You may have seen Alaskans in the Alaska terminal at Sea Tac. You may have wondered why so many of them wear skinnies. No matter whether they are in style or not. Here is the answer why women in Alaska of any age and shape swear by their skinny jeans. You will be surprised!
Updated: 8/15/2022
- Are Skinnies In or Out of Fashion?
- Wear Flannel Tights under Skinnies for Extra Insulation
- Tight Jeans Are Perfect for Over-the-knee boots
- Skinnies look Dressier Than Leggings
- Skinny Jeans Work Well with Thermal Skirts
- How to style skinnies for Casual Friday
Are Skinnies In or Out of Fashion?
Lately there is a lot of discussion about skinnies having had their moment. Skinnies have their name because they are like a second skin. As teenagers, we defined a good pair of skinnies should close only when laying flat on the bed when coming out of the laundry . 😉
In Alaska, skinnies are a favorite among women. On first thought, this choice does not make much sense. As a matter of fact, skinnies have no insulating air layer between the body and the fabric which would be very helpful to stay warm at temperatures in the double negative digits. Moreover, it is impossible to wear long-johns underneath. More on cold wet weather outfits.
Wear Flannel Tights under Skinnies for Extra Insulation
Now, why do Alaskan women wear skinnies? While long-johns don’t work, flannel-lined tights do work! Add a pair of wool socks and you are done with less hassle and gaps than with a pair of long-johns, two pair of socks with jeans combo. Plus skinnies allow wearing tall boots to stay warm and keep the snow out.
Tight Jeans Are Perfect for Over-the-knee boots
Keeping the feet warm is very important. The alternative is wearing boot-cut jeans as they go over the boots. However, boot-cut jeans may catch snow which melts when going inside. On the contrary, the skinnies being in the boots don’t get into contact with the snow. Skin cut jeans look great with all kinds of boots. More on wearing OTK-boots.
Stylist tip: Skinnies and over-the-knee boots are a fool-proof combination.
Skinnies Look Dressier Than Leggings
They look great when worn with a coat as is shown in the photo above and the next photo. They also look great when styled like leggings, but much dressier. On the contrary, they are even appropriate for Casual Friday outfits in a business casual work environment. While leggings are never work appropriate. They are great for the weekend. More on how to look great in leggings over 40.
Skinny Jeans Work Well with Thermal Skirts
They also provide a sleek look when an insulating skirt is worn on top of them to protect the thighs when wearing a bulky down jacket. The advantage of wearing an insulating skirt and a down jacket over wearing a down coat is the lower weight on the shoulders.
Skinnies also look fabulous when worn with a kuspuk (see this post for a photo of a kuspuk), an Alaskan native dress made from cotton or as outerwear, made from fur on the inside and velvet with various decorations on the outside.
The main reasons why skinnies are an Alaska classic, are comfort and practicality, which are high priorities at the Last Frontier.
How to Style Skinnies for Casual Friday
The outfit inspiration below features a posh Casual Friday look with a trench coat worn instead of a blazer. The additional length as compared to a blazer offsets the “sexiness” of the skinnies. Thus, the combination works in a casual work environment like the sciences at a university.
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Photos: G. Kramm
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