When it comes to jeans, some cuts instantly come to mind. Skinnies are one such style (even if they aren’t as prevalent right now as they once were). Boot cut, flared, and boyfriend are also up there as some of the most iconic denim silhouettes. But we consider another style to be a classic: mom jeans. Paying homage to the ’80s, mom jeans are typically high-waisted with a looser fit around the thighs and a leg that tapers toward the ankle. They’re the sort of thing your mum would have worn with a tucked-in blouse, a black leather Western belt, white socks, and loafers.
Nowadays, you’re far more likely to see celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner stepping out in mom jeans paired with a long coat, plain white tee, and strappy sandals. The attraction? Their relaxed but sculpting shape makes them the perfect denim option for those whose aesthetic teeters sexy and effortless.
As with all jeans, just about anything you choose to wear them with will work—such is the root of their appeal. Still, there are certain pieces that work better with jeans, specifically mom jeans, than others. Most commonly, we find ourselves being asked which shoe styles work best with denim, so we’ve set about trying to answer that for you. From ballet flats and sneakers to boots and heels, here are the five shoes to wear with mom jeans, as demonstrated by some of our fashionable friends.
Style Notes: While it might not be the pair of shoes you grab for a shopping day or long walk, there’s no denying that strappy sandals look incredible paired with looser-fitting mom jeans.
Style Notes: While all trainers tend to loan themselves well to jeans, we think chunky pairs like Emmanuelle’s look the part with mom jeans, as they nod to the retro ’80s vibe in a subtle way.
Style Notes: Proof that fashion trends always come full circle, Franny has taken her mom jeans back to their origins by wearing them with a pair of classic leather chain-detail loafers.
Style Notes: If you like your mom jeans on the long side, might we suggest keeping your shoe choice fuss-free and pared-back? A no-frills pair of leather ankle boots are the ideal option for far-reaching hems.
Style Notes: If you prefer an ankle-grazing pair of mom jeans, then a sleek pair of ballet flats is a good idea. The classic shoe style has returned to style prominence for the instant polish it adds to any look, and the flat soles make these a clever option for those on the go.
Style Notes: When sunnier days come around, minimal slip-on slider sandals will help elevate your mom-jean look.
Opening Image: @emmanuellek_
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.
