Julia Roberts Just Wore the Edgiest Version of Gen Z’s Most-Hated Style

We kicked off this decade with Gen Z declaring that skinny jeans are dead — and they weren’t totally wrong. Pants were trending away from that skin-tight look even before the pandemic, and post-lockdown we all got accustomed to baggy, comfort-first styles, making skinny jeans a distant memory. But it seems like celebrities are attempting a skinny jean-revival, with everyone from Meghan Markle to Gisele Bündchen and Martha Stewart rocking the look. And this week, Julia Roberts made a case for bringing back the controversial style’s edgier sister.

While on her Leave the World Behind movie press tour, the actress has been turning out one must-have look after another, from her pairing of editor-loved knee-high boots and a mini tuxedo dress to one of the chicest takes on menswear I’ve seen all year — and yes, a ‘fit that really wouldn’t be complete without skinny leather pants. 

Spanx Leather-Like Ankle Skinny Pant

Gap Mid-Rise Vegan Leather Skinny Pants

Her winter-perfect outfit consisted of those black fitted pants, classic loafers, a chunky gray turtleneck, and an elegant plaid cape jacket. While I was immediately drawn to the cape, which acted as an updated version of your favorite winter coat, I can’t deny that it would have the same eye-catching effect if not for the pants. The topcoat-inspired cape was seriously oversized, and in order to balance proportions, tight pants were a necessity. With a loose, baggier style, the entire look would have quickly devolved into feeling too big (dare I say sloppy?). Her skinny pants had a damn job to do — and they did it! 

But while they were there to maintain proportion equilibrium, IMO, they also added a chic touch of their own thanks to their lustrous finish and perfectly cropped hem. Because even though I might personally still be on the fence about skinny jeans, I honestly really like this leather alternative. It’s tailored, luxe, and able to instantly elevate wardrobe staples while making classic pieces, like a plaid brown coat, a little cooler. 

If you’re wanting to dip your toes into the skinny-pant waters (again), I’m all about Roberts’ edgy style, which brings a more elevated feel to the fitted pants we once all loved. Shop more skinny leather pants inspired by her winter look, below.

Get the Look:

Banana Republic Vegan Leather Slim Pants
Shop now: $36 (Originally $90); bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com

Commando Faux Leather Five-Pocket Pants
Shop now: $198; nordstrom.com

Derek Lam 10 Crosby Kyle High-Rise Legging Skinny Jeans
Shop now: $275; saksfifthavenue.com

Good American Good Boy Faux Leather Pants
Shop now: $132 with code GIFT30 (Originally $189); goodamerican.com

Veronica Beard Debbie Vegan Leather Skinny Pants
Shop now: $298; saksfifthavenue.com

J.Crew Faux Leather Kate Pants
Shop now: $158; jcrew.com

Topshop Sara Faux Leather Skinny Pants
Shop now: $47 (Originally $67); nordstrom.com

Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High-Rise Super-Skinny Jeans
Shop now: $90; abercrombie.com

7 For All Mankind High-Rise Coated Skinny Ankle Jeans
Shop now: $171 (Originally $228); saksfifthavenue.com