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 these jeans to make them look their best on my petite frame—an hourglass 5' 3"—or what shoes to wear with wide-leg jeans.
Tired of feeling like I'm missing out as a woman with a shorter figure, 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. (And for the uninitiated, be sure to refer to our guide on how to wear wide-leg jeans with your existing wardrobe staples.) 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. (Sorry, clogs.)
Intrigued to see which shoes fashion people wear with wide-leg jeans, I took to social media 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 9 Suit Best
1. Pointed-Toe Boots
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 boots will make your wide-leg jeans look elegant but also reinforce their leg-lengthening properties, as the point creates an elongated look.
Shop the Jeans:
White denim is always a good idea.
Shop the Shoes:
Sophistication meets versatility in these cracked-leather boots.
Sock boots are currently all the rage, and this discerning style makes it so effortless to style.
A knee-grazing length also adds another notable element to your silhouette, especially if you follow tasteful dressers and tuck your wide-leg jeans into your boots.
2. 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 low-profile pairs that counter the sheer volume of fabric that looked the part.
Shop the Jeans:
Made with sustainability in mind, Reformation jeans are ideal for pairing with sneakers or sandals.
Shop the Shoes:
The retro-classic shape of this latest addition to the Adidas x Wales Bonner collaboration already pegs this as a best-seller, but it's the whimsical lace accent that truly makes this pair.
The COS minimal trainers are all the team WWWUK can talk about right now.
Artisanal detailing meets comfort in these mixed-material Chloé 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:
These Aligne jeans are my favourite pair at the moment.
Shop the Shoes:
Understated and chic, these timeless black flats pair seamlessly with any denim look.
Toe-capped styles are a truly timeless staple, making this pair a worthy investment at an affordable price point.
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 Buffy flats are perfect for day wear.
4. Metallics
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 silver shoes bring a youthful touch to wide-leg denim ensembles—and are already endorsed by fashion notables like Kendall Jenner.
An elegant iteration made even more covetable thanks to the softly tapered point and slip-on style.
A statement flat look if I ever saw one.
5. Thin-Strap Heels
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 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.
Adored by Margot Robbie and Laura Harrier, the Leva sandals are one of Manolo Blahnik's most iconic shoes and they pair perfectly with wide-leg jeans.
These mid heel sandals are the perfect partner for wide-leg jeans.
6. Chunky 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 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.
Sleek and modern, these Prada loafers add an elevated, preppy touch to wide-leg jeans.
For something a little more contemporary, give these ombre loafers a try.
7. Flip-Flops
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 flip-flop as the strap goes between the toes and is seen peeking out from under the hem.
Shop the Jeans:
Casual yet polished, these jeans make the perfect canvas for laid-back footwear like elevated flip-flops.
Shop the Shoes:
Minimalist yet striking, The Row's sandals add a contemporary edge to your wide-leg jeans.
The croc effect on this pair makes them all the more expensive.
This rich-looking version is my fave.
8. Ankle-Length 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! Curved!
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 Emme Parsons style.
Perfect for trotting around town while staying light on your feet.
9. Gathered Loafers
Style Notes: On the other end of the spectrum are these gathered loafers. Clean cut and featuring a slim profile, these emulate a moccasin in the way they feature a thinner sole and are already being peddled by the designer set, including The Row's Eel loafers and Saint Laurent's Le Loafer.
Shop the Jeans:
Straight from California, these Citizens of Humanity jeans offer a wide hemline but shaped leg, making them a brilliant option for those who want to avoid the triangular silhouette wide-leg jeans can sometimes provide.
Shop the Shoe:
Made from a panelled eel skin, these loafers are a hybrid between cracked leather and embossed croc.
Tassels are such a stealthily wealthy addition to a classic style.
The raised heel on this style has piqued Gen Z's interest.
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