Bianca Martinez & JJ Saehang - Skinny Jeans

By Bianca Martinez & JJ Saehang

I was first introduced to skinny jeans sometime last year. I may be late to recognize this trend, but since then, I’ve been seeing them worn more often than before.  Skinny jeans are taking over celebrity fashion because now when you watch television or even read a magazine, you will most likely see a celebrity showing off his/her skinny jeans. 

The revival of this trend demonstrates the influence of hip-hop culture. Hip-hop has taken over much of today’s music industry and is widely listened to compared to other genres of music. Hip-hop artists set trends with their style which is also known as, “swagger.” Today’s icons who lead this trend in the hip-hop community are Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Pharrell, and Lil Wayne. These are big-name artists and with their position in mainstream music, they are idolized, loved, and inspiring.

With that said, fans tend to mimic their sense of fashion. One of the most critical reasons people wear skinny jeans is to flaunt their “kicks” or in literal terms, shoes. The shoes that are popularly worn with skinny jeans are skater shoes such as: DC, Ethnies, Vans, etc. and for fashion purposes, many wear Nike Air Force Ones and Converse “Chuck Taylors” with them. Designer shoe labels are now designing shoes that complement skinny jeans. Though skinny jeans are an old trend that appeared in the 1950s, but it was not embraced as much as it is present day.   

In the 1950s, like present day, skinny jeans were popular in the music industry. They were typically worn by the artist trying to portray the “bad boy/bad girl” image. The trend redeveloped in the 1980s. Many heavy-rock bands brought the skinny jean style back into action. The pop legends of that era were Michael Jackson and Madonna, and they had a significant impact on the fashion trends of their day.

 Most individuals are concerned with appearance. It is an important part of American Lifestyle. “Dress to impress” has always been a motto with the US population. Stereotypes have always been prominent in American culture, as in other cultures I’m sure, but more so in the US. People read books by their covers, and our style is our cover. Our clothes and general appearance say certain things about us. People are generally conscious of the ideal image they want to portray. We are slaves to the fashion industry. Cosmo says to wear something, and we are at the clothing store that very night to buy the outfit we plan to wear tomorrow. Even with the times tight, (sorry to mention the economy, we all know things are not good) people are probably more concerned with their appearance than ever. They are forced to stand out and try to overcome many to get the job they so desperately need.