Yes, French girls wear skinny jeans, but with a modern twist in 2025/2026, favoring slimmer, high-rise, stretchy versions styled with oversized blazers, loafers, or Converse for a balanced, contemporary look, rather than the super-tight styles of the 2010s, focusing more on classic straight-leg, bootcut, or wide-leg options for everyday chic. They combine them with timeless pieces like trench coats, simple tops, and classic footwear to keep the look effortless and chic, avoiding overly trendy or baggy extremes.
Despite the fast growth of looser styles -- be it baggy, slim-fit, or barrel jeans -- interest in skinny jeans hasn't actually decreased from both consumers and designers hasn't actually decreased. Brands like Acne and Diesel included skinny jeans in their spring/summer 2024 lineups, for example.
The Skinny Jean
Those who've been paying attention shouldn't be surprised; they've been cropping up on runways for the two years (see: Miu Miu FW2024, Isabel Marant FW2025, and Michael Rider SS2026). This modern version isn't painted-on tight, but is still skinnier than a straight leg and has a neatly tapered ankle.
What to Wear Instead of Skinny Jeans: 6 Alternatives That Are Equally Chic (and Way Comfier)
But Are Skinny Jeans OUTDATED? Skinny jeans are NOT outdated. Rather they've moved to the category of a classic style. So yes, you can keep wearing your skinnies if you like them.
Expect this once-popular staple to quietly exit the trend cycle.
Today, A-listers frequently take cues from skinny jean enthusiasts of the past — think: Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Kate Moss, Paris Hilton, and more. But not everyone is giving their bottoms the Y2K treatment. Instead, stars are styling skinny jeans in fresh and modern ways — proving how versatile they really are.
5 Jeans Styles That Women Over 40 Should Avoid Wearing
According to John Lewis, out of the 1,349 styles of jeans available in its womenswear, wide-leg cuts have outpaced straight and skinny this year. At M&S, which is No 1 in the women's jeans market, selling 10 pairs every minute, the current bestseller is a wide-leg indigo wash jean.
Heeled pumps, especially pointed-toe versions, accentuate the curve of the ankle and look great with skinny jeans, whether you've cuffed them or not. Kitten heel pumps are also a more relaxed option. If you want to keep your skinny jeans outfit more classic, look for pumps with a lower block heel and square toe.
With this fashion rule in mind, it won't be long until skinny jeans come back into style, maybe even in the next couple of years. So before you dive into your wardrobe and throw out everything that isn't as trendy as it once was, keep the cycle in mind. You can always upcycle some of those pieces as well!
While denim, the material, remains timeless and utilitarian, its silhouettes are always evolving. This season, the skinny jean has come storming back, buoyed in part by Michael Rider's debut at Celine, where razor-slim pairs were juxtaposed by oversized blazers.
The "333 rule" in clothing refers to two popular, related concepts: the 3-3-3 Styling Method, choosing 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 pairs of shoes to create 27 outfits (3x3x3) for easy styling and travel; and the Project 333, a minimalism challenge to wear only 33 items (including clothes, shoes, and accessories) for 3 months to reduce consumption. Both methods promote versatility, getting creative with existing items, and building a functional capsule wardrobe.
Key Elements of the French Girl Fashion Aesthetic
Think tailored blazers, crisp white shirts, Breton stripes, high-waisted jeans, and little black dresses. These items never go out of style and can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Effortless Silhouettes: The French girl look is all about effortless elegance.
The foundation of the French girl aesthetic is a curated, high-quality wardrobe filled with timeless pieces. Think classic silhouettes, neutral tones, and effortless layering. Here are a few essentials: Tailored Blazer – Instantly elevates any outfit, whether paired with jeans or a dress.
Over a year ago, when low-slung skinnies walked the runway at the Miu Miu fall/winter 2024 show, we knew this denim trend was bound for a comeback. It's really has been full steam ahead for 2025, especially after fall/winter 2025 shows like Acne Studios and Isabel Marant incorporated the slim-cut denim into the mix.
The "two-finger test" for jeans is a simple way to check for a comfortable waist fit: you should be able to slide two fingers (index and middle) between your natural waist and the waistband of the jeans, indicating enough room to move and sit without feeling too tight or cutting into your skin, but not so loose that they'll sag. It's a quick gauge to see if there's room for a meal or bloating without needing a belt immediately.
Let's get into it.
On the flip side, many Gen Zers still prefer baggier silhouettes for their comfort, gender inclusivity, and laid-back feel. If you scroll through TikTok or Instagram, you'll still see memes and debates about the “skinny jean wars,” especially when comparing Millennial vs. Gen Z fashion choices.
Fitted styles work best for those with an hourglass figure – a defined waistline with curvy hips and bust – as they accentuate curves in all the right places. Skinny jeans or high-waisted options are ideal for this body type as they enhance the waistline while still hugging curves.
“We've seen strong energy around low-slung, straight, slouchy fits that feel lived-in,” she says, highlighting styles such as the Lindz, Winslow, and Anissa, all of which illustrate “the low-rise and looser narrative, offering a shift to early-2000s icons, reinterpreted with a contemporary point of view.” Whether you ...
Match sneaker silhouette to denim fit: Slim sneakers pair best with skinny or tapered jeans; chunkier styles work well with relaxed or straight-leg cuts. Mind your hem: Crop or cuff your jeans to let your sneakers show. Avoid stacking fabric at the ankle.
You can't go wrong with a crisp white blouse and a pair of skinny jeans; a dark wash will provide some nice contrast while a light wash creates more of an airy look. “To make it fresh and modern, I would suggest a crop boxy woven,” says Brian Floyd Austin, a personal fashion style expert.