We all know how versatile a pair of jeans can be. After all, what other garment can take you from work (some offices, at least) to the weekend to nights out with the same stylish flair and universal appeal?
However, their ease is often dependent on another item: footwear. Shoes have the power to instantly change the mood of your jeans. For example, for a cocktail party, a pair of bejewelled heels will elevate your classic blues to glamorous new heights. Similarly, ballet pumps will add polish to ripped or frayed-hem jeans—simply add a tailored blazer and a button-up blouse and you’ve got yourself a chic workwear ensemble.
So which shoes would I recommend wearing with jeans? I’m glad you asked. I’ve whittled down the shoes to wear with jeans that I truly believe work for just about every occasion you can think of.
Keep scrolling to see seven shoes-and-jeans combinations validated by the style elite, and then proceed to shop the outfits for yourself.
Style Notes: They’re one of the summer’s biggest shoe trends, and thankfully, strappy mules look excellent worn with jeans. Their simple silhouette makes for a premium footwear choice and will help to make even bleached denim look luxe.
Style Notes: Printed boots—particularly snake motifs—are set to be huge come autumn. However, even we know they’re not the most versatile thing to style. A pair of classic jeans will make for an ideal partner for "extra" footwear choices.
Style Notes: Ballet flats are firmly back on our fashion radar. Typically low cut on the foot, they work with just about any jean-length, though we think they look really French when worn with cropped ankle-grazing jeans.
Style Notes: Where there are jeans, sneakers can’t be too far off. While all kick-flare styles will do the off-duty trick, take the minimalist approach with a pair of sleek tennis shoes.
Style Notes: Where relaxed-fit jeans are concerned, take inspiration from cool Cali girls and wear them with a pair of colour-pop Havaiana flip flops. A printed tee and statement sunglasses will finish the look.
Style Notes: There’s no denying the fact we love a good dress, but for an edgy twist on after-dark dressing, we recommend wearing a pair of straight-leg jeans with the fanciest heels you can find.
Style Notes: Espadrilles look just as good with jeans as they do with printed midi skirts. Wide-leg styles work particularly well, as they balance out the chunky wedge heels.
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.