Ava Gilchrist
Considering how integral they've been to fashion over the past couple of years, it might surprise you to learn that it's only now that I've invested in a pair of wide-leg jeans of my own. The silhouette, which I've always admired from afar for its ability to make outfits feel more current, has been a source of intimidation for me. I know they can look chic, but as a very loyal wearer of straight-leg denim, I was unsure about how I'd style them to make them look their best on my frame—an hourglass 5' 3"—or what shoes to wear with wide-leg jeans.
Tired of feeling like I'm missing out as a petite woman, I took it upon myself to order the best wide-leg jeans and, as it would happen, missing out is what I've been doing. Styling was easy—at least, it was from the waistband up. I found my new wide-leg jeans worked just as well with my relaxed-fit blazers and collection of white t-shirts as they did with my straight-leg pairs. However, I did encounter one sticking point—footwear.
At first, I tried them on with a pair of classic black, square-toe ankle boots, which worked a treat. However, I wanted a bit more variety, so I decided to expand my efforts. Trying them on with literally every shoe I own, I found that there were certain pairs they worked best with and others, well, let's just say they weren't quite the right match.
Intrigued to see which shoes fashion people wear with wide-leg jeans, I took to Instagram where I found confirmation in my footwear choices. So, if you too have been wondering which shoes to wear with wide-leg jeans, below, you finally have the answer. Scroll on to see them.
What Shoes to Wear With Wide-Leg Jeans? These 8 Suit Best
1. Sharp Pointed Toes
Style Notes: I might be petite but, surprisingly, I found that my wide-leg jeans made my legs look longer. Adding in a pair of on-trend, pointed-toe shoes will make your wide-leg jeans look elegant but also reinforce their leg-lengthening properties, as the point creates a further elongated look.
Shop the Jeans:
White denim is always a good idea.
Shop the Shoes:
Sophistication meets versatility in these sleek suede heels, offering a modern finish to relaxed wide-leg denim.
These timeless ballet pumps are perfect for elevating your wide-leg jeans for evening outings.
Strappy ballet flats also add another notable element to your silhouette.
They might be open toe, but the pointed sole still works for this look. Statement-worthy and polished, these heeled mules pair effortlessly with wide-leg silhouettes.
2. Neat Trainers
Style Notes: Trainers are a key part of my weekend uniform and I was eager to see which pairs looked best with my new denim. I initially thought chunky trainers would be it but it was more narrow pairs that counter the sheer volume of fabric that looked the part.
Shop the Jeans:
Crafted from sustainable Lyocell, these jeans offer both structure and fluidity—ideal for pairing with sneakers or sandals.
Shop the Shoes:
The retro-classic Adidas Sambas bring sporty chic to any wide-leg denim look.
Minimalist with a modern twist, these white and tan contrast trainers lend an understated vibe to wide-leg jeans.
Artisanal detailing meets comfort in these mixed-material sneakers, ideal for casual denim days.
3. Ballet Flats
Style Notes: I was surprised at just how many flat shoes looked great with wide-leg jeans. While my mary janes also worked, the strap detail across the foot was entirely lost under my jeans. That's why I'll be wearing mine with classic ballet flats.
Shop the Jeans:
COS's Arch Tapered Jeans are my favourite pair at the moment.
Shop the Shoes:
Understated and chic, these timeless black flats pair seamlessly with any denim look. Arket's suede version is also a solid compliment-earner, too.
Artisanal and unique, the split-toe detail adds unexpected drama to wide-leg denim combinations.
With their soft leather construction and relaxed vibe, Reformation's Bethany flats are perfect for day wear.
I adore this soft pink satin version from & Other Stories.
4. Something Shiny
Style Notes: It's easy for shoes to get lost under full-length, wide-leg jeans, so you may wish to look to pairs that catch the light to help them be noticed. I loved how mine paired with some gold block heels I own. You could also try wearing bright colours like red or glittery metallics like silver that draw the eye.
Shop the Jeans:
A modern take on classic denim, these high-rise wide-leg jeans from Agolde offer the perfect base for bold footwear.
Shop the Shoes:
These gold shoes bring a touch of glamour to wide-leg denim ensembles.
I can think of so many party outfits the silver Adidas Taekwondo trainers would complete.
These gold leather sandals with their thin heel and modern shape effortlessly dress up wide-leg jeans.
A statement flat look if I ever saw one.
5. Thin-Strap Sandals
Style Notes: I love wearing heels and although I did like the look of classic court shoes, for me, it was the juxtaposition created between my baggy jeans and ultra-thin strappy sandals that felt the most interesting (and, dare I say, sexy) of them all.
Shop the Jeans:
French-style wide-leg jeans might just be my next purchase.
Shop the Shoes:
Sophisticated yet simple, these mid-heel sandals add a refined touch to your wide-leg jeans.
T-bar sandals are set to be a huge trend this season.
Featuring an intricate buckle detail, these heeled sandals bring elegance to casual wide-leg denim days.
These sculptural leather sandals with a mid-height heel from Khaite are the perfect partner for wide-leg jeans.
6. Solid Loafers
Style Notes: Where I'll be relying on ballet flats for more delicate wide-leg jeans outfits, when I want something with a little more structure, the flat shoe trend I'll be turning to is chunky loafers. My neater loafers didn't have the same bite as my stacked pair, which held their own against the heavy denim falling around them.
Shop the Jeans:
Effortless and relaxed, these grey loose jeans pair well with structured footwear like loafers.
Shop the Shoes:
Timeless and refined, Gucci loafers elevate any wide-leg jeans outfit.
Polished yet practical, these loafers feature chic gold hardware for a sophisticated finish.
Sleek and modern, these Prada loafers add an elevated, preppy touch to wide-leg jeans.
For something a little more contemporary, give suede loafers a try.
7. Thong Sandals
Style Notes: When it comes to flat sandals, I found that slide pairs with a band across the toes disappeared entirely under my jeans, making it look like I wasn't wearing at shoes at all! Instead, I liked them best with my thong sandals as the strap goes between the toe and is seen peeking out from under the hem.
Shop the Jeans:
Casual yet polished, these jeans with their turned-up hem make the perfect canvas for laid-back footwear like slides or elevated flip-flops.
Shop the Shoes:
Minimalist yet striking, The Row's sandals add a contemporary edge to your wide-leg jeans.
Laid-back and street-ready, these textured flip-flops are the ultimate summer pairing for wide-leg denim.
Clean lines and premium leather make these A.Emery's sandals a refined choice to complement wide-leg silhouettes.
This rich-looking version is made with a slight platform and cowhide leather.
8. Ankle Boots
Style Notes: While my journey to uncover what shoes are suited to wear with wide-leg jeans led me to so many stylish alternatives, as I mentioned before, ankle boots are a shape I always come back to. Not only are they super reliable and sturdy, but there are so many iterations to choose from. Heeled! Flat! Round-toe!
Shop the Jeans:
The raw hem helps to exaggerate the width of these jeans and elongate shorter frames, too.
Shop the Shoe:
These will give your silhouette a more tapered effect.
I love the chunky, half-kitten, half-block hybrid heel on this COS style.
A capsule wardrobe staple.
Perfect for trotting around town while staying light on your feet.
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