You try on a pair of jeans with sneakers and it fits perfectly. You swap sneakers for sandals and, suddenly, the pant leg touches the floor. Or you wear loafers and the fabric bunches up over the instep. Sometimes, to make the combo work, it’s enough to look at where the hem falls once you’ve put the shoes on.
If you’re putting together a look for this weekend, these five ideas help you choose which shoes to wear depending on the cut and length of your jeans.
1. Straight jeans with ballet flats
If you have a straight-leg jeans that end at ankle height, try them with low-cut ballet flats. The space between the hem and the shoe leaves the top of the foot exposed and allows a detail like a bow or a contrast toe to stand out.
For a lunch, add a striped tee and a raffia bag. If your jeans are a touch longer, try a slim fold to free up the ankle.
2. Wide-leg jeans with flat sandals
Flat strappy sandals pair nicely with a wide-leg jean when the hem falls near the floor and lets you walk without tripping. Try them on with the sandals on and take a few steps. If the fabric drags behind, save that pairing for a slightly shorter jean or try the same pant with a low-platform sandal.
Finish the look with a body-skimming tank top or a knit top tucked into the pants to show off the waist.
3. Flared jeans with wide-heel sandals
In a flare jeans, a wide-heeled sandal adds height to the hem so the leg falls without creating folds over the foot. Look for the toe of the sandal to peek out and for the fabric at the back to sit just above the floor.
It’s an easy formula for a dinner. With dark blue jeans, a satin top, and gold hoops, you already have the look.
4. Slim jeans with loafers
An ankle-skimming slim jean shows the top of the loafer, right where the buckle or the stitching that gives it character tends to sit. If the hem bunches up on top of the shoe, make a narrow fold inward and watch how it falls.
For a late-day plan, try tan-soled loafers, a plain T-shirt, and a lightweight blazer.
5. Barrel jeans with low-profile sneakers
The barrel jean has volume in the leg and tapers toward the ankle. If the hem falls right at the ankle or a little higher, low-profile canvas or suede sneakers let that curved shape show and work well for a plan that involves a fair amount of walking.
Add a tucked-in tee at the waist and a short crossbody bag. If you like to introduce color, this is a great look to bring out those burgundy, green, or sky-blue sneakers you always end up leaving in the closet.
