Trainers are to jeans as Nutella is to pancakes, as fries are to a burger. They just work together. The only major flaw in this belief, however, is that every pair of trainers works with every pair of jeans. I've learned that there are certain trainers that work best with certain denim silhouettes. I own a fair amount of both, so you can rest assured that I've spent a lot of time thinking about this and have narrowed down the ideal combos.
When deciding which trainers to wear with jeans, the first thing I think about is the hem of the trousers. Are they cropped or tapered? This detail immediately has an impact on which trainers I'll choose. Case in point: If you're wearing a longer leg style, you won't want to wear a chunky pair of trainers because they might disrupt the silhouette of the jeans. Secondly, I pay attention to the width of the trouser legs. Wide-leg jeans, in my opinion, don't work well with chunky trainers. The nuances of getting this combination right might feel overwhelming, but I've illustrated how to do so for you below. Keep scrolling to see my insight on which six trainer styles are best to wear with jeans.
1. HIGH-TOPS
Style Notes: High-top trainers work perfectly with crop styles as they fill any gap between your hemline and what would be the top of a normal trainer height, creating a long leg silhouette.
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If you're looking to invest in your denim this season, look no further than this Toteme pair.
Such classics.
The perfect crop.
White trainers will go with every wash of denim.
2. WHITE PLIMSOLES
Style Notes: This is what I like to think of as the Princess Catherine way to wear jeans and trainers. The cropped ankle and slightly tapered style always works very well with white plimsolls. Socks optional.
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Love the twisted pocket detail.
Supergas are some of the comfiest trainers I own.
Blue jeans, a white tee, and trainers = a failsafe outfit.
The toe caps give these a fun edge.
3. RUNNING TRAINERS
Style Notes: Perhaps the most divisive of combos is a pair of high-waisted jeans with sporty trainers. It's a little hypebeast for some, but I'm personally a big fan. As this style of trouser typically falls on the ankle and it's nice to make a show of your trend-led trainers.
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Whistles is one of my favourite destinations for denim.
I'm loving these.
Look at that chic wide-leg fit.
New Balance styles will always be a fashion person's favourite.
4. BRIGHT COLOURS
Style Notes: Let's focus on colour for a second; most jeans I own fall into the blue category, though I am partial to black and ecru as well. This triad of timeless hues loans itself perfectly to styling with bright trainers without any risk of clashing.
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White jeans and bright trainers are a match made in heaven.
Such a cool, retro pair.
COS has become a high street favourite for denim.
These look so good with any colour of jeans.
5. CHUNKY TRAINERS
Style Notes: Chunky trainers continue to dominate the sneaker scene, with New Balance 550s still proving to be popular. Wear with straight-leg jeans for a 2024 take on the look.
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The fit is so good.
Simple yet so effective.
Wear with trainers at the weekend and heeled boots in the week.
That pop of navy really works.
6. BLACK TONES
Style Notes: I'm noticing more and more black trainers come through, and while I previously wasn't a fan, I'm coming round to how chic they can look, especially when worn with mid-blue denim.
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An influencer favourite.
Swap in your usual white pair for these.
They also look super crisp and cool with white jeans.
The ultimate high fashion pair.
This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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