Shoe and jean pairings can be tricky. There are so many different styles of both, and figuring out which ones go together can feel overwhelming. One style that always throws me off a little is full-length wide-leg jeans. That’s why in today’s post, I’m breaking down exactly what shoes to wear with wide-leg jeans, especially if you’re on the petite side like me.
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I’ll be honest: I don’t love full-length jeans as much as I used to. I usually gravitate toward slightly cropped styles because I find them easier to style and more flattering on my frame. But lately, I’ve been seeing so many cute full-length wide-leg jeans that I couldn’t resist trying a few — and I’m actually loving them.
My latest favorite wide-leg jeans are my Dear John Denim Fiona Jeans. (Get 15% off with code: katie15). These jeans feel amazing on! I love that they hug my body in all the right places, but also have that wide-leg. They are soft and stretch, but hold their shape as you wear them. Even though they do not come in petite lengths, they do have a raw hem. I was able to shorten the hem by cutting it with some scissors. I took only 2 inches off, and it didn’t affect the style of the pants at all.
Tips to Find the Right Shoes for Your Jeans
When it comes to styling wide-leg jeans, the goal is pretty simple: make your legs look as long and balanced as possible. The right shoe can completely change the silhouette of your outfit, so it’s worth paying attention to a few key details when you’re shopping for jeans (and styling them at home).
1. Pay attention to length.
The length of your jeans is one of the most important things to consider. If they’re too short, they can cut off your leg line and make you appear shorter. Too long, and they’ll bunch up around your ankles — which can also make you look shorter and less polished. Ideally, your full-length wide-leg jeans should almost graze the top of your shoe without dragging on the ground.
2. Consider the width of the leg.
Not all wide-leg jeans are created equal. Some styles are more structured and tailored, while others have a looser, flowier fit. The width of the pant leg can vary as well, and that will affect what shoe will go with the jeans
3. Choose elongating shoes.
Because wide-leg jeans have a more relaxed fit, pairing them with shoes that visually lengthen your legs makes a huge difference. Pointed or almond toes, something with a heel, and shoes in a similar color to your jeans or skin tone will all help create that long, lean look.
4. Try them on with different shoes at home.
It’s nearly impossible to know how a pair of wide-leg jeans will work with your shoe collection just by trying them on in a store. That’s why I always recommend shopping online when possible. It gives you the chance to try on your new jeans with every pair of shoes you already own. You’ll get a much better sense of which combinations look most flattering and feel the most “you.” Just remember to return any jeans that don’t work.
What Shoes to Wear with Wide-Leg Jeans
1.) Heels
Heels are going to be the most flattering option when you are wearing a wide-leg jean, especially one that is full-length. They will elongate your legs, make you taller, and do a great job of creating that 2/3 balance in your outfit. I like something with a pointed toe in a neutral color, but you could do whatever color you want.
The only downside to a pair of heels is that they may not always be the most practical shoe for everyday wear. They are great for dressing up for a date night or work, but hard to wear on a family outing or just errand running.
2.) Booties
A neutral bootie with a pointed toe is my personal favorite style of shoe to wear with my wide-leg jeans, especially during the winter months. I like a little bit of a heel, but something low that’s comfortable to wear anywhere.
The pointed toe and neutral color always help elongate your legs, but you can also opt for a darker color. Below I have a back bootie with a heel and a rounded toe. This shoe works because of the heel and the slim fit of the boot through the foot. As I said before, it’s all about trial and error when testing out different shoe and pant pairings.
3.) Tall Boots
A great shoe option to try during the cold winter months is a tall boot. Keeping your legs covered helps you stay warm, and it’s a great way to get more wear out of your tall boots. I like to look for a pair with a heel and a boot shaft that fits close to the leg for a sleek, flattering look.
4.) Sneakers
A great everyday shoe to pair with wide-leg jeans is a sneaker. Sneakers are perfect for casual, everyday wear, and they help keep your outfit comfortable without sacrificing style. I prefer a sneaker with a narrower fit and pay attention to details like the toe shape, design, and laces. My Adidas Sambas always look great with wide-leg jeans. For a more affordable option, I love these No Boundaries sneakers from Walmart — they have a similar look to this pair from Puma.
5.) Ballet flats
Ballet flats are another great flat shoe option to wear with full-length, wide-leg jeans. I’ve always loved wearing ballet flats with full-length pants, but because they’re such a flat shoe, you do need to be careful about the length of your jeans. I typically choose a flat that’s elongating — something with a pointed or almond-shaped toe.
6.) Open Toe Heel/ Wedge
The last style of shoe I recommend wearing with wide-leg jeans is an open-toe heel or wedge sandal. This is a great option for the warmer months when you want to keep your look light and breezy. The heel adds a little extra height, but if you prefer a flat open-toe sandal, that works too — just be sure to check the length of your jeans first. If they’re a bit long, like the pair I’m wearing, a flat sandal might make them look sloppy or cause the hem to catch on your shoe.
What Shoes Not to Wear with Full-Length Wide-Leg Jeans?
Before I go, let’s talk about what shoes to avoid wearing with full-length wide-leg jeans. Remember, this is just my opinion and what has worked for me, but I usually steer clear of anything too chunky or clunky — think Chelsea boots with a thick lug sole, UGGs, gym-style sneakers, or Crocs. Basically, anything that tends to make your legs look shorter is a no-go for me.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to wear what makes you feel your best. So pull out all the shoes in your closet and start experimenting to see what works with your wide-leg jeans!
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