Skinny jeans are out.

Every year, at least a few trend forecasters and fashion writers declare this. Still, every year, stores continue to sell them and women continue to wear them. As we approach 2016, a year that marks a decade since skinnies rose to popularity, I fear that these skinny death threats are finally coming true. I, for one, am not ready.

Although I pride myself on keeping up with trends and trying new styles, the skinny jean is something I cannot seem to let go of. Others may disagree, as stores have filled up with the latest styles — boyfriend, boot-cut and flare are the new reigning trio. Boyfriend jeans are great for the spring, worn distressed and with sandals. Boot-cut and flare jeans are refreshing and give off a ‘70s vibe that feels current and trendy. I am a fan of all three of these types, but skinny jeans need to stay in the mix. No other style is as versatile.

Skinny jeans are necessary for a woman’s wardrobe, especially at Syracuse in the winter. Since we need to wear boots to trudge through the snow, we need to have pants that can tuck in and stay out of the way. Boot cut jeans may imply that they are the go-to jean to wear with boots by their name, but in reality they look odd with tall boots and snow boots. They require shorter booties, which aren’t feasible when temperatures drop below zero and snow is up to the knees.

Skinnies are also flattering. It may be hard to believe — we’ve all seen people of all sizes squeezed into jeans that were a little too tight for them. But if bought in the right size, skinny jeans flatter curvier girls by showing off their silhouettes so they do not hide behind bulky extra fabric. Skinny jeans, especially in high-waist styles, also flatter shorter girls who would drown in the extra fabric of wide-leg jeans.

These past few years, there have been reports that denim sales in general are dropping. People are replacing their jeans with leggings and soft pants. This may be part of the reason that designers are so keen to put out new styles; they hope to get their buyers back by enticing them with new trends. I don’t think trendiness is the problem with jean sales, though. We simply like the comfort of leggings. Out of all styles of jeans, the skinny jean, while seemingly painful to pull on and off, actually has the most potential for comfort. Because the style contours the leg, it can be made with more stretch fabrics. If designers work on increasing the comfort of their jeans, they may see a rise in sales.

As for now, I’ll continue to dance the skinny jean dance. I’ll try my boyfriend jeans and boot-cuts and flares and wear them for a bit, but skinny jeans are classic, and for me, they will always be in.

Jackie Homan is a sophomore magazine journalism major. You can email her at jahoman@syr.edu or follow her @jackie_homan on Twitter.

Published on October 26, 2015 at 8:54 pm