Kate Middleton Rocks A Gen Z-Inspired Look That’s Stirring Up Millennial Nostalgia - And Debate

Skinny jeans might just reclaim their place as a modern-day classic.

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• March 31, 2025

Fashion trends are famously cyclical; what disappears for a decade can suddenly return to the spotlight with a fresh twist. One such trend making a major comeback in 2025? The skinny jean.

Once the ultimate staple of the noughties wardrobe, this figure-hugging denim silhouette had seemingly been cast aside in favor of looser, more relaxed fits. But now, it’s back - and none other than Princess Kate is helping lead the charge.

While Gen Z influencers have already started to re-embrace the snug-fit style, swapping out their baggy jeans for skinnies, it’s the Princess of Wales who’s brought the trend full circle. Often seen sporting sleek black or dark denim skinny jeans paired with crisp white trainers or dainty ballet flats, Kate proves that this once-divisive style still has royal staying power.

Over the years, denim trends have evolved, from wide-leg and bootcut to mom jeans and barrel styles. But there's an enduring appeal to the skinny jean’s clean lines and versatility. It first gained popularity in the 2000s, with icons like Kate Moss and Amy Winehouse making it their signature. Though it eventually faded into the fashion background, 2025 is clearly its revival year.

Fashion journalist Laura Sutcliffe told Hello! magazine: "The Princess of Wales has always championed skinny jeans, even though barrel and turn ups are widely considered more trendy at the moment."

With both Gen Z and royalty backing their return, skinny jeans might just reclaim their place as a modern-day classic.

Kate Middleton proves skinny jeans aren’t just a Gen Z fave - they’re royally approved

"She has teamed them with a variety of fashion staples over the years; from her Breton striped tops to tailored blazers and pretty blouses."

It appears Kate has found a style she liked, and stuck to it, with the royal seen in skinny jeans regularly over the years, including some of her recent appearances now she's resumed royal duties this year.

Sutcliffe added: "The mum-of-three needs comfort when she takes part in sporty engagements and also when she does the school run. Everyone looks good in the mighty skinny, no matter what shape you are."

Kate is wearing skinny jeans, visiting a World Heritage Site visitor centre to learn more about the history of Blaenavon

Kate Middleton may be putting skinny jeans back on the royal style radar, but she’s not the only one embracing their return. The fashion world has been building toward this comeback for a while, and now it's officially taking center stage.

In 2023, designers like Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Prada brought the skinny silhouette back to life on the runway. From form-fitting cigarette pants to tapered leggings, sleek and skintight styles made a strong statement. Just a year later, the trend had fully arrived. Miu Miu pushed it even further by sending models down the catwalk in ultra-tight denim, confirming that skinny jeans are back in the fashion conversation.

Celebrities have also been slipping back into their skinny jeans. Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski have both been seen sporting the look with their signature off-duty model style, proving that the trend still carries serious street cred.

Farfetch’s senior menswear editor, Luke Raymond, believes the skinny jean revival is likely to stick around as brands and tastemakers look for new ways to stand out. "It’s rare now to see skinny jeans in the wild, which subsequently means that brands and influential dressers will inevitably look to bring them back to the table," he told GQ.

He continued, "Add the nostalgic throwback to the #indiesleaze early ’00s that has been gaining steam, and you have a perfect storm for the return of the skinny jean."

Skinny jeans are officially back on the map, and their comeback is only just beginning.

Damjan