They’re a wardrobe staple—a second skin—yet from time to time, our skinny jeans throw us a sartorial curveball when it comes to which shoes to pair them with. There’s not much in the footwear department that doesn’t go with the spray-on silhouette, but sometimes it’s the wash of the denim and the height of the heel that can make all the difference.
A little turn-up here and a lighter shade there can take you from outfit frustration to outfit success. How do we know this? Because we've researched how the most stylish women in the world wear theirs for effortless skinny jean recipes that you can take inspiration from all season. So, if you're over baggy jeans and wide-leg trends and you're staying true to the faithful skinny, keep scrolling for your complete guide on all of the best shoes to wear with skinny jeans. You can thanks us later.
1: SKINNY JEANS AND ANKLE BOOTS
Style Notes: A classic pair of suede or leather ankle boots have proved that they’re here to stay, and this is music to our ears. Regardless of your shape or size, anyone get in on this polished look. Trust us, they’re skinny jeans’ new best friend.
SHOP ANKLE BOOTS
If we're not talking about their scarf jacket or killer denim, you can bet we're discussing Toteme's mid heel ankle boot.
An easy-to-wear, does-it-all boot.
There's something so sexy about these boots.
2: SKINNY JEANS AND LOAFERS
Style Notes: Elegant, timeless and the hardest-working flats of all, our appreciation of loafers knows no bounds. Whether they're scuffed, vintage, patent, embellished, or suede, they'll always work with a skinny silhouette.
SHOP LOAFERS:
Tan suede looks great with blue denim. And coming to think of it, black too.
Add a luxe touch to any look with these refined loafers.
Cool and contemporary.
3: SKINNY JEANS AND SPORTY SNEAKERS
Style Notes: Skinnies and trainers go together like bread and butter. But as fashion guru Belle proves, the coolest combination for now lies in chunkier-soled, sporty kicks like retro looking New Balance.
SHOP SPORTY TRAINERS:
Could New Balance be the hottest trainer brand in the world right now? The evidence suggests it might be.
Imagine how good these would look with an all black outfit.
The hard part is choosing which colourway to go for.
4: SKINNY JEANS AND SOCK BOOTS
Style Notes: The Hadids and Jenners like to tuck their skinnies into sock boots, and the idea has caught on for the rest of the world. You can wear them untucked, but come winter your hemline should reach the top of your booties.
SHOP SOCK BOOTS:
The sharp knife boots that put the sock boot back on the "most covetable" list.
Style with blue jeans and a warm shearling coat for winter.
The colour and the angular heel make these boots look three times their price tag.
5: SKINNY JEANS AND MULES
Style Notes: If flats are too flat, heels are too heeled and sneakers feel just plain wrong for you, then the solution lies in cute, midi-heeled mule. From open toed slip ones to chunky backless loafers, an easy mule is the perfect option for elevated comfort.
SHOP MULES:
All you need is a chunky knit, neckerchief, and your favourite pair of skinnies for a nod to Parisian styling.
Not only great shoes, but a piece of wearable art too.
Dress up simple jeans for evening with a sculptural heel.
6: SKINNY JEANS AND CLASSIC POINTED-TOE PUMPS
Style Notes: The juxtaposition of tight, ripped jeans with ladylike court shoes is a formula we'll never tire of. They elongate your legs and you can continue to play with the high/low contrast by adding an oversized jacket tee and a ladylike bag.
SHOP COURT SHOES:
If you haven't already tried Charles and Keith shoes, they're a Who What Wear editor favourite for good reason.
The mid height heel makes these perfect for all day wear.
These could pass for designer.
7: SKINNY JEANS AND KNEE HIGH BOOTS
Style Notes: Don't fear boots that graze the knee or above. They're great for winterizing skinny jeans - earning practical points - and adding a hint of glamour to everyday staples. Try them for evening drinks or a brunch date and you'll feel like you're wearing an entirely new outfit.
SHOP KNEE HIGH BOOTS:
A boxy jacket + skinny jeans + these boots = smart/casual outfit perfection.
We love the classic camel, but these also come in black too.
Wear with true blue or black skinnies.
8: SKINNY JEANS AND STRAPPY HEELS
Style Notes: There’s nothing like minimalistic strappy sandals to add a dressy edge to a pair of casual jeans. The perfect way to show some skin during the colder months, make sure that yours stop just above the ankle straps of your shoes.
SHOP STRAPPY SANDALS:
Special occasions call for a truly special shoe like these.
If skyscraper heels aren't your thing, M&S have nailed the comfortable sandal that will last all night.
Piferi specialise in conversation starting heels designed for shoe lovers.
9: SKINNY JEANS AND BALLET FLATS
Style Notes: Did you get the memo? Ballerinas are back. It worked for Audrey Hepburn all those years ago, and it still works today: these dainty flats go with all types of skinny jeans, whether they're super-tight drainpipes or frayed hem cigarette cuts.
SHOP BALLET PUMPS:
Ballet flats just don't get prettier than this. Talk about the perfect spring shoe.
Minimal, understated, chic, refined these leather pumps are a classic offering from The Row.
Wearing your skinnies for evening? Add these satin pumps and dance the night away without the fear of blisters.
10: SKINNY JEANS AND CHELSEA BOOTS
Style Notes: And finally, the footwear that we spent all of autumn and winter relying on. Flat Chelsea boots never date and are a headache-free companion to trusty skinnies in the footwear department.
SHOP CHELSEA BOOTS:
The Lug sole trend shows absolutely no signs of slowing down.
Ganni's chunky Chelseas come in a myriad of colours, all of which look so expensive.
The original boot that spawned 1000 copies.
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This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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