10 Shoes Fashion People Always Wear With These Anti-Skinny Jeans

When it comes to jeans, some cuts instantly come to mind. Skinnies are one such style (even if they aren’t as popular right now as they once were). Boot-cut, loose and boyfriend are also up there as some of the most iconic jeans silhouettes. However, we consider another jeans style to be a classic, and that’s mum jeans. Paying homage to the ’80s, mum jeans are typically high-waisted with a looser fit around the thighs and a leg that tapers toward the ankle. They’re the sort of thing your mum would have worn with a tucked-in blouse, a black leather Western belt, white socks and loafers.

Nowadays, you’re far more likely to see celebrities stepping out in mum jeans paired with a long coat, plain white tee, and strappy sandals. The attraction? Their relaxed but sculpting shape makes them the perfect denim option for those whose aesthetic teeters sexy and effortless.

Like all jeans, just about anything you choose to wear them with will work; such is the root of their appeal. Still, there are certain pieces that work better with jeans—specifically mum jeans—than others. Most commonly, we find ourselves being asked which shoe styles work best with denim, so we’ve set about trying to answer that for you. From loafers and trainers to boots and heels, here are the five shoes to wear with mom jeans, as demonstrated by some of our fashionable friends.

Shoes to wear with Mom Jeans:

1. Strappy Sandals

shoes-to-wear-with-mom-jeans-292660-1618397247788-image

(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Style Notes: While it might not be the pair of shoes you grab for a shopping day or long walk, there's no denying that strappy sandals look incredible paired with looser-fitting mum jeans.

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2. Retro Trainers

shoes-to-wear-with-mom-jeans-292660-1706006169419-main

(Image credit: @oliviamarcus)

Style Notes: While all trainers tend to loan themselves well to jeans, we think Olivia's classic Dad trainers balance the streamlined silhouette of the mom jean look.

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3. Loafers

shoes-to-wear-with-mom-jeans-292660-1618397243635-image

(Image credit: @frannfyne)

Style Notes: Proof that fashion trends always come full circle, Franny has taken her mom jeans back to their origins by wearing them with a pair of classic leather chain-detail loafers.

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4. Simple Boots

shoes-to-wear-with-mom-jeans-292660-1618397244950-image

(Image credit: @taniceelizabeth)

Style Notes: If you like your mom jeans on the long side, might we suggest keeping your shoe choice fuss-free and pared-back? A no-frills pair of leather ankle boots is the ideal option for far-reaching hems.

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5. Ballet Flats

shoes-to-wear-with-mom-jeans-292660-1675252749162-main

(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

Style Notes: If you prefer an ankle grazing pair of mom jeans, then a sleek pair of ballet flats is a good idea. The classic shoe has returned to style prominence for the instant polish it adds to any look, and the flat sole make these a clever option for those on the go.

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6. Slides

shoes-to-wear-with-mom-jeans-292660-1618397245989-image

(Image credit: @shotfromthestreet)

Style Notes: When the sunnier days come around, minimal slip-on slider sandals help elevate your mom-jean look.

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7. Kitten Heels

@maryljean wearing white jeans and pointed kitten heels

(Image credit: @maryljean)

Style Notes: Kitten heels have been making a big comeback over the past year, and at the moment I'm particularly loving the Nineties-inspired styles. These studded, pointed-toe versions look especially cool in contrast to the relaxed silhouette of mum jeans.

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8. Thong Sandals

@_jessicaskye wearing mum jeans with a shirt, thong sandals and suede tote.

(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)

Style Notes: Simple they may be, by a thong sandal or flip-flop is the ideal minimalist flat to pair with the oversized mum jean. And the good news is, they'll work just as well with skirts and dresses, too.

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9. Mesh Flats

@_jeanettemadsen_ wearing blue jeans, a pink sweatshirt and mesh flats

(Image credit: @_jeanettemadsen_)

Style Notes: Mesh flats are the trending shoe that aren't going anywhere any time soon. I love how Jeanette's look balances these statement flats with more casual pieces to create an effortlessly cool look.

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10. Birkenstocks

@amaka.hamelijnck wearing baggy jeans, a t-shirt and Birkenstocks

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Style Notes: This is the exact kind of relaxed yet considered outfit I dream of pulling off. The colourful Birkenstocks are the perfect finishing touch, and I love the silk scarf detail, too.

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

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Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger isBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her ownBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.