6 Shoes Fashion People Always Wear With Mom Jeans

When it comes to jeans, some cuts instantly come to mind. Skinnies are one such style (even if they aren't as prevalent right now as they once were). Boot cut, flared, and boyfriend are also up there as some of the most iconic denim silhouettes. But we consider another style to be a classic: mom jeans. Paying homage to the '80s, mom jeans are typically high-waisted with a looser fit around the thighs and a leg that tapers toward the ankle. They're the sort of thing your mum would have worn with a tucked-in blouse, a black leather Western belt, white socks, and loafers.

Nowadays, you're far more likely to see celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner stepping out in mom jeans paired with a long coat, plain white tee, and strappy sandals. The attraction? Their relaxed but sculpting shape makes them the perfect denim option for those whose aesthetic teeters sexy and effortless.

As with all jeans, just about anything you choose to wear them with will work—such is the root of their appeal. Still, there are certain pieces that work better with jeans, specifically mom jeans, than others. Most commonly, we find ourselves being asked which shoe styles work best with denim, so we've set about trying to answer that for you. From ballet flats and sneakers to boots and heels, here are the five shoes to wear with mom jeans, as demonstrated by some of our fashionable friends.

1. Strappy Sandals

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Style Notes: While it might not be the pair of shoes you grab for a shopping day or long walk, there's no denying that strappy sandals look incredible paired with looser-fitting mom jeans. 

2. Chunky Sneakers

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(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

Style Notes: While all trainers tend to loan themselves well to jeans, we think chunky pairs like Emmanuelle's look the part with mom jeans, as they nod to the retro '80s vibe in a subtle way. 

3. Loafers

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(Image credit: @frannfyne)

Style Notes: Proof that fashion trends always come full circle, Franny has taken her mom jeans back to their origins by wearing them with a pair of classic leather chain-detail loafers. 

4. Simple Boots

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(Image credit: @taniceelizabeth)

Style Notes: If you like your mom jeans on the long side, might we suggest keeping your shoe choice fuss-free and pared-back? A no-frills pair of leather ankle boots are the ideal option for far-reaching hems. 

5. BALLET FLATS

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(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

Style Notes: If you prefer an ankle-grazing pair of mom jeans, then a sleek pair of ballet flats is a good idea. The classic shoe style has returned to style prominence for the instant polish it adds to any look, and the flat soles make these a clever option for those on the go. 

6. Slides

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(Image credit: @shotfromthestreet)

Style Notes: When sunnier days come around, minimal slip-on slider sandals will help elevate your mom-jean look. 

Opening Image: @emmanuellek_

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.

Next Up: 7 Anti–Skinny Jeans Outfit Formulas to Try in 2023

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.