I Thought I Hated Skinny Jeans, But These 5 Shoe Styles Make Them Feel Cool Again

Skinny jeans have been a battlefield. For years, they were my go-to—sleek, flattering, and easy to style. But then the internet decided they were passé. The rise of baggy jeans, cargoes, and every other Gen Z approved silhouette pushed skinnies into the “millennial cringe” category. Didn’t bother me, though. They fit me like nothing else could, and despite the trend cycle, I refused to let them go.

Still, I’d be lying if I said the noise didn’t get to me. There were days I swapped them out for straight-leg denim just to dodge the side-eye. But recently? Something shifted. Skinny jeans are creeping back, and instead of looking dated, they’re starting to feel… fresh again. The trick? Shoes that bring them into the now.

The 5 Shoe Styles That Make Skinny Jeans Feel Cool Again:

1. Point-Toe Ankle Boots With Kitten Heels

woman with tan jacket and skinny jeans

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Style Notes: For nights out, I’d go straight to point-toe ankle boots with kitten heels. These aren’t your standard booties; they are sleek, polished, and modern with the low heel and pointy toe. Paired with skinny jeans, a fitted black turtleneck, and chunky gold jewellery, this boot-and-denim look gives off very French vibes.

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2. Mary Jane Flats

woman wearing denim and button down with flats

(Image credit: @fakerstrom)

Style Notes: Mary Jane flats, but not the prim-and-proper kind. Think The Row’s version—minimalist, sleek, and unapologetically cool. I’d style them with a boxy sweatshirt and a slouchy trench. The combination hits the perfect balance between nostalgic and forward-thinking.

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3. Loafers

loafers with socks and jeans

(Image credit: @christietyler)

Style Notes: Next up? Loafers. They look great with a pair of skinny jeans, especially paired with a turtleneck and an oversize blazer. The ease of the jeans against the sharpness of the loafers gives a totally timeless look.

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4. Point-Toe Kitten Heels

woman wearing black skinny jeans and kitten heels

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Style Notes: The contrast between the skinny fit and the sharp silhouette of the shoes gives off a “don’t mess with me” energy. Suddenly, skinny jeans didn’t feel like a relic. They feel powerful.

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5. Knee-High Boots

nlmarilyn

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: And for the really chilly days? Boots, but the tall kind that European fashion girls would approve of. Polished leather or luxe suede, either way, the knee-high shoe trend is giving rich country-housewife aesthetic. Pair them with a boxy oversized blazer for a laid-back and chic outfit that’s perfect for an afternoon on the town.

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Contributing Fashion Editor