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Five Iconic Skinny Pant Looks and How to Emulate Them
From Princess Diana to Zoë Kravitz, five style icons ensure that skinny pants are forever.
You may have heard rumblings that last year, Gen Z declared skinny jeans “out” along with the 😂 emoji and side parts (rude!). While we’ve never bought into such blanket statements, we’re here to tell you that true style involves embracing whatever pant styles make you feel good. Out: Declaring certain silhouettes categorically “out.” In: Widening your pant horizons. This is the era of rocking tailored trousers on the weekend, wearing kick-crop jeans to the office, and rekindling your love of skinny pants.
As any quick survey of style icons will reveal, skinny pants are eternal. From Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face to “it” girls strutting down the streets today, sleek pants have always held the potential to be styled in charming, chic, and cool ways. And now, thanks to our new Skinny Fosters, they can be ultra-comfortable, too. A tapered take on our #1 best-selling Foster pants, the skinny version is made from the same beloved PowerStretch fabric but updated with a slimmer leg, notched ankles, and faux back pockets for a bit of extra coverage. Fun fact: Depending on your height and shoe, the notched ankles will look different. If you’re more petite, the hem might fall a bit below your ankle, which actually looks extra-chic, thanks to the notch.
To illustrate just how stylish the Skinny Fosters (and other skinny pants) can be, we thought it best to turn to a few of our favorite style icons. Below, see how you can emulate their leggy looks.
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Audrey Hepburn
If you’re a longtime M Dash reader, you may have noticed that we’ve referenced Audrey Hepburn a few times over the years. Can you blame us? Trained as a dancer, Hepburn exuded natural poise and charm—qualities that were amplified by her impeccable fashion choices. In addition to her many Givenchy gowns, Hepburn was a big fan of streamlined separates, including skinny pants. To recreate this classic, movement-friendly look from Funny Face, all you need is a black turtleneck and comfortable black shoes to go along with your black Skinny Fosters. While you’re at it, add some sparkly studs for a twinkly nod to Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Grace Jones
Goin’ out tonight and not feelin’ alright? You might just need a little Shania in your life. Follow her words of wisdom and rock a short(ish) skirt like the Whitney, which will provide plenty of stretch if you end up on the dance floor. The cap-sleeved Liana top adds a charming element, while the vegan leather Nicky jacket brings a slight edge. To really amp things up, slip on the sexy Nina boots, and fasten your gold hoops.
Princess Diana
Whether or not you’re deep in the throes of reading Spare, the radiant, much-beloved Princess Diana needs no introduction—nor does her preppy (and sometimes irreverent) sense of style. Emulate the springy palette pictured in this look with verdant, neutral pieces like the Kati jacket in forest and the Skinny Foster pants in thyme. An ivory turtleneck creates a beautiful contrast to your dark jacket, while the coordinating Rowan flats and Yayoi earrings are the Crown Jewels cherries on top.
Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep is better known for her acting chops than for her style—and rightfully so. But in my opinion, she deserves credit for both. She consistently manages to look delightfully artsy without reminding you of your kooky aunt—an impressive feat. And what about all the times she’s worn glasses on the red carpet? Simply iconic. Since you’re probably not attending many movie premieres yourself, try out one of Streep’s Power Casual looks. To get this one, pair your Skinny Fosters with a patterned tunic, like the Tully top in houndstooth, and finish it off with the heeled Lana boots and some gold hoops. You’re basically method-acting as Meryl at this point, and it’s an Oscar-worthy performance if you ask us.
Zoë Kravitz
Zoë Kravitz is the product of two insanely cool parents, Lisa Bonet and Lenny Kravitz, and it shows. Her style is defined by unexpected combinations of seemingly one-of-a-kind pieces—those items you always think you’ll find at the thrift shop but never do. And in addition to her knack for vintage shopping, she really knows how to dress for her petite 5’2” frame. As an “it” girl, Kravitz has probably tried every trend out there, but she often sticks to more fitted pants—presumably for their elongating effect. If you, too, are petite, follow in Kravitz’s footsteps, opting for slim pants like the Skinny Fosters and pairing them with an oversized sweater like the Theo for a balanced, effortlessly cool combination. To achieve her complete look, accessorize with the Irene slingblacks, gold hoops, and a large carry-all tote.
