Love them or loathe them, you can’t deny that the skinny jean is making a triumphant return. Once the reigning monarch of denim – a style staple loved by everyone from Kate Moss to Paris Hilton – the humble skinny-leg was dethroned by wider cut, straight-leg styles in the last decade. But fashion, ever cyclical, has turned its gaze back to the snug silhouettes of Y2K. Blame it on TikTok influencers or just a heady sense of nostalgia, we’re now seeing slim, fitted denim at brands like Celine (Hedi Slimane, the outgoing creative director, has been a skinny jeans aficionado for decades now), and embraced by well-heeled megastars like Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, and Zendaya.

Want to dip into the trend without looking like you’ve stepped out of 2005? We hear you. Nailing the skinny jeans look in 2025 is all about restraint. The trick lies in balancing out your proportions – marrying the skinny silhouette with oversized details, like a chunky knit sweater or boxy blazer. At Celine, the Francoise and Kitty styles are the perfect tapered leg blend, not skin-hugging but undeniably “skinny”. Country Road’s ‘Sateen’ jean is perfect for daywear – throw on a wrap coat and a great knee-high boot. For something a little bolder, Witchery’s Skinny Denim Jean in black or dark indigo brings a little rock-and-roll edge – an oversized leather jacket and a stiletto are your best friends here.

As with all good outfits, accessories can make or break this look. Add height with towering, sex appeal-laden pumps from Wittner, Jo Mercer’s ‘Archer’ heels in black patent or Christian Louboutin ‘Miss Z 100 Black ‘and ‘Kate Max’ Velour pumps, or lean into the rock and roll sensibility (vintage Kate Moss should be on your moodboard here) with heeled boots from R.M. Williams, or Country Road’s ‘Spencer’ boot. During winter, finish the look with a classic piece of outerwear, a cocoon coat like Golden Goose's coat or Camilla and Marc’s eternally classic ‘Moriallis’ trench available in black or a delicious shade of sage green.