What Shoes Go With Those Jeans? This Shopping Guide Will Help You Decide

There’s no denying the ever-enduring allure of denim. But deciding what shoes to wear with jeans can be a puzzling sartorial feat for anyone. After all, there are several silhouettes from which to choose. Whether you’re a die hard slim-fit lover who refuses to relinquish those skinnies or a wide-leg fan who enjoys a little extra wiggle room, we’ve put together the failproof formula for outfit success.

Ahead, you’ll find some of our favorite street-style stars demonstrating easy-to-copy outfits to try out this season. Discover timeless straight-leg inspiration, which pairs well with classic Chelseas, and It girl–approved tapered silhouettes, which are a match made in heaven with sharp pumps. In addition to those winning looks, you’ll unearth our favorite denim-and-shoe combinations to shop.

So scroll down to take notes and be sure to bookmark this page for the next time you’re pondering what shoes to wear with jeans.

Slim Jeans + Ballet Flats

Some call it the resurgent of an early-2000s trend, but this winning combination seems to be evolving into a classic staple that might not ever go out of style again. Reach for Khaite’s überpopular Daria silhouette and couple it with the sleek flats from Everlane.

Rag & Bone Cate skinny jean

Everlane The Italian Leather Day Glove

Totême denim ballet flats

Tapered Jeans + Pointed Pumps

If you can’t decide between baggy or fitted, the tapered jean is the just-right in-between silhouette to reach for. The loose fit in the hips and thighs comes together neatly to hug the ankles and is the perfect companion for sharp pointed-toe pumps.

Wandler Chamomile organic cropped high-rise tapered jeans

Bottega Veneta 90mm lambskin wedge pumps

Totême high-rise organic-cotton tapered jeans

Amina Muaddi 95MM Ami leather pumps

Bootcut Jeans + Western Boots

There are few things as timeless as a bootcut jean. Similarly, its optimal pairing—the Western boot—is equally classic. Get into the rodeowear movement and pull on a pair of Ganni boots with Madewell’s beloved jean.

Valentino high-rise bootcut jeans

Ganni embroidered leather knee boots

Madewell Cali Demi-boot jeans

Isabel Marant Luliette boots

Straight Jeans + Chelsea Boots

This timeless duo was made to be paired, literally. The not-too-big, not-too-small ankle opening on straight-leg jeans allows the tall shaft of Chelsea boots to easily slip inside the pant leg or be worn on the outside. And we love versatility.

Frame Le Original high-rise straight-leg jeans

Bottega Veneta The Tire boots

Proenza Schouler topstitched leather Chelsea boots

Baggy Jeans + Sneakers

The voluminous silhouette of baggy jeans emphasizes comfort. In the same spirit, those oversized designs are perfect partners for comfy sneaks, especially Nike’s iconic Air Force 1.

Goldsign The Gaucho high-rise wide-leg jeans

Nike Air Force 1 leather sneakers

The Row Tunna high-rise wide-leg jeans

Loewe Ballet Runner sneaker

Wide-Leg Jeans + Mary Janes

One of the secrets to sartorial success is putting together an outfit that prioritizes balance. That’s why the cool grunge essence of wide-leg jeans pairs well with sweet Mary Jane pumps.

Isabel Marant Vetea high-rise acid-wash wide-leg jeans

Miu Miu patent-leather square-toe Mary Jane pumps

Khaite Lorimer metallic crinkled-leather Mary Jane pumps