6 Shoes Fashion People Always Wear With These Anti-Skinny 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, loose and boyfriend are also up there as some of the most iconic jeans silhouettes. However, we consider another jeans style to be a classic, and that’s 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 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.
Like 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 loafers and trainers to boots and heels, here are the five shoes to wear with mom jeans, as demonstrated by some of our fashionable friends.
Shoes to wear with Mom Jeans
1. Strappy Sandals
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.
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The silk finish adds an elegant touch to this look.
2. Retro Trainers
Style Notes: While all trainers tend to loan themselves well to jeans, we think Anouk's retro trainers fit the streamlined silhouette of the mom jean look.
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3. Loafers
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.
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The adjustable strap means you can wear this sleek bag in various ways.
Abercrombie & Fitch are some of the most comfortable jeans I've tried.
4. Simple Boots
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 is the ideal option for far-reaching hems.
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With Nothing Underneath is known for its brilliant shirts.
5. BALLET FLATS
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 has returned to style prominence for the instant polish it adds to any look, and the flat sole make these a clever option for those on the go.
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6. Slides
Style Notes: When the sunnier days come around, minimal slip-on slider sandals will help elevate your mom-jean look.
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Cosy up in this soft jumper now, or wear over shoulders when the sun arrives.
Opening Image: @emmanuellek_
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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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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