Owning a great pair of jeans is practically a style rite of passage – we all have that favourite pair that’s perfectly broken in and works for almost any occasion, whether dressed up or down. But while nailing the outfit is crucial, the right shoes can take your look to the next level (or completely derail it). Here’s ELLE UK’s guide to the best shoes for every denim style, so your outfit is always on point.
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Barrel Leg Jeans
To balance out the voluminous, balloon shape of barrel-leg jeans, opt for more dainty footwear. Think kitten heels, ballet flats, or strappy sandals. The key is to contrast the loose silhouette of the jeans with something streamlined, keeping the overall look balanced and polished.
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& Other Stories Square-Toe Ballet Flats
Skinny Jeans
The divisive skinny jean requires careful consideration when it comes to footwear. The wrong choice could lead you down a path of indie sleaze reminiscent of the forgotten Tumblr years. For a modern take, you can go one of two ways: either sleek with ballet flats and pointed slingbacks, or edgy with chunky biker boots and platform loafers. Both options add interest without feeling like a thing of the past.
Vagabond Jolin Ballet Flats
Gucci Horsebit Platform Loafers
Heavenly Feet Bianca Boots
Neous Sabik Slingbacks
Wide-Leg Jeans
Wide-leg jeans can be tricky to style due to their floor-grazing length and larger-than-life silhouette. However, with the right shoes, they become effortlessly cool. A pair of sleek loafers, cult-favourite sneakers, or platform boots will give you height and balance, ensuring you stride confidently while keeping your hems off the ground.
G.H Bass Easy Weejuns Penny Loafers
Adidas Samba
Slim-Cut Jeans
The tapered shape and leg-hugging fit of a slim-fit jean means they sit neatly atop boots for a classic look. Alternatively, tuck them into knee-high boots for the illusion of skinnies without the squeeze. Slim-cut jeans are the most versatile when it comes to shoe pairings, as long as the leg length is right, pretty much any shoe will work.
Charles & Keith Louise Block-Heel Knee-High Boots
Vagabond Blanca Boots
Vagabond Ansie Boots
Boot-Cut Jeans
As the name suggests, boot-cut jeans are made for pairing with (you guessed it) boots. Whether it's a retro cowboy style or a sleek heeled option, they complement the flared hem perfectly. Just steer clear of anything too bulky, as it can throw off the clean lines of the jeans silhouette. For a foolproof finish, opt for boots with a slightly pointed toe to elongate the leg and keep the look balanced.
Ganni Ganni Leather Cowboy Boots
& Other Stories Sleek Leather Cowboy Boots
Paris Texas Roxy Embellished Boots
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