If you’re not a dress person, it’s hard to know what to wear in summer. I could direct you to this edit of linen separates or shirt-and-shorts co-ords—but if, like me, you find it very hard to part with your beloved jeans, then you’re probably currently casting around for ways to wear dependable denim in the warmer months.
Of course, you can just add a classic tank top or floaty blouse, but the tricky bit, I always find, arises when you try to pair your favourite jeans with sandals. Some work, and some just don’t. I’m particularly struggling since I invested in more full-length jeans—which I lived in paired with heeled boots in winter. Being 5’2”, though, I tend to look a bit overwhelmed in jeans that puddle over sandals.
Karina shows how to wear the style with a cool patch-pocket pair.
After a recent frustrating try-on of every single pair I own, I came to realise that there was one jeans shape that always looks good with sandals: cropped wide-leg. Not only is this one of the most flattering jeans styles thanks to the fact that it hugs the bum in all the right places and skims over the thighs, but also the key is that it shows off a bare ankle, which means it pairs effortlessly well with sandals of all types.
Kim is a denim expert and a big fan of a cropped wide-leg. These are from & Other Stories.
Proof you only need simple additions to make these jeans look chic.
So for all my fellow denim lovers out there, I’ve compiled an edit below of the very best cropped wide-leg jeans on the market. Some I own myself and can personally vouch for, and others I’ve only heard great things about from my fellow editors. Trust me—all you need for a chic, reliable summer outfit is a pair of these, a crisp white T-shirt, classic sandals and maybe a basket bag for good measure. Keep scrolling to see and shop for yourselves.
Shop the Best Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans
How classic is this blue?
I really rate M&S denim, and these are great value.
I love these in black.
These are the best on the high street, hands down.
You can always count on Levi's.
Reformation denim is sustainable and stylish.
These are such great value.
Of course Mango does a great pair.
I love them in beige too.
An off-white pair looks great in warmer months.
H&M denim is SO good.
Totême's pair is the perfect shape and crop in my opinion.
Added patch pockets make for an extra-chic look.
These are perfect for petite people.
I have these and love them.
The turn-ups on these will complement sandals perfectly.
A smart dark blue.
These remind me of something French girls would wear.
Raey does beautiful classics like these jeans.
These are a celeb fave.
These are particularly cropped, so good if you're petite.
A great flared wide-leg.
Agolde is one of my all-time favourite denim brands.
A timeless blue pair.
These will also pair well with heeled ankle boots in winter.
I love the detail of the tie waist.
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