Yes, Skinny Jeans Are Back for Fall

When the trend pendulum swings one way it’s bound to swing back. So, after years of baggy, oversized denim dominating the trend cycle, it only makes sense that we’re in the market for something new. I’m going to hold your hand while I say this: Yes, skinny jeans are back on the fall denim trend roster, but probably not they way you’re thinking. This year’s fall denim trend isn’t like 2010’s jeggings, or skin-tight styles that look painted on. Also, it hasn’t come out of nowhere. Style muses like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner have been ahead of the straight-leg revival, and the style has also been present in the Bally, Balenciaga, and Miu Miu Fall/Winter 2024 collections. Skinny jean apologists and baggy denim lovers, read on for everything we know about how the denim trend is showing up this fall.

The Trend

In a corner of the Internet somewhere Millennials are having their “I told you so moment.” You might remember how the age group took to TikTok to say their skinny jeans aren’t going anywhere—and, they make a point! Denim trends will always revolve, but at the end of the day, what silhouette you wear is a personal style preference. Still, there’s something to be said about the power of a sleek straight-leg jean, especially if trend-forward brands like Miu Miu and Balenciaga are giving it a co-sign.

Hedi Slimane’s Fall/Winter 2023 collection predicted many of the trends we’re seeing now. Think: the indie sleaze revival, skinny jeans, and more. At the Miu Miu Fall/Winter 2024 show, models strutted down the runway wearing ankle-length skinny jeans and loafters. And at Balenciaga, models were styled in skinny jeans tucked into thigh-high boots, giving very much 2018.

Stylist Allison Bornstein offers a realistic approach to the trend with her “Dipping a Toe” method which she posted on Instagram. Bornstein shares an experience with a client who jumped from her skinny jeans into a baggier style and found the loose-fitting pair difficult to wear with her tops and shoes. “If a skinny jean is a one, and a baggy jean is a 10, you don’t have to go from one to 10,” says Bornstein. The solution? She recommends opting for denim fits that may be tight around the thigh and leg but are looser around the ankle.

“In order to make our skinny jeans feel modern, we don’t have to go to a 10: We can dip our toe in” says Bornstein. The opposite is true as well—just because slimmer silhouettes are starting to trend again, you don’t necessarily need to vacuum-seal yourself into a skin-tight pair. A more modern pair is likely somewhere in the middle, and most celebs or “fashion people” will be opting for more a straight leg shape to try the trend—though a classic skinny jean can still look great if that’s what you’re into.

How to Get the Look

Last fall, Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner frequently wore straight-leg and skinny jeans and styled them seamlessly with modern pieces that reflected their chic model-off-duty style. The looks felt authentic to their style and very modern. Khaite’s Danielle jeans, a high-rise straight-leg style, have served as an if-you-know-you-know piece amongst the fashion set—Jenner and Hadid included—and they went viral on TikTok for being worth the splurge (the pair boast a $500 price tag).

Content creator Hannah Chody, who claims the Khaite pair is a favorite, opted for the Levi’s Ribcage Straight for a similar, more affordable silhouette. Reformation’s Cynthia Jean was also mentioned by creator Grace Renkenmeyer as a dupe. If you’re already a skinny jeans fan or are ready to dive back into the look, there’s a bevy of styles out there from Madewell to Abercrombie and Fitch. And if you need some inspo on how to actually wear the trend, we’ve broken down our favorite outfit formulas, below.

Straight-Leg Jeans and Boots

Last fall, Jenner styled her straight-leg jeans with heeled boots, a white t-shirt, and a racing jacket. We have no notes—it’s the ideal way to style skinny jeans in 2024.

Turtleneck and Kitten Heels

Creator Abi Marvel‘s dark wash skinny jeans are perfect for fall. She styled them with a sand-colored turtleneck and red kitten heels for a pop of color.

Oversized Coat and Pointy Heels

Don’t be afraid of styling classic skinny jeans—Creator Marilyn proves the tight on the ankle pant can still look cool. The key? Balance them out with something oversized, like her classic wool coat.

Denim on Denim

Creator Sylvie Mus paired her straight-leg denim with another one of fall’s biggest trends, the denim shirt. The denim-on-denim look may feel intimidating but her outfit proves how a tighter pair of jeans can still appear relaxed.

Sleek and Simple

Lila Moss took her skinny jeans out for a night on the town. Her sheer bodysuit and classic pumps put a sexy-yet-classic twist on the silhouette.

Equestrian Chic

Make like Meghan Markle and pair your skinnies with tall boots and a caramel cape for a look that would be right at home in the English countryside.