Over the last few seasons there were a lot of new denim styles – mom fit, cropped flare, slouchies, etc. But one of the most common jeans-related questions I hear all the time is whether the good old skinny jeans are still in.

Skinnies have been one of the longest lasting trends and even 15 years later their days are not over.

This is how skinny jeans were styled years ago – with short tight jackets, flimpsy cardigans, wedges or platform shoes, snoods, big chunky necklaces, knee high boots and so on.

Look closely at these looks – I can guarantee you wore at least one of them. We all did! That was the fashion a decade or so ago so we’ve all been there.

The problem is if you are still doing the same outfit formulas in 2022. Style aesthetic has changed since and these looks now appear out-of-date.

Also pay attention to the fact that most of these jeans are low-waisted and too long on the leg.

Coloured jeans that were so popular a few years ago are now dated as well. Colours that have the most restyling potential are black, grey and cream/white.

Everything else should be judged on the per-item basis so do a bit of homework to see if a particular pair can be styled in a modern way.

Here is what skinny jeans look like in a modern interpretation. It’s a different silhouette and different styling solutions.

Modern relaxed jackets/coats accompanied by trendy accessories make skinnies a worthwhile staple to keep in your wardrobe.

It’s important to mention that skinnies are a savior for girls who are pear-shaped, apple shaped or have a big bust. In these cases relaxed jeans like slouchies or mom-fit are not as flattering because they create extra bulk on the lower half of the body. If this is your case, make sure you learn how to style skinnies in a modern trendy way.

Notice that current skinny jeans have a high waist and are ankle grazers.

So if you are buying new skinnies, opt for medium or high rise only. Forget about the low waist as it is dated and will significantly limit your styling options.

If you already have a low-waisted pair that you’d like to get more wear out of, style them with tucked out jumpers or do a pulled-out tuck (tuck the top in and then pull out as much fabric as possible to cover up the waistband. This will somewhat camouflage the low waist).

Also take a pair of scissors and shorten the skinnies if they are too long (aim for a good bit above the ankle). Yep, as simple as that. Cut them and put them in wash to fray the hems. Unfinished hems are bang on trend so this is a fool-proof DYI job!

This length will allow you to pair skinnies with ankle boots and trainers in a modern way.

If you are doing simple 2-piece looks without layering, getting the top and accessories right is very important.

Make sure the top is semi-fitted, relaxed or oversized. Especially if it is a shirt. It will counterbalance the tightness of the jeans and create a more contemporary silhouette.

If you are doing layering, make sure to do it in a trendy way with relaxed cuts and loose pieces.

Shirts under tight jumpers + ballet pumps are a dated look.

Skinnies + knee high boots are another dated combo. Especially if you add other dated elements like a tight shirt, low waist on the jeans, neat cardigan and so on.

The only way to make this formula appear contemporary is to go for a super sleek blazer or coat and trendy boots.

You can restyle the boots with dresses and the blazer/coat with other trousers to get more wear out of those pieces.

You can also add a pair of stylish trainers to give skinnies a modern vibe. White leather ones or chunky sneakers will do the job nicely!

Be careful when styling skinny jeans with cardigans. It was a very popular outfit formula years ago and many cardigans that were on trend back then are dated now. If you add dated accessories to this already risky mix or dated styling solutions (like skinnies inside of knee highs), you are guaranteed to end up with an out-of-date look.

Modern cardigans are either short or long and are a lot more relaxed.

If you are not particularly sure about how well aware you are when it comes to trends, play it safe and pair the cardigan + skinny jeans combo with a pair of ankle boots or trainers. Finish the look with a relaxed (not tight!!) t-shirt or blouse.