I'll Only Be Wearing Skinny Jeans If These 6 Items Are Involved

This year, when it comes to denim, I'm finding myself gravitating more toward straight and relaxed fits than usual, but by no means am I ditching my beloved skinny jeans. Instead, I'm finding it helpful to get really selective about the items I pair them with—you'll only find me wearing skinny jeans in 2018 if at least one of these six items are involved. Hint: Balance is key. When it comes to shoes, I'm loving tucking my jeans into chunky-soled boots (especially combat styles). See which looks are inspiring my skinny-jean outfits for the rest of the year.

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1. Statement Coats
(Image credit: @shionat)

Bold and luxurious, a statement coat commands attention to your upper half, thus streamlining the rest of the look.

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

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2. Combat Boots
(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Combat boots ground any look with their substantial shape, which means a pair of skinny jeans is the ideal match to balance out their tougher feel. Try swapping out your classic ankle boots for a pair of combat boots and tucking the hem of your jeans inside.

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

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3. Breezy Dresses
(Image credit: Style du Monde)

That's right: Ever the fashion favorite, wearing a dress over your jeans will always look cool, a bit unexpected, and totally forward. So when I feel that my skinny jeans are approaching the same snug fit as my leggings, wearing a floaty dress on top is my go-to trick. Asymmetrical hemlines and wrap dresses look especially good over skinny jeans.

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

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4. Kitten Heels
(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Skinny jeans are a tried-and-true classic, while kitten heels, on the other hand, are a trend that's only recently come back around. I'm drawn to this combination of classic and trend-forward. Not to mention that the heels are, in my opinion, the 2018 version of wearing flats with your skinny jeans.

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

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5. Trench Coats
(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Just like wearing a long sweater over your leggings, I feel most comfortable wearing a longline coat or duster over my skinny jeans. Again, it's all about balance for me, as I've never been super comfortable with wearing the body-hugging denim alone. This season, I'm loving wearing a classic trench over my skinny jeans.

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

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6. Over-the-Knee Boots
(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Lastly, I'm of the opinion that over-the-knee boots were made for skinny jeans, creating one long streamlined silhouette. Opt for a slouchy boot for a more forward look or a fitted boot for that undeniably flattering shape.

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)
Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.