While we’re peeling off our painted-on skinnies and swapping them for straight-legged silhouettes, we’re beginning to wonder what shoes to wear with straight-leg jeans.
We suggest you stick with what you already own because straight-leg jeans go with pretty much everything. Today, we’re bringing you a few tips and tricks to make the switch easier.
We’ve all seen a share of denim trends come and go, right? Whichever way the trend pendulum happens to swing, from baggy Levi’s and wide-legged cut-offs to the extremely controversial, Y2K low-rise chaps and the now dreaded skinnies, there’s always that one trend that doesn’t scream “on-trend.”
You can style them however you choose. You might want to wear them with chunky, lug-sole loafers and a tee (the way Kendal Jenner does), or with Chelsea boots and a statement blazer (the way Vogue suggests). Even satin slipper mules, laid-back sneakers, and trending Mary Janes are great options!
Enough about the ever-enduring allure of denim, though. Deciding what shoes to wear with straight-leg denim bottoms can be quite a task, one that you might be overthinking and overanalyzing. Don’t worry, we’re bringing you a rundown on different styles of shoes you can experiment with.
1. Sneakers
We have to kick off the outfits discussion with sneakers because they’re always a great place to start (at least when we’re talking about footwear).
When you’re looking to purchase a pair, go for classic silhouettes and high-quality fabrics such as Common Projects Track 80 leather-trimmed suede and ripstop sneakers, Staud x New Balance 57/40 leather and mesh sneakers, or Reebok x Victoria Beckham Club C leather and suede trainers.
A repertoire of tried-and-true must-haves ensures you have the groundwork for creating fresh, polished, and put-together outfits on a regular. Sneakers combined with straight-legged bottoms couldn’t be more classic and timeless.
Wear them with tees, statement blazers, and accessories for that signature, off-duty supermodel style. Or, wear them with button-downs and chunky cardigans when you’re searching for something winter-appropriate.
What’s great about sneakers, though? Well, you probably already have ones that you love and wear all the time.
2. Loafers and (ballet) flats
We’re sticking with the comfortable vibe and suggesting you wear your straight-legged bottoms with loafers and flats when you’re searching for something to wear to the office. While there’s nothing wrong with wearing sneakers, your workplace might not be comfortable with dressing “casually.”
We suggest you go with loafers or ballet flats because they’re guaranteed to add an elegant, effortless, and feminine touch to your outfits without the dreaded high heels.
Also, these two footwear styles have the power to elevate your straight-legged bottom from something you wear to Target when you’re running out of clean stuff to wear to something you gravitate towards when you’re getting ready for a date.
Also, when you spend a little more money on high-quality, hard-wearing loafers (or flats), you can wear them year-round. Our favorites are Gucci leather loafers, Valentino Garavani V-logo leather loafers, and Prada Spazzolato platform leather loafers, but you can go with whatever style speaks to you the most.
3. Slides and sandals
When you’re trying to embrace the simplicity of straight-legged bottom, there’s nothing worse you can do than combine them with something over the top.
We’re putting the emphasis on “simplicity,” and that’s why we’re suggesting you combine them with something as easy to wear as slides and sandals.
Whether we’re talking about everyone’s favorite Birkenstocks or the iconic Hermès slides, there’s something comforting about throwing on a shoe that doesn’t have laces, straps, or heels.
We would go for some of the trending slides and sandals of the season, such as Rag & Bone Trinity slides, Brunello Cucinelli shearling crossover slide sandals, or even Birkenstock Arizona sandals. However, every single store out there sells a similar style during the summer.
4. Pointed-toe, slingback, and kitten pumps
We’re focusing on pointed-toe pumps, slingback pumps, and kitten pumps because they’re the epitome of feminine style. We adore the fact that we don’t have to wear high heels and stilettos, flowy, flowery dresses, and pleated skirts to achieve that feminine energy.
We can do the same by wearing straight-legged denim bottoms, contrasting slingback pumps, and a blouse that makes up for the fact you’re not wearing a dress.
With that out of the way, whenever you’re wondering what shoes to wear with straight-leg jeans to make them more feminine, don’t shy away from experimenting with different styles of pointed-toe, slingback, and kitten pumps.
From extravagant styles such as Aeyde suede pointed-toe kitten heels and Gucci Tom crystal-embellished suede slingback pumps to simple, subdued pieces such as Chanel goatskin & grosgrain slingback pumps, you’re bound to find a shoe you don’t want to take off at the end of the day.
5. Stilettos and high heels
Your wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without stilettos and high heels you can wear with denim bottoms, tailored trousers, pleated skirts, and flowy dresses.
Before you refuse to purchase anything that features a heel, there’s something alluringly attractive about a woman wearing denim bottoms with super, super high heels.
There are also times when you simply have to wear something other than sneakers. Actually, when you purchase a pair of high-quality, classy, and wearable high heels, you’re guaranteed to wear them for seasons to come.
As a matter of fact, Manolo Blahnik once said something along the lines of “you put on high heels and you change,” and we couldn’t agree more.
Hence, when you’re looking for a little change, choose something similar to the Jimmy Choo black patent leather sandals or Mango pointed-toe high heels and surprise yourself with one of the celebs’ favorite fashion trends – baggy denim and high heels.
6. Block-heeled booties
“What’s the difference between a boot and a bootie?” happens to be the first question everyone asks when they hear block-heeled booties are one of the best shoes to wear with straight-leg jeans. On one hand, boots are typically designed to come up higher on the leg, ranging from mid-calf to over the knee.
On the other hand, booties are shorter, usually hitting around the ankle height (whether that’s right above or below). Additionally, some booties are loose-fitting while others have that sock-like structure. Some booties may also be heeled while others are flat.
So, no matter whether you’re the stiletto type or the comfortable type, chances are the perfect booties you can wear with denim bottoms are somewhere out there. Our favorites are Tory Burch Miller lug sole boots, Khaite Admiral ankle boots, and Margaux Downtown boots.
7. Chunky, combat boot
When we’re talking about hard-hitting wardrobe essentials, we’re talking about chunky, combat boots.
Whatever the case might be, you can’t go wrong with Dr. Martens Jadon Pisa platform boot (which is our personal fave), Steve Madden Harriet boots, or R13 Stack platform boots.
Whether you’re a Dr. Martens fan or prefer recognizable, designer combat boots that send a direct message to the rest of the world (we adore the logoed trend), we suggest you combine your straight-legged bottoms with chunky, combat boots.
What better way to add an edge to your outfits than to play with everyone’s favorite fall footwear? And, what better way to favor comfort without sacrificing aesthetics?
8. Cowboy boots
Cowboy boots are proving themselves to be quite the statement shoe, and we can’t help but combine them with straight-legged denim bottoms for an American Midwest classic look.
From the looks of Dua Lipa, Sophie Turner, Gigi Hadid, and Bella Hadid, you can’t make a denim outfit work without a little assistance from suede or leather, tasseled or color-blocked, ankle-cut or knee-high cowboy boots.
We’re keeping our eyes peeled on Paris Texas El Dorado western boots and Etro Western embroidered boots, but you can get ones for yourself at Zara and Mango, too.