The skinny jean trend has evolved slightly into skinny jeans with an ankle zipper. The ankle zip skinny jeans have been around for a while but just now seem to have caught on. They can be worn just like the originals, but also work well over boots instead of under them, with the zipper open and flared. I've also seen them with buttons instead of a zipper. Personally I'm not crazy about the look, but then again I'm sort of done with the skinny jean trend entirely (yes, already). Like it or not, though, skinny jeans are going to be around for at least one more season. These new ankle zip skinny jeans are a happy medium if you want to give the skinny jean look a try without committing 100% to a trend that could be gone in another season or two. Right now at macys.com, ankle zip skinny jeans from JLO are under $40.