Fall shopping season is just around the corner. One of the big styling questions I receive every season is: “What is the denim fit to add to cart?” There has been a wave of speculation that the skinny jean is back. It’s time to set the record straight: Skinny jeans never left. They have entered into a classic style that has a permanent place in the wardrobe.

The skinny jean re-peaked in popularity from 2010-2020 from the 1980s. Denim can be best studied on a 10 year cycle. We watched every variation of the skinny jean come and go in the 2010’s. There was the super skinny, jegging, colored skinny, metallic skinny, leather skinny, suede skinny, and every print you can imagine available in a skinny jean. After covid the skinny jeans took a major decline in popularity and new fits have surfaced. It’s only been 4 years since we have shifted away from skinny jeans, so I think it’s too soon for it to come back to the front of the fashion curb.

Designers, however, are aware that not everybody looks good in the same fit of denim which is why most stores now offer a large variety of fits to choose from.

When considering which style of denim to add to your cart this fall, consider these factors:

1. Your body shape. If you have slim legs a skinny fit is probably a classic fit that you will want to keep in your denim rotation. If you have athletic or curvy legs, you may want to select a slim straight leg or straight leg fit instead of a skinny in order to avoid your skinny jeans looking like jeggings (which are definitely out!)
2. Your style direction. If you lean towards classic styling (think Audrey Hepburn and Princess Catherine of Wales), your wardrobe may still include some skinny styles which is ok if classic is your goal. If you want a style update or something more modern it may be time to add a new fit besides skinny.
3. The right wash. There are so many varieties when selecting a denim wash. Some washes to consider are dark, medium, light, faded, and distressed. Your denim should work easily into your wardrobe and go with your other items. When fall shopping, make sure to try on denim with other items in the fitting room to make sure you are selecting the right pair. Everyone has a different color palette so there is no right answer for the washes you choose. It comes down to each individual and what works best on her.

When building your wardrobe this fall season, variety is key. Its important to add serval different denim fits to create different looks within your closet. Remember to have fun trying new things when it comes to clothes. If you are not liking a trend or style, its ok to skip! Your wardrobe should be about what you feel good in and what looks best on you.