The Ultimate Guide to Wearing Skinny Jeans This Summer

Summer is the season when T-shirts, swimsuits, and shorts make their way to the forefront of our closets, and sweaters, boots, and jackets make their way to the back. The only type of clothing that stays firmly front and center at all times is our jeans. That's right, we don't care if it's the dead of winter or the height of summer; we're still wearing our jeans—and our skinny jeans in particular. 

Why skinny jeans, you ask? It's simple. Even though baggy jeans have come back into style in recent years, we still have a special place in our hearts for the sleek silhouette of the classic skinny jean. The tailored fit makes any outfit, no matter how casual, appear elevated and put-together. So we keep buying and wearing skinny jeans, paying no attention to the time of year or the temperature. The only thing that ever changes is the tops, the shoes, and the accessories that we pair with said skinny jeans (this summer, we're looking at strappy sandals, black bodysuits, and other similarly on-trend pairings). Keep scrolling to see all the ways we're planning on wearing our skinny jeans this summer. 

Skinny Jeans + Button-Down

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Consider this combination of dark skinny jeans and a black button-down your new summer work uniform. All you need to add is a pair of black or white mules, a leather bag, and some jewelry, and you're all set to head in the office. Depending on how formal your work dress code is, you can wear different versions of this outfit formula every single day or just on casual Fridays. 

Skinny Jeans + Blazer

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Here's another work-appropriate outfit that's based around a nice pair of black skinny jeans, a T-shirt, and a blazer. All three can be mixed and matched according to your personal style, just be sure to avoid reaching for a distressed pair of jeans in order to keep it looking elevated and professional.

Skinny Jeans + Silk Blouse

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Dress up a pair of skinny jeans for a night out by pairing them with a sleeveless silk blouse and some pointed flats or kitten heels. Not only is this outfit extremely comfortable, but it's also nice and cool for wearing out when the temperatures begin to rise. Plus, there's something very French about it, no? 

Skinny Jeans + Bodysuit 

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Simplicity is elegance. That certainly holds true for this outfit, which is composed of only two items—a dark pair of skinny jeans and a strappy black bodysuit. It's the perfect summer outfit because it's casual for daywear yet it can be easily dressed up with a blazer and heels for dinner and drinks. 

Skinny Jeans + Chiffon Blouse

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Re-create this outfit in three simple steps. First, slide into your favorite pair of high-waisted skinny jeans. Then, tuck a breezy chiffon blouse into the front of the jeans. Lastly, put on a matching pair of pumps. Voilà, you have your summer brunch outfit sorted.

Skinny Jeans + Ruched Crop Top

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This combination of black skinny jeans and a black ruched top is basically built for an Instagram OOTD. Add cat-eye sunglasses, gold jewelry, and a black scrunchie, and you'll be oh so stylish.

Skinny Jeans + Peasant Top

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We love this combination of high-rise skinny jeans and a cropped peasant blouse. We would top it off with a printed neck or hair scarf and a pair of strappy sandals to create the ultimate summer outfit.

Skinny Jeans + Wrap Top

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White jeans are a classic summertime staple. Pair yours with a floral wrap top, an oversize clutch, and cognac-colored sandals like @margoandme did here. It's an outfit that basically screams summertime.

Skinny Jeans + Jean Jacket

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There is little else we love more in this world than a denim-on-denim outfit. Keep it cool for summer by wearing a lightweight denim jacket over a crop top or sports bra like Paloma Elsesser does here. It's sporty and casual and foolproof, all at the same time.

Skinny Jeans + Sheer Duster

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A sheer duster shirt will add length and dimension to your outfit without adding any unnecessary weight or heat. Pair it with mid-rise skinny jeans, your best top-handle bag, and heeled sandals. 

Next up, six items no one is wearing on vacation anymore (and what they're packing instead). 

Kaitlyn McLintock
Associate Beauty Editor

Kaitlyn McLintock is an Associate Beauty Editor at Who What Wear. Although she covers a wide range of topics across a variety of categories, she specializes in celebrity interviews and skincare and wellness content. Having lived in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, she recently relocated back to her home state of Michigan where she works remotely. Prior to Who What Wear, she freelanced for a variety of industry-leading digital publications, including InStyle, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Hello Giggles, and Coveteur. Before that, she held a long-term internship and subsequent contributor position at Byrdie. When she's not writing, researching, or testing the latest and greatest beauty products, she's working her way through an ever-growing book collection, swimming in the Great Lakes, or spending time with family.