Straight leg jeans are one of the most versatile denim styles because they’re easy to dress for the weekend or for work. The right shoe is important to pull your outfit together based on where you’re going. The length of your jeans, shape of your shoe, and heel height are all factors in choosing the right shoe for your jeans and entire outfit. So, today’s post is a round up of shoes that you can wear with straight leg jeans for effortlessly stylish outfits!
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What Shoes To Wear With Straight Leg Jeans Throughout the Year
Straight leg jeans are much easier to style with a wide range of shoes than other styles of jeans. They just look good with so much. First, let’s discuss lengths. Straight leg jeans do come in different lengths, so it’s important to choose the right shoe for the length of your jeans too. For example, cropped straight leg jeans look best with flats, loafers, sneakers, or sandals. But, you can wear most any type of shoe with a regular length straight leg jean. When I say regular length, I mean regular length for your unique height. So, even if you’re 5’1, jeans that are full length on you!
What Type Of Shoes To Wear With Straight Leg Jeans
I’ve picked different types of shoes that will look good with straight leg jeans throughout different seasons.
Ankle Boots
Ankle boots are the ideal shoe choice for fall and winter. They’re warm and chic. When I say ankle boots, I don’t necessarily mean a boot that’s super short. I actually prefer an ankle bootie that goes up over your ankle, which is still an ankle boot! It’s what I’m wearing in these photos above and below. Anyway, they tend to be a nice height because they aren’t too short and you don’t have to worry about them getting caught on the leg of your jeans.
The hem of your jeans should hit right above or slightly over the boot, but this is honestly a style preference. As you can see, some of my ankle boots hit my jeans in different places and that’s totally fine!
These Margaux suede ankle boots have a pointed toe, which is nice because it balances out the block heel on them. So, they don’t make your legs look short and they’re super easy to walk in! These would be so chic with a tonal outfit like brown jeans and brown top!
Loafers
Loafers are the perfect shoes to wear when you want your outfit to feel polished and casual. They work well with an ankle length or slightly cropped straight leg jean, but you can also style them with regular length jeans. I wear mine with both!
You should consider the toe shape of your loafers because they’ll make your jeans look different. As you can see above, I prefer to wear square toe loafers with fuller length straight leg jeans so they don’t make my legs look short. Almond toe loafers like I’m wearing below will be universally flattering. They’ll make your legs look longer, and they’re a good option if you’re wearing slightly cropped jeans or full length jeans. A true round toe loafer also looks nice with fuller length jeans for the same reason.
One exception to wearing rounded loafers with cropped jeans is if your jeans are just slightly cropped. You can see below for what I mean. These jeans are technically a 27.5 inch inseam, so they’re full length on some. I’m 5’4, so they’re barely cropped for me, which means they work perfectly with both boots and flats. These jeans look cute with rounded loafers with socks or just barefoot in your loafers!
One of the best things about all loafers is their versatility. You can wear them all year, whether you style them with socks or style them in the spring without needing an added layer.
Chelsea Boots
Combat boots and Chelsea boots are other styles of ankle boots that bring an edgy, effortless feel to your outfit. I love wearing both styles with my straight leg jeans throughout the fall and winter.
The first pair of boots is the most similar to the pair I’m wearing!
White Sneakers
White sneakers or neutral sneakers are perfect to wear with a cropped straight leg jean, or a straight leg jean that hits around your ankle. Elevated sneakers are such a good option for travel days or if you’re doing a lot of walking. Avoid overly bulky sneakers! I really love this pair that I’ve been wearing from Steve Madden. I own them in the camel suede, but love this white option!
Mules
Mules are a transitional season staple. Think about those spring or fall days when you aren’t ready for sandals or boots. Or, those days when you can wear a more casual outfit to work, but you still need to cover your toes! Mules look so good with straight leg jeans and a tailored blazer, which was always my casual Friday uniform. Wear mules with ankle grazing hems or slightly cropped jeans. I’m wearing this pair, which also come in brown. They’re very comfy!
If you’re looking for a pair of mule slides that are more like sandals, check out this pair that I’m eyeing at Sezane.
Pointed Toe Heels
If you’re wondering what shoes to wear with straight leg jeans and a cute top for date night, it’s pointed toe heels. They instantly elongate your legs, and they work with both cropped and full length jeans. Plus, you don’t need to worry about purchasing a pair just for date night. You can wear these with jeans and a blouse or blazer to the office! I prefer a kitten heel height, but you can obviously wear whatever height works for you and the length of your jeans.
Knee High Boots
Knee high boots are ideal for colder months. I love how they keep you warm and still look good. They work best under a regular or even slightly relaxed straight leg jean. You can’t see my entire boot here, but I’m wearing knee high black leather boots under these straight leg jeans. I’m wearing these jeans throughout this post too!
Slingback Heels
Slingbacks are one of my favorite shoes. They’re so versatile, and they always elevate your outfit. I prefer a pair with a low heel. But, slingbacks with a heel in general look so good with straight leg jeans. They’re polished and feel feminine! Wear these for work! They’ll look chic with regular length jeans or with a cropped straight leg that shows off your shoe.
I love how the pair I’m wearing feel like you can dress them up or dress them down. They look good with jeans, and you can also wear them with a skirt or dress. I also have a pair of pointed toe slingback kitten heels that I wear throughout the summer.
Chunky Loafers
Chunky loafers are a good shoe to balance out the tailored feel of straight leg jeans when you want to bring a fun edge to your outfit. Wear these with straight leg jeans that hit around your ankle.
Ballet Flats
Ballet flats are my go-to shoes for pretty much any denim outfit when it’s spring, summer, or fall. You can always find a ballet flat that works with your outfit. They bring a softer element to your look, and they work with so much. I love how you can wear ballet flats to work, to coffee, to run errands, for date night, or dinner with friends.
Sock tights are also so cute with ballet flats when it’s cold! Okay, not my best photo, but you can see how to style ballet flats for a night out look! I wore this on a date night to dinner and a comedy show. I’m wearing these straight leg jeans in the color called 7 yrs bleu taboo, which I wear several times a week.
Minimalist Sandals
A simple, classic sandal is my favorite. They’ll go with so much – from light wash denim to a dress – and they feel polished. These look just as good with a t-shirt as they do with a blouse. I like to keep stlying simple and structured with these sandals. I love how they give a clean summer look.
Strappy Sandals
A strappy sandal is also best for summer styling, and they look super chic with slightly cropped denim. Go for darker denim for a day to night look. I wear this pair all summer, as you can see below.
How To Style Straight Leg Jeans With Shoes
Get The Hem Length Right
The length of your jeans is so important to their fit and, therefore, how you feel wearing them. If you’re 5’4 or under, you should look for jeans with a 28 inch inseam or shorter depending on your own height. I’m 5’4, and I can wear anything from 27 to 30 inch inseams without my jeans dragging the floor, but I do have long legs for my height. If there’s a pair of jeans I really love that are too long for me, I take them to my tailor! The one thing you really want to avoid is having your jeans pool on your shoe. Maybe it’s because I’m a millennial, but I just find that look so unflattering!
A cropped jean or slightly cropped jean will help flatter low profile shoes. Everyone wants their jeans to lay differently on boots, but I find a regular length jean for your height almost always works on a standard 2 inch boot. I actually wear my cropped jeans with flat or 1 inch heel boots quite frequently! They always work together, and you can wear a fun sock incase your socks show when you sit down – that’s totally fine.
Dress Up Or Down With Intention
I love straight leg jeans because you can dress them with intention. If you want to wear them to work, wear a blazer and pointed heels for an elevated look. If you’re going to your child’s weekend activity, wear your sneakers and a tee for a relaxed outfit. You can always use accessories to help refine the tone, too. If you’re looking for more ideas on how to dress up jeans and a shirt, check out this blog post.
Balance Proportions
It’s also helpful to dress with balanced proportions. This isn’t something you have to overthink too much with straight leg jeans because they bring such a tailored feel to your outfit anyway!
Okay, that’s all from me today. I hope this post helps you find the right shoes for your jeans!
