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
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.
Shop the Style:
H&M's premium collection has such great footwear options.
2. Mary Jane Flats
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.
Shop the Style:
Leopard is going nowhere in 2025.
3. Loafers
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.
Shop the Style:
4. Point-Toe Kitten Heels
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.
Shop the Style:
5. Knee-High Boots
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.
Shop the Style:
-
When Flip-Flops Won't Do, Fashion People Always Reach for These Easy Slip-On Sandals
My new go-tos.
-
This Summer Denim Trend Is the Opposite of Skinny Jeans, and I'm Seeing It Everywhere
Your outfits will look chic with this silhouette.
-
This Elegant Sandal Trend Is Rarely Worn With Baggy Jeans, But It Makes Them Look So Chic
Uncommon? Yes. Highly chic? Also yes.
-
This Rich-Looking Shoe Colour Instantly Makes Plain White Summer Outfits So Elegant
I'm recommending it to everyone.
-
White Linen Trousers Are Eternally Chic, But This Darker Alternative Is Just as Elegant for Summer
And just as versatile.
-
From Harry Styles to Lily James, Londoners Are Wearing These Flats With Short-Shorts, Jeans and Everything In Between
Definitely the most versatile shoes I own.
-
Victoria Beckham Just Bypassed Summer to Wear Autumn’s Anti-Skinny Jeans and Chicest Top Colour
Is it too early to be excited for autumn?
-
I Have Proof—This Flat Shoe Instantly Elevates Both Baggy and Straight-Leg Jeans
A wardrobe-altering footwear option.