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There's nothing more controversial between generations than skinny jeans. They stir up a range of mixed emotions. For some, they represent the golden age of fashion, when a fail-safe style could be paired with any oversized T-shirt. For others, they bring to mind connotations of millennial booze and Catfish and the Bottlemen.
One thing is indisputable: they are experiencing a resurgence. Whether you're excited or distraught by this revelation, we heard from fashion experts on how to rock them, no matter your generation.
Look for spandex and cotton blends.
There was a time when skinny jeans were nothing more than thick cotton denim, nicknamed “drainpipes” for a reason: they were very stiff. However, times have changed and spandex and cotton blends now allow you to move and breathe in your skinny jeans.
“Don’t take the word slim too literally,” says celebrity stylist Ellis Ranson, “They have to be fitted but not cut off circulation; we only look as good as we feel and when we sit down we don’t want to have to undo any buttons.”
Celebrity stylist Flick Bartlett recommends “think slim, not skinny, and always do the sitting test.” Your waist should remain in the same place as when you're standing.
As for shapes, “mid- or high-rise jeans are often more comfortable and provide better support,” says Nick Drewe, founder of Wethrift, and “low-rise jeans can be restrictive.” And a word of advice for spandex-cotton blends: never tumble dry them.
TH Flex Como Mid Rise Skinny Jeans, £45 Tommy Hilfiger
1. Sleazy Indie
Fashion trends from the 1990s and 2000s have slowly made a comeback in fashion. The return of indie sleaze has brought skinny jeans and ballet flats back into fashion, influenced by the recent Amy Winehouse biopic.
If you're inspired by the early 2000s rock and roll fashion of London it-girls like Alexa Chung, pair your skinny jeans with oversized silhouettes. “A great way to wear this style is with a leather jacket, band t-shirt and mesh heels,” says Bartlett.
To up the sophistication of your look, take inspiration from today’s Alexa Chung, says Drewe. “Pair your skinny jeans with a striped shirt and throw on a trench coat for the ultimate Parisian vibe.”
New look Dark grey cotton 'Doors' slogan print acid wash crew neck t-shirt, £6 (was £19.99)
BDG Dex Brown Faux Leather Work Jacket, £79, Urban clothing suppliers
Black mesh ballet flats in mint velvet, £99
2. Modest and correct
Despite making a comeback on the catwalk this year, skinny jeans have long been a favourite of the Princess of Wales. A staple silhouette in Kate's wardrobe, fashion designer Amanda Wakeley OBE says you can pair your skinny jeans with a smart white shirt and trainers.
Alternatively, “pair your skinny jeans with an oversized white shirt, trench coat and loafers for a clean, sophisticated look,” says Wakeley.
If you’re more of a city person, Ranson suggests “pairing your jeans with clean dress basics, like a cashmere vest or a simple T-shirt and blazer, and a simple shoe for an easy everyday look.”
M&S Autograph Pure Cashmere Trim Detail Knitted Gilet, £69
La Redoute cotton blend trench coat with snap button closure, £49.50 (was £99)
Veja Campo Sneakers in White Natural Leather, £125, Office
3. Cool girl
Who said skinny jeans weren't in style? Their comeback proves they're no longer the millennial mistake they were once associated with.
To give off the ultimate cool-girl vibe, Bartlett says it’s all about balance: “Pair an oversized white shirt (tucked in) with your skinny jeans. Add chunky jewelry, a studded leather belt, and metallic kitten heels.”
Wakeley says you can take inspiration from cool muses like Kate Moss: “She’ll wear a vintage band T-shirt, a menswear jacket and ankle-high boots that elongate the legs.
“Get inspired by Balenciaga and wear it [skinny jeans] with an oversized leather jacket (look for men's ones in charity shops), over-the-knee boots, a blanket scarf and sunglasses.”
Zara Pack of 2 cowboy boot beaded necklaces, £19.99
Stradivarius high heel platform sandals, £21.59 (was £35.99)
Wolf Mimi Swirl Denim Scarf Shoulder Bag, £199
