Jane Herman is a Who What Wear editor in residence, the writer of denim-heavy Substack Jane on Jeans, and the founder of denim clothing company The Only Jane.
I know jeans. For more than 20 years, I've been working with, writing about, selling, studying, and designing them, and since this is my very first time contributing to Who What Wear, I'll just start by telling you that not only do I know jeans, but I also love them. I wear them almost every single day of my life. New, vintage, stretch, rigid, selvedge, distressed, designer… I cover it all on my Substack, Jane on Jeans, and I'm so happy to be here now sharing even more about my favorite thing in fashion with you.
The rumblings of a skinny-jeans revival started back in March of 2024 when Miu Miu sent the tightest little low-rises down its fall runway. Today (a year and a half later!), the look has finally landed, with leg shapes from everyone from Khaite to Madewell moving in a much slimmer direction. Even if they're not properly skinny, this season's jeans are definitely skinnier than the barrels and slouchies we've grown so comfortable wearing. I mean, my goodness—classic Levi's 501s looks positively formfitting after all the bagginess we've been through. (I started reaching for my own 501s again back in July. Now, I know why!)
Because the jeans we wear directly affect the footwear we need, I've put together this list of five shoe styles that go with fall's skinnier denim. Remember, the goal here—and always—is to find a pair of jeans that make you feel good. Not yet ready to wear dance shoes with Old Navy's leg-hugging High-Waisted Vintage Slims? Maybe start with something like the Noon from the newly launched NYC label Ossou or these jeans from Toteme, both of which are wide enough at the hem to accommodate Western-inspired boots. Straight-legs will feel skinny to those of us who've been wearing wide-legs for the past few years, so take baby steps. It's an exciting time to be buying jeans—and shoes! I'm here to help you every step of the way.
Old Navy's High-Waisted Vintage Slim Jeans have a slightly retro, '50s feel to them and just enough stretch. I can't believe how comfortable they are for a fit so slim, and it's impossible to beat the price. Looks fancy, feels great.
There is nothing more reliable than a pair of Levi's 501s. None would say they are technically skinny, but they feel very slim—and right—at the moment again.
The Ossou Noon Jeans have a slim silhouette with a high, nipped-in waist and a straight leg. I like the Horizon Wash. They also come in black and khaki.
5 Shoes to Wear With Slim-Fitting Jeans
The Westernwear trend extends to boots this season, with many styles resembling a classic cowboy. Jeans like these from Ossou (it's a new label—look out for it) are tight and high around the waist but wide enough at the ankle to fit over boots. Leave the length long so the hem breaks a little.
Shop Western Boots
I am so into clogs right now and so happy that skinnier silhouettes are back to wear with them. This is the Old Navy High-Waisted Vintage Slim, which I've cuffed with the narrowest fold to show a little more ankle. I'm petite, so showing the shape of my ankles helps balance the proportions of bulkier clogs. Another reason for wearing skinnies with this shoe style.
Shop Clogs
Here are the Ossou jeans again, this time with my favorite Japanese sneakers. See how the jeans puddle around the ankle? This makes the combo feel cool to me. Choose sneakers with a thin sole (versus a style that's thick and clunky) to keep it all from feeling too bottom heavy.
Shop Low-Profile Sneakers
Nothing frames fun shoes better than true skinny jeans. Here, Old Navy's High-Waisted Vintage Slims are cut to the ankle. Bode's jazz shoes are laced loosely, exposing the top of the foot. Other versions tie up tighter. I like them both ways and wouldn't want to hide any of it under a long, wide leg!
Shop Dance Shoes
These are my all-time favorite vintage Levi's 501s, which have stretched out quite a bit because I rarely wash them. Even so, they still look slim compared to all the wide-legs I've been wearing for the past few years. I love how the faded-blue denim looks with the shoes' soft, sandy suede—a foolproof blueprint for outfit building.
Shop Moccasins
Shop More of My Favorite Skinnier Styles
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