When it comes to summer fashion, finding the right shoes to wear with jeans can be a game-changer. Whether you’re heading to a casual brunch date with friends or a weekend getaway with your beau, the perfect pair of shoes can elevate your denim-defined look to dizzy new heights. Here are 11 stylish summer shoes to wear with jeans.
Classic White Trainers
Starting off our list are classic white sneakers, which are an absolute must-have for any denim lover. These versatile shoes add a touch of casual elegance to your jeans, making them perfect for everyday wear. Pair them with cropped jeans or roll up the cuffs for a trendy look.
A few classic trainer and jeans pairings that we’re particularly fond of:
- Adidas Stan Smith: Classic, minimalist design perfect for casual wear.
- Nike Air Force 1: Clean, timeless look, pairs well with any style of jeans, and can provide pops of colour if the whole starched white thing is too much for you.
- Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Low Top: Versatile and suits both skinny and flared jeans.
- Puma Cali: Offers a bit more chunkiness, great with straight-leg jeans.
- New Balance 574: Provides a sporty look and complements well with denim.
- Reebok Classic Leather: A chic and comfortable option.
- Vans Old Skool: A skate style shoe that can add a cool edge to your outfit.
- Superga 2750 Cotu: Offers a slightly more feminine silhouette.
- Veja Esplar: A sustainable brand with a fashionable, sleek design.
- Common Projects Original Achilles: Offers a luxury, streamlined design.
Espadrilles
Espadrilles embody a certain laid-back elegance that makes them an exceptional summer staple and their versatility makes them the perfect partner to denim. To showcase this chic combo, pair slim-fit or skinny jeans with espadrille flats for a sophisticated, streamlined look that elongates the legs.
For a breezy, boho-inspired ensemble, you can also consider pairing them with a relaxed boot-cut or flared jean. High-waisted jeans and a playful, platform espadrille can create an irresistibly retro vibe.
Play with different washes of denim to further diversify your look – light-wash jeans for a more summer, beachy feel, or dark-wash for a more polished look. And remember, a pair of crisp white jeans with tan espadrilles is the ultimate nod to a Mediterranean style.
Strappy Sandals
When the temperature rises, strappy sandals become a go-to option, their delicate straps and open design creating a breezy and feminine look that perfectly complements jeans. Here are some of our favourite pairings:
- Skinny Jeans: Strappy sandals look best when worn with skinny jeans since they sit nicely atop the sandals without covering them. This can create a streamlined silhouette.
- Cuffed Jeans: If you’re wearing boyfriend jeans or straight-cut, cuff the hems to show off your strappy sandals. It adds an effortless chic to your look.
- Cropped Jeans: Another great way to show off your sandals is to wear cropped jeans. This style is especially good for summer when you want to be a bit more breezy.
- Distressed Jeans: The rugged look of distressed jeans pairs well with the delicate design of strappy sandals. It’s a nice balance of tough and tender.
- White Jeans: For a breezy summer look, pair your strappy sandals with white jeans. It creates a fresh and clean look that’s perfect for warm weather.
- With a Statement Belt: Pair your jeans and strappy sandals with a statement belt. It adds an extra touch of sophistication and ties the look together.
- High-waisted Jeans: High-waisted jeans with a tucked-in top can highlight your waistline and make your legs look longer when paired with strappy sandals.
Block Heel Mules
Block heel mules strike the perfect balance between comfort and style. With their chunky heels and slip-on design, they have the ability to effortlessly elevate your look.
For a flattering aesthetic, try wearing them with cropped or ankle-grazing skinny jeans; this style will show off the mules nicely. Another option is to cuff your straight or boyfriend jeans to create a laid-back yet fashionable look. Mules can also add a classy contrast to distressed jeans.
Platform Sandals
If you want to add some height while keeping it comfortable, platform sandals are the way to go. These shoes provide extra support and elongate your legs, making them a fantastic choice for flared or bootcut jeans. Opt for neutral tones to create a sleek and sophisticated look ideal for festivals, beach barbies and casual workplace Fridays, equally.
Slip-On Sneakers
For an easy and casual summer vibe, slip-on sneakers are a go-to option. These fuss-free shoes offer both comfort and style, making them perfect for running errands or hanging out with friends. Pair them with skinny or boyfriend jeans for a laid-back yet fashionable ensemble.
Vans Classic Slip-On and Steve Madden Gills Fashion Sneaker are excellent options for casual slip-on sneakers that pair well with jeans due to their timeless, versatile design. For a more luxurious look, Gucci’s Ace sneaker offers high-fashion appeal, while Nike’s Court Royale AC Slip-On caters to the sporty aesthetic.
For those conscious about the environment, Allbirds Wool Loungers provide a blend of comfort, style, and sustainability. What’s not to love?
Wedge Sandals
Wedge sandals are a summertime staple that effortlessly adds a touch of sophistication to your denim outfits. The elevated heel provides both style and comfort, making them suitable for a whole host of occasions.
Choose a nude or metallic shade to create a chic and versatile look that goes particularly well with skinny or slim-fit jeans, allowing for the wedge to be completely visible and hence can elongate your legs. A cropped or ankle-length jean can also perfectly showcase your sandals and works great for a casual summer look.
Light-washed denim can complement nude sandals for a daytime look, while darker denim might pair well with metallic wedges for an evening out. White or pastel-colored jeans can also work wonderfully with nude or metallic wedge sandals, creating a fresh and chic summer style.
Ankle Boots
Transitioning into the cooler summer evenings without breaking stride? Ankle boots are your best friend. These versatile shoes pair exceptionally well with jeans, adding a hint of rockstar swagger to your outfit. Opt for suede or leather boots in neutral colours for a timeless and trendy combination.
High Heels
Pairing high heels with jeans in the summertime is a stylish sartorial choice that can up your fashion game. Whether it’s for a day out shopping or a night out with friends, this pairing can strike a perfect balance between casual and chic. Here are some tips on how to pull off this look:
The first step is to select the right jeans. For summer, opt for a lighter wash that gives off a casual, fun vibe. Skinny jeans are a popular choice as they are snug and show off the heels well. Alternatively, you can opt for cropped or boyfriend jeans that stop at the ankles, allowing the heels to be the star of the show.
Of course, your choice of heel matters, too. While you can technically wear any kind of heel with your jeans, certain styles tend to work better for a chic summer look. Strappy or open-toe high heels are a great choice for summer as they keep your feet cool and add a sexy edge to your look. Block heels, on the other hand, can provide a more comfortable, yet stylish option for a day out.
Hi Tops
Similarly, hi top trainers can serve a similar function to ankle boots, helping you strut with confidence as the temperature falls in time with the sun setting. Pair your bright white hi tops with turned up, washed jeans for a look Lana Del Rey would be proud of.
For this look, we’re particularly in love with Nike Blazer Mid ‘77s, currently available at a cut price in the Nike sale by Super Sales.
Slides
Lastly, slides offer a relaxed and effortless style that’s perfect for hot summer days. These slip-on shoes come in various designs, from minimalist to embellished, allowing you to customize your look. Pair them with cropped or rolled-up jeans for a fashion-forward ensemble.
The Bottom Line
Finding the best shoes to wear with jeans doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Step into summer in one of these ten pairs, and you’ll be strutting, shimmying and sashaying through the hottest season with grace, style and sass!