I'm a Fashion Editor—These Are the Flattering Jeans I Always Wear With Sandals

If you’re not a dress person, it’s hard to know what to wear in summer. I could direct you to this edit of linen separates or shirt-and-shorts co-ords—but if, like me, you find it very hard to part with your beloved jeans, then you’re probably currently casting around for ways to wear dependable denim in the warmer months.

Of course, you can just add a classic tank top or floaty blouse, but the tricky bit, I always find, arises when you try to pair your favourite jeans with sandals. Some work, and some just don’t. I’m particularly struggling since I invested in more full-length jeans—which I lived in paired with heeled boots in winter. Being 5’2”, though, I tend to look a bit overwhelmed in jeans that puddle over sandals. 

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(Image credit: @styleidealist)

Karina shows how to wear the style with a cool patch-pocket pair. 

After a recent frustrating try-on of every single pair I own, I came to realise that there was one jeans shape that always looks good with sandals: cropped wide-leg. Not only is this one of the most flattering jeans styles thanks to the fact that it hugs the bum in all the right places and skims over the thighs, but also the key is that it shows off a bare ankle, which means it pairs effortlessly well with sandals of all types. 

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(Image credit: @kimturkington_)

Kim is a denim expert and a big fan of a cropped wide-leg. These are from & Other Stories. 

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(Image credit: @kimturkington_)

Proof you only need simple additions to make these jeans look chic. 

So for all my fellow denim lovers out there, I’ve compiled an edit below of the very best cropped wide-leg jeans on the market. Some I own myself and can personally vouch for, and others I’ve only heard great things about from my fellow editors. Trust me—all you need for a chic, reliable summer outfit is a pair of these, a crisp white T-shirt, classic sandals and maybe a basket bag for good measure. Keep scrolling to see and shop for yourselves.

Shop the Best Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans

Up Next: 8 Jeans Trends Fashion People Are Living in This Summer

Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.

Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.