What Shoes to Wear With Skinny Jeans
Stephanie Patterson
Table of Contents
Slim fit and flare jeans are slowly making a comeback, but we don’t think they’ll ever push skinny jeans out of the spotlight. Since they burst onto the scene, these bottoms have become a closet staple among many people.
But even with a few years to figure it out, many still need the answer to what shoes to wear with skinny jeans.
The challenge stands with figuring out proportions. Since skinny jeans are form-fitting all the way down to the ankle, you won’t want to wear shoes that make your foot look too big or small.
The ‘clown’ look definitely isn’t it. Instead, a more streamlined shoe will make your lower body look sleek and longer.
Unfortunately, some people have trouble finding the right shoe because of the balance problem. But all is not lost. There are so many options available that can help you look your best.
So, we’ve compiled a list of the best shoes to wear with skinny jeans to help you find a solution to the conundrum.
Choosing Shoes To Wear With Skinny Jeans: A Guide
Your choice of footwear to go with skinny jeans can make or break an outfit. You might end up looking fabulous and fashion-forward, but there’s also a chance that your feet could appear slightly clunky.
Skinny jeans are flattering but might be a problematic silhouette to style for some people.
However, matching up a pair of shoes with these tapered bottoms can completely change your overall look. Plus, you don’t want items to clash, whether it’s in color or proportion.
So, when you’re deciding on what shoes to wear with skinny jeans, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. This includes things like your jeans color/wash, shoe height, and the occasion you’ll be wearing them for.
Color/Wash
When it comes to styling, you’re going to want to think about your jeans’ wash. The colorway is going to be important when deciding what shoes to wear with skinny jeans.
Of course, black goes with everything, so black denim would pair well with any shoe you choose. Other blue washes or colors look great with black or neutral shoes like the low-cut Chuck Taylors.
Height
You’ll also want to think about the height of your shoes, both in the heel and ankle. Because skinny jeans taper at the ankle, you’re going to want to find a happy medium between your shoe and the hem.
So, when choosing what shoes to wear with skinny jeans, you can wear pumps, flats, loafers, and even knee-high or thigh-high boots.
But, if you’re choosing to wear high heels, we would put those platforms away.
Occasion
Lastly, you’ll want to think of the occasion you’re dressing for when deciding what shoes to wear with skinny jeans.
The tapered pants can work as business casual pieces depending on the color, so choosing a shoe that’s event-appropriate is a must.
If it’s more of a casual gathering, some slip-on sneakers or combat boots. But, if you’re going to a more formal or professional affair, some flats, pumps, heels, or Mary Janes are great options.
Here are some pairs to look out for in particular:
- Kate Spade Honey Flats, $128
- Jimmy Choo Mahesa Knee-High Boots, $1,550
- Balenciaga Sock Boots, $675
- Kenzo Lace-Up Combat Boots, $610
- Hermès Loafers, $1,025
- Givenchy Slip-On Sneakers, $886
- Chuck Taylor Low Cut Sneakers, $65
- Amina Muaddi Ankle Strap Heels, $1,666
- Stuart Weitzman Over-The-Knee Boots, $1,025
- Coach Pointed Toe Pumps, $196
- Maison Margiela Mary Janes, $880
11 Best Shoes To Wear With Skinny Jeans
Finding what kind of shoes to wear with skinny jeans can be overwhelming.
There are so many options out there! Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of 11 different shoes to help make your decision a little easier.
The styles range from the classic ballet flat to the trendy sock boot, so you’re bound to find some footwear that suits your style.
#1 – Ballet Flats
Ballet Flats are a popular classic shoe that will look so cute matched with some skinny jeans. The best style will be a thinner sole with a slightly rounded toe.
The Kate Spade Honey Flats are an attractive option, complete with a sweet string bow.
Black will be a foolproof and versatile way to go when choosing your ballet flats. It’s minimalist and Kate Spade’s iteration is 100% sheep leather, which will look professional and put together at your work-related events.
In addition, if your jeans are too long, they won’t look as put together with a pair of flats. It’s best to get some skinny pants that hit between your ankle bone and the top of your foot. This will add to the polished and refined vibe.
#2 – Knee-Highs
Who could say no to some leather knee-highs? Knee-high boots and skinny jeans just work well together.
Wearing snug bottoms with these boots is guaranteed to make your legs look sleek and slender. The Jimmy Choo Mahesa 85 boots in black are a great example of shoes that pair well with skinny jeans.
Like the flat, knee-high boots add some elegance to your outfit. With a pair of jeans, they’ll be perfect for a casual or business casual setting. The Jimmy Choo boots have a slightly squared-toe shape, setting a modern mood.
We’d suggest wearing tight skinny jeans to avoid any unsightly scrunching above the boot. You’ll also want to choose some darker wash jeans if you’re going for a black pair of boots.
#3 – Sock Boots
Now, if you’re looking to sport stylish sock boots, your jeans should be slightly looser around the ankles. Then, it can easily slip over your shoes since sock boots are tighter.
These two make a great pair simply because of the lack of a chunky sole. A beautiful designer option would be something like the Balenciaga knife knit bootie.
These shoes are comfy and trendy, even with a skinnier heel. Luckily, the Balenciaga boots are shorter, so they might be more comfortable if you plan to be on your feet.
Plus, the shoes have a feminine and sleek vibe with the pointed-toe design. So, it looks like the Balenciagas that look like socks will have you looking gorgeous while strutting the streets.
#4 – Combat Boots
The combat boot will be a part of fashion for many more years. Skinny jeans look great with them because of the proportions. In addition, you’re able to tuck your jeans into a boot, making for a smooth line all the way down to your feet.
You can even let your socks poke out a little to amp up the look. If you’re looking for a rugged lace-up option, the Kenzo combat boots are a stylish example.
The black leather adds a grunge feel to your outfit, but you could always tone it down by switching up your shirt choices. They’ll also be super comfortable to wear, so you know they’re made for walkin’.
#5 – Loafers
Loafers are another great option when deciding what to wear with skinny jeans. Like the ballet flats, you would get the best result by wearing jeans that end around your ankles for a more refined look.
You could even get away with cropped styles. The leather Hermes Paris Loafers are a classy choice if you’re into the academic look.
Showing off more of your ankle will maintain the balance between your jeans, bare skin, and a slightly chunky loafer. In other words, the shape of your legs will be proportioned and won’t be buried underneath scrunching layers of denim.
#6 – Slip-On Sneakers
If your style is more laidback during your off days, slip-on sneakers can be your go-to when you throw on your favorite skinny jeans. The Givenchy white & red sneakers give off a streetwear vibe that would pair well with some skinny black denim.
Like the loafer, slip-on sneakers look best when they’re paired with shorter hems. But, if you’re petite, you could cuff the jeans for an even stronger chilled-out vibe.
With our example, though, something too snug might make your feet look bigger than they actually are. So, something that isn’t skin tight would make a great fit.
#7 – Low-Cut Sneakers
Another sneaker option is the low-cut style. The most common choice includes the classic Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star. You could also wear cuffed skinny jeans with these low-profile kicks.
They’d even look fabulous paired with some snug jeggings. If you’re not going to roll them at the hem, though, make sure they have an inseam that hits just past your ankle.
Chuck Taylors are a perfect example of a stylish low-cut sneaker that’ll never phase out of the fashion scape. They’re comfortable, practical, and versatile.
Plus, they make for a balanced look when paired together. You could go for a completely white version of the shoe and a pair of jeans with any wash. You could even go for the classic black and white design styled with classic blue jeans.
#8 – Ankle Strap Heels
Anticipating a fancy night out in some sleek black skinny jeans? The ankle strap heels can complete your outfit with no problem.
With a thin sole and block or stiletto heels, the ankle-strap heels will enhance your foot and leg. They’ll add some length and a whole lot of attitude.
Something like the Amina Muaddi ankle strap heels are a great example. They’re minimal, with some additional flair in the crystal embellishments.
The heel is also sculpted, adding a unique and editorial look, so how could you say no? By rolling up the hem, you can even show the dainty heels off in all of their glory.
#9 – Over-the-Knee Boots
Like the knee-high boots, over-the-knee boots will deliver the best results if they zip up over a tight pair of skinny jeans. They’re trendy and warm, perfect for looking chic during colder months. They’ll even look swanky with or without a heel.
To give you some inspiration, the Stuart Weitzman over-the-knee boots would suit a snug pair of jeans perfectly. They’re suede and have a high block heel, adding just a hint of glamor.
They even come with an adjustable tie back for a more personalized fit. So, they’ll absolutely do well over a pair of skinny denim.
#10 – Pointed-Toe Pumps
Pointed-toe pumps are staples when choosing what shoes to wear with skinny jeans.
With no platform and the pointed toe, the shoe creates a smooth line from your legs all the way down to your toe. Pumps also highlight the curve of your ankle while creating that balanced look.
You could wear your jeans regularly or cuffed when styling with pointed-toe pumps. They’ll look on-trend, modern, and will definitely send off some boss vibes.
The Coach pointed-toe pumps are a beautiful option. They even feature some beaded embellishments along the side for some extra flair. You’ll definitely be turning heads with this look.
#11 – Mary Janes
Are you still deciding on what shoes to wear with skinny jeans? We have one last option for you: the classic Mary Janes.
The darling strapped shoe works in the same way loafers and flats work with tapered bottoms. They’ll look academic and trendy, regardless of the style you end up going with.
Mary Janes is a pretty broad term. The shoe can have heels or be completely flat. In our example, the Maison Margiela Hyperion Mary Janes have a pointed toe and a slight lift.
Now, more pointed-toe flats can work, but we wouldn’t recommend wearing them with skinny jeans if you have bigger feet. This will only accentuate them more.
What Are The Best Heeled Shoes To Wear With Skinny Jeans?
Heels are the ultimate shoe for dressing up. You’ll probably look more put together and elegant if you add a heel to an outfit. When paired with jeans, they can completely change the look depending on the wash.
Pairing a heel with some skinny blue denim will look more casual, while a pair of black jeans will add more to a business casual look.
What you don’t want to go for are heels with platforms. This can make your feet look clunky and disconnect the balance we mentioned before. The sleekest and chic heels that go well with skinny jeans have thinner soles.
How Can You Style Skinny Jeans?
Styling skinny jeans is a head-to-toe effort. Each piece plays a part in maintaining balance and the proportions of the outfit. It can also change the aesthetic you’re going for.
So, when you’re thinking of what shoes to wear with skinny jeans, you’ll want to think about the rest of your outfit, too.
For example, we mentioned that combat boots offer a rugged and tough vibe. This can be altered depending on the top you choose to wear.
If you go for a knit sweater, it’ll soften up the overall aesthetic. But, if you want to embrace the grunge look, you can throw on an oversized jacket of your choice. We’d go for leather to really drive it home.
We also mentioned that skinny jeans can be part of a stylish business casual look. A pair of ballet flats or classy loafers are excellent options. It’s widely agreed that black denim is a good choice for office wear.
With the right shoe, they can transform into a professional outfit. They could even be semi-formal if you pair them with ankle-strap heels.
Final Thoughts
Skinny jeans are a timeless and stylish pair of pants that’ll stay part of the fashion scene for a while. So, finding the right shoes to wear with them can be challenging as trends continue to change.
Ultimately, your final look will depend on your personal style when deciding what shoes to wear with skinny jeans.
Of course, remaining fashion-forward is essential to many people. Still, if you’re wearing clothes and shoes that you enjoy, you’re already setting a fashion standard for yourself.
So, while these options are trendy and classic, they don’t have to be your must-haves. But they’re great to keep in mind if you want to maintain that skinny jean-shoe balancing act.
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