8 Jeans-and-Shoe Pairings That Go Together Every Time
Lizzy wears Maison Margiela's Tabi ballerina flats with classic blue jeans.
We all know how versatile a pair of jeans can be. After all, what other garment can take you from date night to the weekend with the same stylish flair and universal appeal? However, their ease is often dependent on another item: footwear.
Shoes have the power to instantly change the mood of your jeans. For example, for a formal occasion, a pair of bejewelled heels will elevate your classic blues to glamorous new heights. Similarly, ballet flats will add polish to ripped or frayed-hem jeans—simply add a tailored blazer and a button-down, and you've got yourself a chic ensemble.
So which shoes would I recommend wearing with jeans? I'm glad you asked. I've whittled down the shoes to wear with jeans that I truly believe work for just about every occasion you can think of. Keep scrolling to see eight jeans-and-shoe combinations validated by the style elite, and then shop the pieces you need to re-create their impressive looks.
1. STRAPPY SANDALS
Style Notes: If you've already invested in a pair of thin-strap sandals, rest assured that they look excellent with jeans. Their simple silhouette makes for a premium footwear choice and will help make even bleached-blue or faded-black denim look luxe.
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An animal-print top will make any pair of jeans feel more glamorous.
These black jeans have just the right amount of fade to them so as not to look brand new.
We're here for the chunky, low heel you'll be able to wear all day long.
2. BALLET FLATS
Style Notes: Ballet flats are firmly back on our fashion radar. Typically low cut on the foot, they work with just about any jeans length, though we think they look really chic when worn with white ankle-grazing jeans.
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I love this cheerful take on the leather jacket.
3. TENNIS SHOES
Style Notes: Where there are jeans, trainers can't be too far off. While all sneaker styles will do the off-duty trick, take the minimalist approach with a pair of sleek tennis shoes.
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I've had a leather shacket on my wish list for the longest time, and I love this minimalistic option.
An update on basic jersey.
4. CHUNKY FLIP-FLOPS
Style Notes: When it comes to relaxed-fit jeans, take inspiration from cool Cali girls and wear them with a pair of flip-flops. A cardigan and bra top will finish the look.
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British weather is unpredictable, so a cardigan is key.
These have been best sellers at M&S for the past couple of years, and now they're back for 2023.
5. ESPADRILLE WEDGES
Style Notes: Espadrilles look just as good with jeans as they do with printed midi skirts. Straight-leg styles work particularly well, as they balance out the chunky wedge heels.
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Zara's denim edit has never been stronger than it is now.
6. LOAFERS
Style Notes: Few combinations feel more 2023 than straight-leg jeans and classic leather loafers. Just add a trench coat and a sleek shoulder bag to complete the casual but polished aesthetic.
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7. HEELED MULES
Style Notes: Want that sandal look without having to book in for a pedicure? Then it's closed-toe mules to the rescue. Heeled pairs will help balance out wide-leg jeans, but they look just as sleek with straight-leg denim, too.
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8. SLINGBACKS
Style Notes: Another shoe that's taking over in 2023, slingbacks—particularly those with block heels—will elevate any jeans ensemble. As will an oversized blazer.
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This blue shade feels authentically vintage.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Next Up: 6 Shoes, Tops and Jackets Fashion People Always Wear With These '90s Jeans
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically 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, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning 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 at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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