You thought you’d seen the last of them, but skinny pants are making a stylish comeback. Here’s how to wear them like it’s 2025, not 2015
People love to talk about skinny trousers like a fashion pandemic—a chapter we’d rather not revisit. It’s almost as if we’ve forgotten that fashion is like a well-oiled pendulum, and the moment you think something’s out, it swings back in. Such is the return of skinny pants in 2025.
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What a seductress oversized fashion has been, leaving skinny pants in exile. And yet, the latest runways tell a different story. At the Spring/Summer 25 presentations, Marni mixed tight trousers with volume, Prada gave us polos tucked into skinny pants, and Isabel Marant brought back low-rise skinnies with breezy blouses. But this isn’t a total revival. Skinny pants are back, but need more intentional styling that fits 2025, not 2015.
The Capri Code
DO: Style your capri pants with sleek and minimalist footwear. This means strappy sandals, classic Orans, sleek mules, and heeled tongs that give an airy look. Not only do they let your capris shine without competing for attention, but they also give you the illusion of more height. When in doubt, put Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday or Bella Hadid roaming the streets of New York in cropped black capris.
DON’T: Wear bulky footwear. Heavy boots and sneakers can throw off the balance and make the wearer look stumped. Stick to styles that complement the streamlined fit of capri pants, keeping the proportions in shape.
Monochrome Magic
DO: Aim for a monochromatic look that gives the illusion of a set or seamless one-piece. Keeping everything in the same shade eliminates any visual breaks, stretching your frame and making you look effortlessly put together. To avoid looking boring, play with textures, like mixing satin with leather. Then, spice it up with bold accessories, prints, pops of color, or unexpected details.
DON’T: Overdo the tucking. Tucking everything into your skinny pants can make you look stiff and the look too calculated, turning what could be chic into a corporate mess. If the top ends up falling too long, opt instead for a French tuck to avoid the awkward, trying-too-hard look and to give your look some air—literally.
‘Skousers’ are In
DO: Layer skinny pants under a sleek, simple skirt with clean cuts. Go for asymmetrical hems, a simple mini skirt, or a structured midi skirt. The goal is to allow the pants and the skirt to have their moment, not look like you tried too hard to wear everything all at once. This makes a balanced, more modern look without any unnecessary bulk.
DON’T: Overcomplicate the look with too many competing elements. If you love skirts with exaggerated pleats or too many tiers, reserve them for solo moments. When layering, let only one element remain the star, whether it’s the pants or the skirt. Too much volume can distract from the sharpness of your silhouette and leave you looking too stout.
Chunky Chic
DO: Choose a chunky top that falls just at your hips or slightly below. This creates the ideal balance, offsetting the fitted nature of your skinny pants with the relaxed volume on top. Moreover, making sure it falls in the right place maintains a streamlined shape without hiding your legs. The last thing you want is to be lost under a sea of fabric.
DON’T: Wear skinny pants with too many folds or excess fabric at the ankle. If your pants are too long or baggy at the bottom, they’ll bunch up and create an unintentional scrunch, making you look slouchy. Fabric puddles are to be avoided at all costs.
Featured Image: MEGA ARCHIVES
