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What Shoes To Wear with Straight-Leg Jeans

Josie Costigan

Straight-leg jeans have a looser feel and are a trendy twist on your classic denim. They are a new style you can add to your fashion wardrobe that’s a step away from the basic skinny jeans. 

However, the relaxed look of the denim may leave you unsure how to put together an entire outfit with them. And you may especially be wondering how to style shoes with your ‘fit.

To help you and your shoes stand out against these bottoms, we’re here to tell you what shoes to wear with straight-leg jeans.

After reading this guide, you’ll know all this and more:

What Are Straight-Leg Jeans?

Straight-leg jeans are a version of beloved denim that have the same width from the top to the bottom of the leg.

The bottoms do not taper below the knee—giving the pants a straight leg appearance. The jeans also have a more relaxed fit compared to the typical form-fitting skinny jeans.

But, not all of the designs are loose-fitting. The term ‘straight’ refers to the shape of the jeans. And there are a variety of denim styles including relaxed straight jeans or slim fit straight jeans. 

Straight-leg jeans are well-known to suit all body types. Also, many women prefer these jeans for their high level of comfort. And when the jeans are styled well, they can still be flattering and tailored perfectly to your body type. 

Aside from being a timeless trend, straight-leg jeans are also inclusive because there are styles for both men and women. Rather than the classic boot cut or skinny jeans, guys prefer the look for its versatility and comfort too.

Plus they accentuate long legs for all our six-feet-tall men! 

These jeans are comfortable, casual, and look great on fashion lovers of many different shapes and sizes. 

History Of Jeans

Jeans are bottoms made from denim fabric that are found in almost everyone’s closets.

The pants were designed in 1873 by Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss—as in Levi’s—one of your favorite denim stores. The bottoms weren’t originally designed for fashion, but have evolved from their initial practical use. 

Fun fact: the word ‘jean’ originates from the Italian city Genoa, which is the place where the lighter corduroy called jean or jeane was fabricated. Levi eventually moved to San Francisco for the bigger market to sell dry goods, including cotton cloth. 

In San Francisco, his soon-to-be business partner, Jacob Davis was his first customer. Jacob worked as a tailor to build much-needed items like horse blankets and tents. So it sounds like a perfect pair, right?

One of Jacob’s loyal customers wanted a pair of sturdy bottoms durable enough for his hard labor. Jacob’s choice of material was the denim he had just bought from Levi Strauss & Co. 

And, along with using the thick fabric, he tailored pockets and flies on the area where pants commonly rip.

He had so much success with his design that he wrote to Levi and they quickly became partners. And the two began manufacturing what we now call ‘jeans.’

Over the last 140 years, jeans have evolved from their original functional design into a fashion must-have. Now, you can find an endless array of jean styles, colors, and fits. For instance, some prefer skinny jeans while others may like the Capri cut. 

Overall, jeans—a staple piece in most of our closets—are a universal fashion item that can be tailored for men, women, and children of all sizes.

What Shoes To Wear With Straight-Leg Jeans

When deciding what shoes to wear with straight-leg jeans, the options aren’t limited. In fact, we’ve seen many different people pull off a variety of shoe types.

At first, you may think sneakers are your safest bet to wear with these loose, casual pants. But, with the right styling, any shoe could work with your outfit of choice.

Obviously, sneakers are an easy choice for an everyday look. And the basic, neutral tones of the denim wash give you the option to be a bit creative and choose colors and designs you’d like your shoes to showcase.

But, an easy-going, simple white pair will also give you a clean and classic look! 

When picking out shoes to wear with straight jeans, you could even wear your favorite boots if you’d like to pull off an edgier look or need them for the cooler climate. Again, boots can be a solid color and texture or they can be playful with an animal print or bold color. 

For our glamor girls, you don’t need to worry any longer about which shoes to wear with straight-leg jeans.

That’s because heels are another great option you can pair with these pants—especially if you want to subtly enhance an outfit for a romantic evening or a lowkey night out with the girls.

We could truly go on and on forever about what shoes to wear with straight-leg jeans. And if you’re feeling ready to explore your fashion creativity—and your mind is beginning to spin with ideas—then it’s about time we checked out some straight-leg jean outfit options. 

When it comes to giving fashion advice, we can show you better than we can tell you, so here are some visual examples of the different shoes to wear with this denim. 

5 Outfit Ideas With Straight-Leg Jeans

This model shows how you style an outfit with the perfect mixture between casual and chic. The bottom half of her outfit features a light wash pair of straight-leg jeans and classic black high-top Converse.

But, the upper half makes the look luxurious with a long blazer. All the black ties the look together while simultaneously letting the light-washed denim stand out. 

Converse sneakers are a great example of what shoes to wear with straight-leg jeans. They’re also a pair of shoes that so many of us own! Plus, the form-fitting high tops don’t look chunky with the flair of the denim. 

This is an example of how to wear these jeans for a soft, girl-next-door look.

This model pairs her high-waisted straight-leg jeans with a soft green cardigan. Her shoes of choice are white sneakers that would probably be seen as ‘dad shoes.’ But don’t let the name fool you because those shoes are super trendy!

White shoes are a good choice when deciding what shoes to wear with straight jeans. The clean look of the white sneakers with denim is a personal favorite.

Also, these basic, crisp-looking shoes can pair well with any denim wash and any tops or jackets you wear. 

This outfit can genuinely be suitable for almost anyone’s lifestyle. And if outfits could talk, it would scream, “this is a casual look to be worn while running errands!” Am I the only one who sees that? 

Anyways, this model pairs her soft straight-leg jeans with a chunky striped sweater. She does the classic ‘french tuck’ to make sure she doesn’t hide the front of the pants.

Also, for a unique twist, the model chose to wear black flip-flops to complete her look and it works!

Flip flops or any sandal are easy slip-on shoes that are a breathable, comfortable choice.

In fact, showing a bit of ankle breaks up the outfit and gives the illusion of elongating your legs which are covered in the loose denim material. 

This is an example of what shoes to wear with straight-leg jeans on petite figures. 

This model knows exactly how to style her attire around her small figure. The black denim lets the neutral coat stand out and the long length gives the model an illusion of added height—and so do the heels!

Heels are a stunning choice to add glam and luxury to an outfit featuring denim. They elongate your legs to make sure your body isn’t swallowed up by the loose material while simultaneously showcasing the denim. 

Keep in mind, however, this model chose to wear solid beige heels. But, if you want to be playful, brighter colored heels are an easy swap. Psst…this is also a great outfit idea if you’re wondering what shoes to wear with cropped straight-leg jeans. 

Remember when we said boots can be an option? Well, this model knows exactly how to wear ankle boots with straight-leg jeans. Her entire look is quirky and vibrant with all the animal prints, accessories, and bold red lip. 

This outfit also showcases how simple jeans can easily be paired with other adventurous pieces. The tighter fit of the boots hugs the ankles while the rest of her bottom half is rocking a looser look. 

So when you’re deciding how to wear boots with straight-leg jeans, think back to this look. A tighter-fitting pair of shoes look best against the straight-leg style.

Also, textures like leather or suede in boots can pop against the predominantly denim outfit. And this is another easy way to add color or prints to your finished look. 

What Type Of Shoes Can You Get?

I think we covered almost every type of shoe option available to show you what shoes to wear with straight-leg jeans—except slippers—but let us know if you figure out how to style those. 

Since straight-leg jeans are a solid basic style that usually comes in simple denim washes, you can buy shoes of any neutral or vibrant color your heart desires.

Your shoe choice really depends on the rest of your look. Prints and details that are commonly found in shoes are also a welcome option. 

High-cut or low-cut boots and sneakers can be styled with these denim pants.

As we mentioned, high-cut tight-fitting shoes are a great option because they contrast nicely with the relaxed fit of the bottoms. Plus, low-cut shoes will show off a bit of skin that can also break up the baggy feel of the bottoms. 

Shoes of any size, color, and style can usually be made to work with straight-leg jeans. So, ultimately, the vibe you’re trying to achieve and your lifestyle will determine if the shoe is a perfect fit. 

How To Choose The Best Shoes To Wear with Straight-Leg Jeans

Now that you have an idea of what shoes to wear with straight-leg jeans, you might be starting to wonder how to choose the best ones.

Just like there are endless clothing options, there are also tons of shoe options too—and which ones you pick will depend on your personal style. 

If affordability is your main concern, then there are a variety of shoes you can buy within an affordable price range. For example, Converse shoes can be purchased from $40 – $70 on average.

These sneakers will accommodate any lifestyle, provide comfort, and achieve a classic, clean look. 

Obviously, sandals can be bought at a lower cost too. These are a great option to keep around if you’re wanting to slip on something quickly and head out the door as soon as possible. 

Unless you’re purchasing a high-quality pair of sandals, though, we don’t recommend that they become your daily choice. That’s because they may get worn down easily and not provide the best comfort. 

If you want to treat yourself, then a good quality boot, heel, or sneaker from a designer or reputable brand will look amazing with your pants. We think that Nike trail blazers, strappy stilettos, or printed boots may be the best shoes to wear with straight-leg jeans. 

Here’s the main thing to keep in mind: Be aware of your lifestyle. For instance, if you know comfort is key for your lifestyle, then investing in a decent pair of sneakers should be your main priority so you can complete your casual daily tasks easily and comfortably. 

If you consider yourself more polished and glam, on the other hand, then heels might be calling your name. Yet the shoe choices are endless and they’re also all up to you!

How To Style Your Shoes And Straight-Leg Jeans

Jeans and shoes can both be extremely versatile pieces that can transform an outfit. They have the power to dress up or dress down an entire look simply based on their fit and color. 

When styling your shoes, keep the occasion in mind. If it’s a casual day of running errands, sneakers and a graphic tee or sweater of any kind can be styled with these jeans.

And if you’re heading out for a nice dinner with the girls, a flirty blouse and heels can easily elevate the denim. 

Also, keep in mind your surroundings. If you live in a colder climate that experiences lots of rain or snow, then a waterproof pair of leather boots may suit your lifestyle best.

If you’re lucky enough to live in a warm climate year-round, then a fun pair of sandals can be your denim’s best friend. 

Fashion Tips To Avoid With Straight-Leg Jeans

Now that you know what shoes to wear with straight-leg jeans, it’s time to check out some fashion no-nos. So keep these tips in mind to ensure you look your best when rocking this denim.

  1. Keep the loose, relaxed fit of the denim in mind. The straight-leg appearance might not pair well with a chunky winter boot or sneaker. This could cause the pants and shoes to look muddled together. Think about what shoes go well with the straight-leg denim to put together a cohesive look.
  2. Tucking the denim into the shoes may not go smoothly. We know some jeans are styled with knee-high boots and the material is tucked or layered underneath the shoe. However, the straight material won’t tuck into the shoe as nicely as skinny jeans. Doing so may also create a clunky and displaced look, so try to avoid doing that. 
  3. Don’t be afraid to switch it up. When choosing what shoes to wear with straight-leg jeans, you aren’t committed to just one pair. So play around with the versatility of the pants by styling them with sneakers during the day and then your favorite heels during the night. 

How To Take Care Of Your Shoes And Straight-Leg Jeans

Both denim and good-quality shoes could potentially live a long life in your wardrobe. The key to their longevity, however, is knowing how to take care of them. 

When trying to keep your shoes in tip-top shape, here are a few of the tips and tricks we recommend you follow. Obviously, shoes will need a bit more attention than jeans as you’re likely wearing them more often with different outfits.

So, take a mental note that you’ll have to tend to your soles more often. 

Try your best to keep your shoes away from moisture—this means excessive sweat or water if the shoes aren’t waterproof. Increased moisture can lead to bacteria growing in the shoe and nobody wants that.

Many stores sell gel pouches that you swap in and out of your soles to help battle moisture. 

If your shoes are vibrant in color or even have a solid dark tone, make an effort to keep them out of direct sunlight.

The strong rays can cause your shoes’ colors to fade and look older than they already are. It can also cause some shoes’ materials—like Converse’s fabrics—to stiffen up and then appear wrinkly. 

If you choose my personal favorite, white shoes, these will likely get dirtier much easier. If you notice areas of dirt appearing after a day of wearing them, use a tool (like a small scrub brush) to get the dirt off as soon as possible before it stains or soaks in.

Cleaning supplies like a magic eraser or a mix of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda will do the trick quickly!

To ensure your straight-leg jeans stay looking fresh, there is also a list of tips to follow on washing days. Funnily enough, try not washing the denim too often.

Jeans are one fashion piece that will mold to fit your body after a few wears. They will stretch and hug your curves perfectly, but washing them too often will make them stiffen up again. 

If you notice a stain and don’t want to frequently wash your pants, a damp cloth with soap should do the trick. Just make sure you get to the stain as quickly as possible for an easier clean. 

Plus, always wash your jeans in cold water because it will prevent them from fading and shrinking. Another way to help prevent any damage is to turn your jeans inside out when washing them.

This will make sure the strong chemicals don’t directly touch the fragile dye in your denim. 

One more thing: don’t put your jeans in the dryer. Excessive drying will cause your jeans to wear down and potentially shrink. Instead, hang dry your denim. 

But, if you’re short on time and need the pants to dry quickly, place them in the dryer on a gentle tumble setting at the coolest heat setting. And, as always, follow any care and washing instructions on the labels found on your jeans or shoes.

Best Places To Buy Shoes And Straight-Leg Jeans

It’s shopping time! Now is our favorite section of this guide where we tell you the best spots to look for the items on your next shopping adventure. 

There are plenty of shoe stores that meet people’s different pricing and quality expectations. Each store will also sell items that suit a variety of personal styles and tastes. So this upcoming list will have something for everyone. 

When deciding what kind of shoes to wear with straight-leg jeans, check out these stores:

Of course, we can’t forget about the bottoms. If you’ve discovered a new love for straight-leg jeans after viewing all these outfit ideas and reading our styling advice, the best places to shop for a pair are:

Final Thoughts

Now you know exactly what shoes to wear with straight-leg jeans. But these rules can honestly be applied to any loose-fitting denim.

As you’ve learned, there are really no limitations when styling these pants, so have fun when putting together your look! 

We hope we left you with enough fashion tips so you know exactly how to wear shoes with these jeans—but also left you with enough room to add your own creative touch.

Looking to up your fashion game? We’ve got you covered:

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