Straight leg jeans are back in style! Their classic look goes with everything.
But choosing the wrong shoes can make your outfit fall flat.
Read on to discover the top footwear picks for straight jeans
We’ll cover casual kicks, smart options, and dressy heels. You’ll also get useful tips for putting together polished yet comfortable outfits.
Best Shoes To Wear With Straight Leg Jeans for a Relaxed Casual Vibe
When running errands or meeting friends, you want casual shoes that feel as nice as your jeans look. These 5 options check all the boxes.
White Sneakers
Crisp white chunky sneakers add a sporty, preppy vibe. They make basic straight leg jeans appear more polished and purposeful.
Opt for leather or vegan leather rather than canvas.
That extra structure means the shoes will hold their shape better. So your outfit stays looking fresh.
Loafers
Loafers lend a borrowed-from-the-boys charm, minus the fuss. Their low profile keeps the spotlight on the sleek lines of straight leg denim.
Toss on a chunky loafer when you want an effortlessly cool look.
Chelsea Boots
Ankle boots toughen up straight leg jeans for a bit of edge. Try a slim, Chelsea style in a neutral color like tan or grey. The slimmer silhouette keeps things neat and tailored when wearing casually.
Ballet Flats
Ballet flats bring softness to straight leg jeans’ architectural shape. Neutrals like blush pink or dove grey with a pointed toe work year-round.
Metallics add shine for nights out. Just don’t wear super clunky flats or loose styles. They can make straight leg jeans seem boxy.
Espadrilles
Espadrilles bring vacation vibes to urban settings. Crisscross ties lend visual interest at the ankle.
A braided jute midsole makes the look laid-back enough for everyday. Just save flimsy espadrilles for beach days.
Well-structured leather or canvas pairs work best with straight leg jeans.
Best Shoes To Wear With Straight Leg Jeans
for Smart Casual Style
Sometimes you want to elevate casual jeans for work or going out. These smart shoes make straight leg denim appropriate for semi-formal occasions.
Oxford Shoes
An oxford shoe instantly pull together a jeans outfit. Their eye-catching broguing jazzes up denim.
Go for a sleek puffed toe in patent leather. It makes casual fabrics look dressier. Textured black leather also does the trick.
Chelsea Boots
The Chelsea boot is equal parts rock-and-roll and refined. Elastic sides streamline their look.
Luxe leather makes denim seem smarter. Go for an ankle-high pair that hits mid-calf. The elongated line looks chic with cropped hems.
Mules
Mules borrowed from your work wardrobe bring elegance on weekends. A pointy toe balances out straight legs’ width.
Kitten heels give comfortable height. Metallics pop against dark denim. But nubuck mules in tan or grey make jeans appropriate for the office too.
Best Shoes To Dress Up Straight Leg Jeans
Date night? Cocktail party? An event downtown? Use these heels to make jeans seem dressy in an instant.
Pumps
A pointed toe pump elongates straight leg jeans’ silhouette. The angular toe mirrors cropped jeans’ straight lines.
Opt for a 3-inch block heel rather than a skinny stiletto. The chunkier heel makes things more comfortable and stable.
Black patent leather always looks dressy. But metallic shoes make dark wash jeans dazzle.
Trendy Wedge Heels
Wedge heels keep things comfortable but still polished. Espadrilles have natural texture.
But wear those strictly in summer with cropped hems.
For cooler months, try a sleek suede wedge. The angled sole visually slims wider straight legs. Go for a walkable 2 to 3-inch height.
Strappy Heels
Nothing makes jeans look dressier faster than strappy heels. Think thin straps and lots of skin showing.
A 4-inch stiletto heel sky-high sex appeal. But platforms provide more balance. Go for black for evenings out or bright tones as a fun daytime splash.
Retro Block Heels
Block heels have vintage appeal that plays up jeans casual vibe. Sculptural wooden soles offset straight and narrow pant legs.
Floral print heels make things extra kitschy and eye-catching. For dressy occasions, patent red or cobalt blue block heels make jeans pop.
Stilettos
Last but not least, nothing beats a stiletto for making jeans look long, lean and formal.
Go for a classic shape that is walkable for you. Brands like Naturalizer and Sam Edelman make stiletto heels more comfortable for all-night wear.
The goal is enjoying yourself – not suffering for style!
Other Useful Tips for Styling Your Outfit Ideas
Don’t forget smaller styling elements also help pull together a chic straight leg jeans outfit!
Play with Color Palettes
Monochromatic colors create a sleek uniform effect. Think black jeans with black booties plus a silky camisole in a coordinating jewel tone.
But also play mix and match. Creamy nubuck booties soften harsh black denim. Blush pink heels feminize dark blue jeans. Going tone on tone or totally contrasting both work!
Consider Weather and Season
Save open toe shoes for summer and sandals for trips to warm climates. Stick to closed toe shoes for winter so feet stay toasty.
In fall and spring, go for transitional shoes like loafers or ballet flats. They work with or without hosiery. Boots also bridge seasonal gaps elegantly.
Just get both walkable heel heights and flat soles to prevent slips on icy sidewalks.
Mind the Occasion
Dress codes influence footwear choices with jeans too. Distressed denim and sneakers are great for brunch or movies.
But elevate things for workplaces, weddings, parties that specify cocktail attire, etc.
When in doubt, err on the formal side with sleek silhouettes in luxe materials. There is no such thing as being overdressed!
