The Great Skinny Jeans Debate

Let’s talk about skinny jeans…

Let’s rip the Band-Aid off: skinny jeans have officially entered their “controversial public figure” era. Once beloved, now side-eyed. Much like Chris Pratt, but I digress.

The youths (read: TikTok) declared skinny jeans dead a few years ago, and ever since, those of us over 35 have been spiraling. It’s not that we’re clinging to our skinnies—it’s that we’re emotionally attached. These jeans got us through first dates, job interviews, girls’ nights out, and one ill-advised Zumba class. They are survivors. We are survivors.

But let’s talk real: are we still wearing them? Or are we finally surrendering to the high-waisted, wide-leg revolution?

Let’s Examine the Evidence Like It’s a True Crime Docuseries

Exhibit A: Comfort.
Have you put on a pair of wide-leg, high-waist, relaxed-fit jeans lately? It’s like being hugged by soft denim clouds that don’t punish you for eating tacos. Compare that to your favorite pair of skinnies that you basically have to shimmy into like you’re doing competitive yoga in your bedroom. And God forbid you try to take them off after a long day—might as well get the jaws of life.

Exhibit B: Style.
Here’s the tea—skinny jeans can still be chic. The trick is in the styling. They’re basically the neutral of jeans now, a solid base for oversized blazers, statement boots, or a “don’t talk to me, I’m running errands but make it fashion” hoodie. But let’s not lie, pairing them with ballet flats and a cardigan gives major 2012 Pinterest board. Which, by the way, is now considered vintage aesthetic. You’re welcome.

Exhibit C: The Gen Z Judgment.
Yes, they’ve tried to cancel us for the skinnies. And the side part. And the laughing emoji (💀 is the new 😂 apparently??). But hear me loud and clear: we are not dressing for teenagers. We are dressing for ourselves, for comfort, for confidence, and for those occasional errand runs where we might run into our ex or that mom we hate. So unless a 23-year-old Venmos me for my Spanx budget, I will continue to ignore their fashion ultimatums.

So… Are We Still Wearing Them?

Yes. No. Maybe. Sometimes. With tall boots? Or tucked into booties? With an oversized button down? Or when I haven’t done laundry and they’re the only clean pair? Are skinny jeans like your ex you still stalk on Instagram—technically out of rotation, but still in your orbit. ALSO NO JUDGEMENT.

Here’s my take: if you love them, wear them. If you’re ready to branch out, go for a straight leg or a barrel jean (yes, that’s a thing now—jeans shaped like wine barrels, bless it all). If you want to start a new trend where we all wear jeggings and reclaim our collective comfort, I will lead that movement with pride and a well-worn denim jacket.

Final Thoughts:

Fashion is cyclical. The same way we all swore off low-rise jeans only for them to come slithering back like a drunk ex at 2 a.m., skinnies may have a future resurgence. But for now, don’t ditch them just because someone on TikTok with dewy skin and no knowledge of how to use a rotary phone said to. You are a grown-ass woman and you wear what makes you feel good.

And if that’s skinny jeans with a wedge sneaker? Well, I love that for you.