It's True: These Classic Shoe Styles Always Look Good With Jeans

Blue jeans are an undisputed wardrobe staple. But what shoes to wear with them? I've rounded up 13 options to inspire your denim days.

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If there's one thing that all Who What Wear UK editors agree on, it's the timeless appeal of a great pair of jeans. They're a staple in just about everyone's wardrobe, and they can be styled in so many ways depending on season, occasion and general mood.

But their versatility can also be pose some obstacles. With an abundance of styling options comes an abundance of decisions to be made. Thankfully, the fashion set has served up plenty of chic and easy-to-replicate denim looks that take the hard work out of getting dressed. And one thing that always catches my eye when sifting through this collection of inspo is the footwear. There are so many different styles of shoes that look best with jeans, whether you pair cigarette jeans with ballet flats or wide-leg jeans with trainers, there’s a jean-and-shoe combo out there for every event and personal style.

Keep scrolling to discover my favourite simple yet stylish denim-and-shoe combos to try next time you don't know what to wear, and shop the footwear you may need to help re-create the look.

The 13 Styles of Shoes To Wear With Jeans

1. Loafers

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(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: Loafers pair exquisitely with blue jeans, bringing an air of prep to your looks. Classic black or brown leather or suede are an apt choice and will never date, and provide a sleek and chic foundation to the rest of your look. Add a pop colour sock to add a flash of visual interest (I go for bright red).

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2. Slingbacks

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Style Notes: The polished heel that's always in style, the slingback is back in full force this season. For the ultimate French look, go for a pointed or almond toe and a two-tone finish. A low heel is best for all-day comfort, and teamed with blue jeans and knitwear, you can't go far wrong.

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3. Heeled Ankle Boots

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(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Style Notes: Whether you're heading to the office or to dinner, denim with a heeled ankle boot is a fail-safe pairing. Take cues from Anouk, and pair slim-fit jeans with chocolate-toned suede boots, and add similar tones across the rest of your look for an effortless vibe.

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4. Court Shoes

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(Image credit: @annabelrosendahl)

Style Notes: If you want your jeans to do the talking, make the rest of your look fully monochromatic. Take tips from Annabel, who teams her chic, black pointed toe court shoes with a light wash denim. The black blazer, t-shirt and bag solidify this ensemble as a great office day option. No notes!

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5. Ballet Flats

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(Image credit: @devapollon)

Style Notes: Ballet flats are very much still a fashion person staple, and they combine with blue jeans to a pretty and elegant effect. For your off-duty days, add a relaxed checked shirt and luxe leather clutch, just like Devin. I'm replicating this for my weekend looks when I want to look dressy, but relaxed all the same.

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6. Uggs

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(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

Style Notes: Have you invested in a pair of UGGS yet? Consider this your sign. For chilly season, it's an effortlessly chic and warm option. Add a pair of snug socks, and bundle up in cashmere knitwear and a shearling jacket to go full cosy-core.

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7. Animal-Print Boots

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(Image credit: @marina_torres)

Style Notes: Whether you opt for snake, leopard or cow-print, animal-print shoes and boots are seriously on trend at the moment. Pairing well with any wash or colour of denim, the styling possibilities for these boots are endless, adding an exotic flourish to your day to day 'fits.

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8. Classic Trainers

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: Just like bread and butter, blue jeans and classic white trainers match one another so well. Spot on for your comfy days, or running errands, white, simple and timeless sneakers will adding an athletic vibe to your denim roster.

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9. Strappy Heels

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(Image credit: @johannapiispa)

Style Notes: Whether you go for a cross-strap, thong, or chunky strap vibe, pairing this kind of heel or kitten shoe is such a wise choice with denim, and can create such a strong but easy to throw together look for evenings, dates nights and cocktails with friends. A pretty top, or even a simple t-shirt or tank, with a flowing coat draped over is what the cool girls are donning now.

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10. Cowboy Boots

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(Image credit: @tia_dewitt)

Style Notes: The cowboy (or cowgirl) boot and jeans have been a match made in heaven since the 1800s, when the two were created. You can tuck your skinny, slim-cut or even baggy jeans into your boots to really show off the pattern and details. Or, you can learn from Tia's cool outfit and roll up your hems a bit to show them off — the pointed toes and western heels always look fun peeking out.

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11. Colourful Trainers

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: Whilst you might always be in favour of white trainers, there's something about a pair of colourful sneakers that instantly make an outfit with jeans pop. Take a page from trendsetters' books and buy a pair of Adidas Sambas or Gazelles (there are so many colours to choose from).

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12. Chunky Boots

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(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)

Style Notes: I love the denim and chunky boots duo—it just works. Simple black, suede and chocolate-toned platforms look great with light-wash and rich blue denim. Finish the look with a suede jacket and plaid shirt for a country and western spin.

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13. Boat Shoes

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(Image credit: @divrav)

Style Notes: Another shoe style to come out of the preppy revival is the boat shoe. Spearheaded by fishing, outdoor and sports brands, and now given the luxury seal of approval by the likes of Miu Miu, Le Monde Béryl and Isabel Marant, the deck shoe slips on with ease and combines with denim just so well. Play up to the prep factor with chunky ruched socks, a polo shirt, blazer and aviators, just like Div here.

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Poppy Nash
Poppy Nash
Managing Editor

Poppy joined the Who What Wear UK team as managing editor in 2022. After graduating from university with a degree in English literature, she worked for several publications, including Women's Health, The Times and Marie Claire.

As WWW UK’s managing editor, Poppy looks after the content calendar and all output across the brand, in addition to working with contributors and supporting with social media planning, branded content, marketing and brand strategy. A keen eye for detail means Poppy oversees the production of tentpole moments such as special issues, events, gift guides and more. You won’t find many articles by Poppy on site, but when you do there’s no doubt they will either be focused on dresses, handbags or classic high-street buys she shares with her mum. Or better yet, all three!

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