With so many denim kinds trending proper now, it may be difficult to determine which sneakers pair finest with each. A couple of years in the past, I wrote a publish breaking down what sneakers to put on with several types of denims, and since denim silhouettes have shifted fairly a bit, I assumed it was time for an replace for Fall/Winter 2025. I additionally put collectively a brand new visible information to make it straightforward to reference.
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In case you’ve been questioning what sneakers to put on along with your denims this season, this could assist! It’s not an exhaustive record of each potential pairing, however it’s an important place to start out. (Click on right here for a printable PDF.)
What Footwear to Put on With Straight Leg Denims
related trench // Quince cashmere tee (L) // MOTHER Dazzler (30) // VEJA Esplar (39) // Gucci Soho Disco
Straight-leg denims are available a lot of variations, from modern and slim-fitting to extra relaxed and slouchy—and they are often cropped, ankle-length, or full-length. Usually, we see two foremost variations: slim straight ankle denims and full-length relaxed straights. Right here’s how I wish to model every.
Slim Straight Ankle Denims
Slim straight ankle denims are the trendy different to skinnies—modern and flattering, however with simply sufficient room by way of the leg to really feel present. They’re extremely versatile and straightforward to decorate up or down. My private favorites are the AG Mari, MOTHER Dazzler, and Hole Manufacturing facility Classic Slim Denims.
VEJA Esplar (39) // MOTHER Dazzler (29) // FRAME tee (XS)
They pair superbly with loafers and idler mules, ballet flats and Mary Janes, vogue sneakers (particularly slim, low-profile kinds just like the VEJA Esplar or Dolce Vita Serina), clogs, and pumps. I particularly love them with sneakers that present a little bit of the ankle—this retains the road clear and elongates the leg.
Margaux The Demi Flat (8) // MOTHER Dazzler (30) // Michael Stars high (M) // London Fog trench (S)
Actually, it’s laborious to discover a shoe that doesn’t work with this model, though ankle boots may be difficult. The perfect combo is a slender boot shaft that slips simply below the hem, as proven right here.
Steve Madden Dorothea Bootie (8) // Hole Manufacturing facility Slim Denims (29) // Hole Manufacturing facility stripe sweater (S) // AllSaints bag
Trace: You possibly can learn extra about that on this publish from final fall: The right way to Put on Ankle Boots with Straight Leg Denims.
Keep away from: Footwear which are too heavy by way of the only real can overwhelm the slim form and break the road on the ankle.
The exception is a lug-sole boot—when the shaft is slim sufficient to tuck beneath (and the denims don’t bunch on high), it might truly prolong the silhouette and look actually stylish, as proven beneath.
Blondo Cammie Waterproof Bootie (8.5) // MOTHER Dazzler (30) // Rails Geneva Cardigan (S) // lululemon Rain Insurgent (10)
Relaxed Straight Leg Denims
Relaxed straight denims have a barely roomier match by way of the leg and infrequently hit at full size, creating a simple, trend-forward look. They’re a bit extra informal than the slim model however nonetheless very wearable for on a regular basis. This isn’t a method I’ve actually leaned into, however I did just like the AGOLDE Lana once I tried them.
For a contemporary, easy vibe, I’m seeing this model paired with low-profile sneakers or slim retro runners—they complement the relaxed form with out including bulk.
AGOLDE Lana Straight Denims (29) // Classic Havana sneakers // previous sweatshirt
Additionally they work superbly with traditional loafers and boat sneakers, and minimal flats like a slipper or Mary Jane can work too—however there’s one thing a couple of menswear-inspired idler that appears to pair particularly properly with straight-leg denims.
Ankle boots are one other nice choice—simply search for a slimmer silhouette to maintain the road clear by way of the ankle and steadiness out the relaxed match.
AGOLDE Lana Straight Denims (29) // related Marc Fisher boots (8) // previous cardigan
Keep away from: Extremely-chunky soles or huge, heavy boots could make the silhouette look bottom-heavy. A shoe that follows the road of your foot helps preserve the proportions balanced.
What Footwear to Put on with Vast Leg Denims
related leather-based jacket //Vince Cowl Neck // Paige Anessa // Veronica Beard Kelby Boots // rag & bone belt // Jenny Fowl Earrings
Vast leg denims are having a serious second proper now. Once I was in London, that’s just about all I noticed. They sit excessive on the waist and fall straight from the hip with loads of quantity by way of the leg. Some kinds are extra dramatic than others, so you possibly can simply discover a match that feels best for you. Additionally they are available cropped, ankle, and full-length variations. My private favorites are the PAIGE Anessa, MOTHER Curler, and KUT from the Kloth Meg, and I’ve quite a lot of lengths.
For on a regular basis put on, I like sneakers with a little bit of a platform or a traditional court docket shoe—they assist steadiness the quantity of the denims and preserve the proportions proper.
Caslon Cotton Stretch Twill Swing Jacket (S) // AllSaints Anna V-Neck Tee (M) // Ética Romi Mid Rise Vast Leg c/o (29) // AllSaints Underground Sneaker (39) (choice) // J.Crew Woven Chainlink Earrings // Mulberry Amberley Crossbody
Paradoxically, ballet flats and Mary Janes additionally work properly, probably as a result of they present extra of the foot, which helps offset the width of the leg and retains the look gentle.
London Fog raincoat (S) // EVEREVE sweater vest (M) // PAIGE denims (29) // Jeffrey Campbell flats (8.5) // Mulberry Amberley // Jenny Fowl hoops // Baublebar necklace
For a dressier outfit, or once you wish to elongate the leg, I like block-heel boots or pumps with my huge leg denims. The hot button is steadiness: if the denims are huge and drapey, a little bit of peak helps the hem fall excellent.
Sam Edelman Saige Bootie (8.5) // MOTHER Hustler Curler Skimp (30) // black tank (S) // Bobbie Utility Jacket (S)
Keep away from: Rounded toes or overly cumbersome soles that compete with the quantity of the denims. Loafers may be difficult too—particularly with full-length kinds—since they add weight with out raise. In case you love a chunkier shoe, search for one with some peak or a sleeker higher to maintain the proportions clear. A streamlined form (almond or softly squared) helps keep a contemporary, balanced look.
What Footwear to Put on with Bootcut & Flare Denims
MOTHER Fray Hem Flare Denims (29) // related Blondo boots (8) // related navy sweater // PEI Shoulder Bag
Bootcut denims and flares are just about interchangeable relating to shoe pairings, so I’ve grouped them collectively right here—however there are some delicate variations price noting.
Bootcut denims are fitted by way of the hips and thighs, then gently flare out from the knee to the hem. The flare is often slight—simply sufficient to steadiness out the leg and make room for boots (therefore the title).
Hole Manufacturing facility Child Bootcut Denims (29) // Jeffrey Campbell booties (8) // black stripe sweater (S)
Flare denims, however, are the extra dramatic model. They match straight by way of the hips and thighs, then widen out from the knee, typically with leg openings wider than 20 inches. Flares are likely to have a bit extra angle and may simply be dressed up or down relying on the wash and material.
Pistola Kinsley Flare (29) // related rag & bone booties (39) // related gray turtleneck // Rails jacket (S)
Like straight-leg and wide-leg kinds, each are available cropped, ankle, and full-length variations, and I wish to preserve a combination in my closet. Bootcuts are nice for an on a regular basis traditional look, whereas flares really feel a bit extra statement-making and elongating.
Full Size Flares
Full-length flares offer you that lengthy, leggy look that’s so flattering and straightforward to decorate up or down. Present favorites embrace the MOTHER Weekender and the FRAME Lax, a barely relaxed flare that feels particularly trendy proper now.
FRAME Lax Relaxed Flare (29) // related boots // Michael Kors jacket (S) // Bevan high (S)
They have a tendency to look finest with heeled sneakers, which assist the hem skim the highest of your foot and create that elongated line. Pointed-toe kinds—whether or not boots or pumps—are particularly flattering as a result of they proceed that lengthy, lean form. Platform sneakers and clogs additionally work superbly (particularly after they’re trending), including peak and serving to the flare drape excellent.
MOTHER Weekender Flare (39) // pumps // previous satin shirt
That mentioned, I’ll sometimes put on my flares with sneakers for a extra informal, laid-back vibe. Once I do, I desire modern leather-based platform kinds to maintain the proportions balanced.
EVEREVE Camp Jacket (S) // FRAME tee (XS) (choice) // MOTHER Weekender (29) // Paul Inexperienced sneakers (8) // related belt // Yurman earrings // related pendant // Goyard tote // AWAY The Medium
Keep away from: Chunky loafers and boat sneakers, rounded-toe sneakers, or lug-sole boots that may look clunky and interrupt the sleek line of the flare.
Demi Boot & Crop Flares
Cropped and ankle-length bootcut denims—typically referred to as demi boot, crop bootcut, or kick crop denims—are excellent for exhibiting off your sneakers and the slimmest a part of your leg. This model is making a comeback after full-length flares dominated for a number of seasons.
I personally love the KUT from the Kloth Kelsey in rust and the MOTHER Outsider Flood in gray (which I picked up through the #NSale). The Wit & Knowledge Bennett Bootcut Denims are one other nice choice.
Jenni Kayne Fisherman sweater in Ivory (S) // lululemon Rain Insurgent (10) // MOTHER Dazzler (30) // Blondo Cammie (8.5)
All three really feel contemporary and trendy, they usually look nice with extra delicate flats like Mary Jane flats or pointed-toe mules.
KUT from the Kloth Kelsey (8) // Dolce Vita Roslyn Mary Jane Ballet Flat– on sale! (8.5) // PAIGE sweater (M)
Additionally they work properly with low-profile sneakers for on a regular basis put on, and with slingback pumps or higher-shaft heeled ankle boots once you wish to costume them up.
Pistola Lennon Boot Crop (29) // VEJA Esplar (39) // Z Provide Jacket (S)
The important thing with ankle boots is discovering the appropriate mixture of inseam size and shaft peak—you don’t need your denims catching on the again of the boot or bunching awkwardly. A barely wider shaft can truly work properly, so long as it’s tall sufficient for the hem to clear the again of the boot.
Wit & Knowledge Bennett Bootcut Denims (8) // Veronica Beard Kelby bootie (8.5) // Vince sweater (S) // Freja bag
Keep away from: Low-shaft booties or kinds with again tabs that catch on the hem, and chunky high-top sneakers that add bulk across the ankle. I additionally don’t love this model with loafers—a sleeker, extra female shoe tends to enhance the cropped flare form higher.
What Footwear to Put on with Barrel-Leg Denims
Barrel-leg denims have been round for a number of seasons now, they usually’ve caught round longer than I anticipated. As soon as thought of extra of a fashion-forward development, they’re positively turning into extra mainstream.
This model has a curved, barely sculptural form—wider by way of the thigh and tapering towards the ankle—which provides it a particular, trendy look. Getting the size proper is vital: barrel denims are likely to look finest at ankle size, the place a bit pores and skin exhibits between the hem and your shoe. That small hole helps preserve the silhouette balanced and flattering.
MOTHER Half Pipe // Splendid Ruth Mary Jane (8) // LOFT wedge sweater (S)
I’ll be trustworthy—I don’t love this model on me—however I’ve seen it look actually stylish on others when styled properly. Barrel denims pair properly with modern sneakers, retro runners, ballet flats, or Mary Janes.
In case you desire boots, there are a number of methods to go. Chunky lug-sole Chelsea boots or platform kinds can look actually cute with barrel denims—the additional weight on the backside helps steadiness out the quantity by way of the leg. You can even strive a slimmer mid-shaft boot that’s tall sufficient for the hem to clear the again of the boot for a smoother line.
Keep away from: Delicate sneakers like strappy sandals or dainty heels, which may look out of proportion with the curved leg. For boots, skip kinds which are too quick or huge on the shaft—the hem can get caught and disrupt the road.
What Footwear to Put on With Skinny Denims
PAIGE Gemma (29) // LOCI sneakers (8) // Andrew Marc Coat (S)
Whereas skinny denims aren’t the development they as soon as had been, they’re nonetheless a wardrobe staple for a lot of—particularly in chilly climate. Their slim match makes them superb for carrying with tall boots, knee-highs, or driving boots, they usually additionally pair simply with Chelsea boots, pumps, sneakers, and flats.
In case you’re updating your denim assortment, you would possibly strive swapping them for a slim straight model for a barely extra trendy look. It affords the identical modern silhouette, however with a bit further room by way of the leg that makes shoe pairing simpler.
In Abstract
It might really feel like something goes proper now—and truthfully, that’s not removed from the reality. Nearly any denim silhouette can look present if it’s styled in a contemporary method, and quite a lot of the standard “model guidelines” are being challenged.
Hole Manufacturing facility Barn Jacket // Hole Manufacturing facility stripe sweater (S) // MOTHER Curler Sneak // boots? // Clare V Moyen Messenger
On the finish of the day, it’s all about experimenting in your closet and discovering the combos that really feel finest on you. Hopefully this information helps you slim down your choices and offers you a place to begin for pairing your favourite denims with the appropriate sneakers.d strive on totally different combos to see what works finest for you, however hopefully this helps you slim down your choices.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
- Girls’s Pant Types and Hem Lengths Demystified
- The Greatest Sneakers to Put on with Fall Outfits
- What to Put on with Vast Leg Denims for Fall
And if you would like extra model recommendation, see all my posts about 2025 Fall Shoe Traits!
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