I’m a Millennial Addicted to Skinny Jeans. Here’s How I Make Them Look Cool & Modern

I’ll never forget the moment Gen Z told the world that skinny jeans were over. I gazed into my closet at the many (many!) pairs I own and loathed both the length of time it had taken me to land on what I deemed a figure-flattering style—hey, shopping for jeans is hard!—and also the fact that I was being told to move on.

Was I lame if I continued to keep my skinnies in my closet, or simply change averse? To answer my questions, I reached out to Katie Collins, a stylist whose knowledge I’ve come to rely on for all that’s fashion-forward and cool.

Her take: Skinny jeans are not over. We just need to re-inspire how we wear them. Here, three ways to modernize them for fall.

Katie Collins is a wardrobe stylist based in Los Angeles who has worked with Reese Witherspoon, Kerry Washington and other celebrities.

A fresh way to style your skinny jeans is to play against the fit by pairing them with something oversized, like a blazer or bomber coat, Collins suggests. “I’d French tuck the T-shirt, leave the jacket open and push the sleeves up just a little bit,” she says. It’s casual yet tailored—all that’s left to add is a sneaker or a Chelsea boot. A pro tip from Collins: Always take your skinnies to the tailor to have them hemmed to hit just above the ankle bone. “You can cuff a straight leg, but steer clear of cuffing a skinny jean, since it can make you appear shorter,” she says.

Shop similar styles: J.Crew Toothpick Jeans ($128); M. Gemi Boot ($348); Everlane Oversized Blazer ($228); Splendid Crewneck T-Shirt ($48)

In other words, it’s the classics that sing, says Collins. “A knee-high boot paired with a boxy sweater or a T-shirt and leather jacket: It’s effortless, but looks great with a skinny jean,” she says. For this look, you want to treat the skinny jean a bit like a legging, but one with texture. “Add a red lip and you’re done.”

Shop similar styles: Jenni Kayne Fisherman's Sweater ($395); Mother High-Waisted Jeans ($258); La Canadienne Leather Boots ($635); Treasure and Bond Leather Jacket ($329)

Sure, skinny jeans took a bit of a hiatus during the ‘90s, but that’s why it’s fun to marry the trends—kind of a modern grunge if you will, Collins explains. “I love a skinny jean with a flannel shirt and lace-up boots. An oversize jacket also works with this look.” The goal is to make the skinny jean the focus. “You’re keeping things casual, but the skinny jean makes it chic,” she adds.

Shop similar styles: Madewell High-Rise Jeans ($138); Dr. Martens Leather Lace-Up Boots ($170); Outerknown Blanket Shirt ($148); Splendid Crewneck T-Shirt ($48)