These Jeans Are the Closest I'll Get to Wearing Skinnies—5 Shoes I Style Them With

I've made peace with the fact that I'm probably never going back to true skinny jeans. That chapter is closed without any chances of being opened back up. Even though I'm a wide-leg-jeans lover (they're simply the most flattering on me), every so often, I begin dreaming about a silhouette that feels streamlined, polished, and not aggressively baggy. That's where cigarette jeans come in.

They hit that sweet spot between tailored and relaxed, giving the idea of skinnies without the commitment and discomfort. My fellow editors and I have been talking about them nonstop throughout the past few weeks, and now that my order has come in, I'm ready to actually style them. Bags, sweaters, and belts aside—the real magic, though, is in the shoes. With the right footwear, these jeans can swing polished, cool, or quietly elevated, which is exactly how I like my outfits to function. Below, find the five pairs of shoes I'd style with my cigarette jeans.

Kitten Heels

Kitten heels are my go-to when I want cigarette jeans to feel refined but not overly precious. They add just enough lift to balance the slim silhouette while still feeling walkable and unfussy.

Ballet Flats

This is the most effortless pairing, one I wear on repeat. Ballet flats keep the look classic and slightly French, especially when the jeans hit right at the ankle.

Wedge Pumps

If you want to look ahead of your time, wedge pumps are an underrated match for cigarette jeans. They give height and structure without tipping the outfit into office-only territory.

Almond-Toe Pumps

Almond-toe pumps soften the overall look while still feeling polished. This pairing works especially well when you want something timeless that doesn't feel trendy for the sake of it.

Pointed-Toe Boots

Pointed-toe boots instantly make any pair of jeans, especially cigarette jeans, feel sharper and more directional. I love how they elongate the leg and make even the simplest outfit feel styled.