8 "Basic" Skinny-Jean Outfits That Actually Look Pretty Expensive

Despite what the peanut gallery may say, skinny jeans are in no way dead. Sure, they may skew on the more polarizing side of the denim spectrum, but I’d consider them a classic at this point. I actually live in black skinnies on a regular basis. If you too consider them a staple, you probably have a few go-to outfits you regularly wear with them. While I’d never tell you to shy away from your uniform, the fashion community is actually filled with a range of fresh skinny-jean outfits if you want a refresh this fall.

And what’s particularly noteworthy is that many of the looks in question seem to be "basic” in theory (as in, they’re not made up of a ton of elaborate pieces) but actually look quite high-concept. To show you what I mean, I curated a range of fashion girls wearing simple, expensive-feeling (designer accessories aside, of course) skinny-jean ensembles. Keep scrolling to uncover your new go-to ’fit, and shop each look with under-$200 staples as well.

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(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

Adding a trench coat to any outfit—including a sweater, cropped skinnies, and flats look—will always feel timeless and inherently elevated.

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(Image credit: Melodie Jeng/Getty Images)

Add a moto jacket to a skinny-jean fit for that fancy "downtown” vibe.

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(Image credit: Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images)

Upgrade those go-to distressed skinny jeans with bold tailoring like a slouchy blazer for a sophisticated moment.

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(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

Going for denim on denim is quite directional and posh in darker denim hues. Add heels and you’re all set.

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(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

A sweater set or colorful cardigan will bring a playful twist to skinny jeans—and comes across as so luxe and cool.

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(Image credit: David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)

You can’t deny the power of adding an intricate blouse into a jean outfit for an upgraded statement.

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(Image credit: Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images)

Similar to the idea of adding a moto jacket to your look, all of the popular leather-like separates out there in the market right now will also enhance a light-wash skinny-jean ensemble.

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(Image credit: Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images)

Skinny jeans paired with an oversized sweatshirt is seemingly simple, but if you choose a pullover that’s vibrant and eye-catching, you’ll up the ante for a fashion-froward feel.

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Next, check out more skinny-jean outfits that don't feel dated.

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Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.