Finding the best women’s shoes to wear with jeans can be difficult. Sometimes, we are just overwhelmed with too many options.
At other times, we’re confused. Why does an outfit that looked great in our heads look terrible once we actually try it on?
Deciding which shoes to wear with jeans will depend on a few factors:
- the type of jeans you’re wearing
- your comfort level and any foot issues
- your activity and lifestyle
- your personal style preferences
A pair of cropped straight-leg or skinny jeans can be worn with nearly any shoe on this list. However, wide-leg, trouser-cut, boyfriend, and boot-cut jeans will limit your footwear options. With the more challenging denim styles, a pointed-toe or an open-toe shoe will usually be the more flattering choice.
Women’s Sandals to Wear with Jeans
Flat sandals are an easy, summery option for shoes to wear with jeans. With their comfort and versatility, they complement most styles of jeans. Whether you’re heading to a casual brunch, strolling along the beach, or running errands in the city, flat sandals can work for you.
Sandals are fairly easy to style. Opt for neutral tones like beige, gold, silver, black, navy, or brown to maximize their versatility. These shades go well with various denim washes, from light blue to dark indigo. You can easily mix and match your sandals with different pairs of jeans.
Beige flat sandals exude a classic charm. They match well with virtually any jean style, whether it’s cropped skinny jeans or light-wash flares.
The shine of gold and silver sandals adds visual interest to a casual look. And a metallic sandal is appropriate for both daytime and evening.
Brown sandals, on the other hand, offer a warm and earthy vibe, perfect for achieving a boho casual look when paired with distressed boyfriend jeans.
Apart from their stylish appeal, flat sandals also provide a decent amount of comfort. Their open design keeps your feet cool during warm weather, making them an excellent choice for summer days or tropical getaways.
However, I will advise against wearing flat sandals on days when you’ll be walking a lot. For amusement parks, hikes, and outings that require you to be on your feet all day, wear a more supportive shoe.
Sneakers and Trainers to Wear with Jeans
Cropped jeans are the only match for sneakers. I recommend steering clear of pairing sneakers with boot-cut jeans, as this can instantly downgrade your overall appearance. It will leave you feeling frumpy and appearing larger than you are.
For a more flattering outfit, avoid pairing running shoes with denim altogether. Instead, opt for fashion sneakers that are designed to work with casual outfits. These sneakers will improve your outfit.
Sometimes, there are instances where running shoes become a necessity due to serious foot problems. In such cases, I recommend considering shifting your style to embrace a more athletic look. Incorporate leggings, yoga pants, skorts, and bike shorts into your daily wear. These types of bottoms naturally complement running shoes while providing both comfort and support.
I support embracing athleisure and skipping jeans altogether if it works for you.
Heels to Wear with Jeans
It’s no secret that younger women do not like wearing heels. Honestly, they’re not wrong. Some heels, such as round-toe patent leather stilettos, can look very dated. They give off a vibe like we’re trying way too hard, especially when paired with jeans.
Of course, many women still adore their heels. They like dressing up. The elongating effect that heels provide is a big part of that. So, don’t worry if you still love your heels. You can get that feminine lift and still look current.
Try a block heel. It offers a more modern and comfortable alternative to outdated stilettos. Its sturdy base provides stability and ease of walking while maintaining the elegant lift that heels offer. Pairing block heels with jeans can elevate your look, whether it’s for a casual day out or an evening event.
Another excellent option is the low pump, which exudes timeless elegance without feeling outdated. The lower heel height makes it an ideal choice for everyday wear, allowing you to maintain a chic appearance while going about your daily activities.
As with my other suggestions, an open-toe, almond-toe, or pointed-toe will be the most flattering choice for your heels to wear with jeans.
Boots to Wear with Jeans for Women
Boots are a versatile footwear option that complements most styles of jeans. When styling your boots with jeans, opt for an almond-toe or pointed-toe design, especially when wearing wide-leg or boot-cut jeans.
These toe box shapes add a touch of sophistication. They’ll also elongate the appearance of your legs, creating a flattering and polished look.
On the other hand, while square-toe boots may be trendy, they do not offer the same flattering effect when paired with jeans. Of course, flattering may not be your goal. If you’re aiming for an edgy, trendy look, go for it.
Flats and Loafers for Women to Wear with Jeans
Similar to sneakers, flats, and loafers also pair best with cropped jeans. The cropped length of the jeans allows these shoe styles to take center stage, showcasing their unique designs and adding a touch of casual elegance to your outfit.
Flats are a great choice if you want comfort and style. Whether you opt for summery espadrilles or chic leather flats, they will pair well with cropped jeans. This pairing creates a laid-back, casual look.
Loafers are another option for cropped jeans. Personally, I love a metallic loafer. You can also go for sleek black leather loafers or playful embellished ones. Any type of loafer can add a polished touch to your casual outfits.
How to Pair Shoes to Wear with Jeans for Women
Regarding the jeans, remember that the cropped length of the jeans should hit just above the ankle or mid-calf for the most flattering effect. This length allows your flats, fashion sneakers, or loafers to shine while creating a balanced and well-proportioned silhouette.
If you’re curious about what jeans might look best on you, check out my previous posts on how to dress for your body type. These posts might give you some insight into which types of jeans will suit your shape.
Now, sometimes we pair our jeans with something totally outside of any fashion rules. And it looks fabulous!
Last season, I unintentionally paired black boots with light-wash jeans and a white cropped jacket because they were the only shoes we had during the fitting. While this was against all the fashion rules, it looked amazing. The black boots gave the basic outfit some edge
So, get in your closet and play dress up. Experiment to see what works for you.
Final Thoughts on Shoes to Wear with Jeans for Women
Have fun with your wardrobe and experiment with different shoes and jean styles. When you find a pair of jeans and a pair of shoes that work great for your wardrobe, take photos. This way, you can remember what looked best. It’s true that a big part of looking put together simply involves planning. That includes planning which shoes to wear with jeans.
