Chic, quiet luxury, and a return to classic style a la Carolyn Bissett Kennedy, skinny jeans look very chic in 2025 with tall boots. Your best best is a classic riding boot, or a low-frills knee-high boot in traditional black, brown, or camel leather or suede.

t-shirt | blazer | sunglasses | lipstick | earrings | necklace | bag | boots | jeans

For this look I chose a blazer that is mid-hip to a bit longer. Look for boyfriend-style blazers, double-breasted options, and ones from stiffer or heavier fabrics. Nothing too drapey, loose, or long that feels like a tunic alternative but you want to cover most to all of the zipper of your jeans. If you leave your t-shirt untucked, it has to be shorter than the blazer and hit before the lower curve of the belly (again, no tunics).

Keep the classic vibes flowing by pairing with traditional closet pieces – tweed and wool blazers, fisherman sweaters, and turtlenecks. Either bookend your boots by having the same color incorporated into your top half of the look, or match your boots to the same color or at least tone as the wash of your skinny jeans.

Style Skinny Jeans with Loafers

Loafers have become an extremely popular alternative to flats and ankle booties. From chunky lug soles to sleek driving mocs, loafers are here to stay… and they look great with skinny jeans. Having more structure and taking up more space than flats, a loafer will better balance the skinny jeans and cancel that “lollipop” effect.

sweater | glasses | watch | jeans | bag | socks | loafers

While this classic fisherman sweater is loose and comfy, it is not oversized or a tunic. You do not want your sweater to cover your entire bum; have at least a peek showing so you know there's a human and not a lollipop under there. The crossbody bag tempers the volume, again showing you are not a lollipop while still taking up the space you deserve.

I recommend starting with a classic penny loafer in a traditional leather color like black, brown, or oxblood. You can wear no-show socks, use my hack for a no-show sock effect, or have fun with hosiery, as patterned and colorful socks are very on trend and can keep you cozy in the cooler months and overly air-conditioned offices.

Style Skinny Jeans with Flats

Flats is a very vague term in 2025. It can mean a pair of Tieks, or it can mean a structured shoe with a hint of a heel. For 2025, the kind of flats you want to wear with skinny jeans are the latter. The more structure and coverage from your flats, the better.

shirt | jeans | lipcolor | mascara | bag | earrings | ring | shoes

This Breton striped top is not cropped, but short enough that it won't cover the entire bum and stomach. It is also a loose, relaxed fit so it doesn't skim curves. The loose body and sleeves with a mid- to high-hip length adds modernity to the skinny jean.

We're talking proper soles, with or without a hint of a heel. Square, rounded square, or elongated pointed toes. Higher vamps, Mary Jane straps, and lace-up styles are great choices. While archaic style rules would recommend wearing a shoe either the color of your jeans or low contrast to your skin to elongate the line, a contrast shoe will actually look more modern and better balance the skinny silhouette.

Style Skinny Jeans with Sneakers

Skinny jeans look really good with this year's sneaker trends that are sleek and low profile. Retro-inspired sneakers and traditionally low-profile sneakers like Converse Chuck Taylors (high top or low) are all excellent choices.

oversized shirt | readers | lipgloss | bag | jeans | sneakers

Skinny jeans are meant for the oversized boyfriend shirts that have been popular the past few springs and summers. Roll or cuff the sleeves, leave two buttons at the neck and two at the hem unbuttoned to catch the breeze. If it's your thing, pop the collar. You can do a half tuck, or leave out, wear a tank underneath (have it tucked, blousing optional), or wear solo.

Again, visible socks are an option but not necessary. You can play with socks that go up under the hem of your jeans, leave a hint of skin between socks and jeans, slouch to or just over the hem, or no-show options. No need for a white athletic sock; especially with fashion sneakers, you can be more creative with your hosiery.

Style Skinny Jeans with Ankle Boots

Ankle boots have and will continue to be a great pairing with skinny jeans. However, the style of ankle boots has changed over the decade and your choice will determine if you look stuck in a past decade, or continuing to evolve with what has become a classic denim silhouette.

earrings | shirt | bag | boots | jeans

Denim on denim is a big trend in 2025, and a great way to give your skinny jeans a modern update. A blouse with details like pintucking, puffed shoulders, and bracelet-length sleeves draw attention to the top half and add interest. Since this top isn't too full or too long, it will look modern untucked. Don't try to match washes; your denim on denim can be two different colors.

Those tan and beige suede booties have got to go (or at least be packed away for a couple of years). The snub toe, wooden heel, and split detail on the side just screams 2000s and not in a hip Gen Z vintage manner. Look for a boot in black or dark brown leather with a higher shaft that can either slip under the skinny boot or even better, slip over the hem with some extra shaft room.

Again, it's about balancing the skinny with some substance. If you like to have fun with your footwear, slouchy styles, shorter versions of cowboy boots, and engineer boots are also options.

Tips for Shopping Skinny Jeans in 2025

Skinny jeans aren't necessarily called skinnies in 2025. You will see a lot of jeans called “slim,” “cigarette,” and “narrow.” These jeans are more like the pre-2000s skinnies, made of more rigid and/or heavyweight of denim. They are actual jeans, and not stretchy heavyweight leggings dyed to look like denim (AKA jeggings).

In 2025, you will do better to have skinny jeans a bit too long than too short. Let them puddle at your ankles, or give them a single cuff. A longer skinny jean will also be more likely to stay put when tucked into boots.

I'd recommend sticking with darker washes or colors of skinny jeans. Rinse and indigo washes, colors like gray, black, and brown will get you the most mileage in 2025 and years to come. No holes, distressing, or embellishment; keep your skinny jeans as classic looking to get the most wear out of them in the long run.

The Key to Style Skinny Jeans in 2025: Keep it Classic

It may seem counterintuitive, but the key to making skinny jeans feel modern in 2025 is to style them in a very classic manner. Think of looks you previously did with ankle jeans, how nothing was too long, tight, or clingy. You may even feel that your ankle jeans seem a little too short for this season's looks; try out your skinny jeans and see how they feel.

Skinny jeans are always easier to style in the colder months. For fall and winter, you can take these same cues but incorporate moto and bomber jackets, chunky tough boots, boxy sweaters, and long wool and puffer coats.

Fashion is fluid, and nothing is completely “out” in 2025—or any year, for that matter. However, because it is fluid, it's a perfect time to have a little fun with your wardrobe. Play with proportion, try new silhouettes, and mix up your go-to ensembles. You deserve to find joy in your closet, and sometimes a little refresh is just what you need to put a smile on your face!

Which ways do you plan on styling your skinny jeans this year? I'd love to hear all of your tips and tricks, leave them below in the comments!