7 Favourite Jeans and the Shoes That Work With Them

Seeing as we looked at ‘going out’ outfits last week, I thought we should switch things up by focusing on some of my current favourite jeans and what shoes you (and I) might like to wear with them. It sometimes feels like we totally forget what to put on our feet once the summer is over and sturdier shoes and socks are required. Especially if, like me, you spend most of the summer in flip-flops.

As I own all of these jeans, I can give you the lowdown on fit too. It’s common knowledge that jeans can be a minefield when it comes to sizing. Some are done by waist measurement, some are done by standard sizing and some are just a stab in the dark. If you don’t know your waist size, it’s worth measuring. You should do that at the slimmest part of your waist, which is usually just above your belly button, and most brands sell by the inch, not by the centimetre.

I don’t own all these shoes, though, so you’re on your own there. Sorry! Much as I would love to, I can’t buy everything I feature here.

UNIQLO BAGGY BARREL & SLIM TRAINERS

These are the newest addition to my jeans wardrobe. I have them in the darker wash, and they’re a really cool shape. Barrel, yes, but not overly so. Curving in slightly at the bottom, they’re more baggy than barrel, but with more shape than your regular casual-style wide-leg jeans.

They come up just a tiny bit big, but I still went for my usual 28-inch waist because I’d rather this style was a bit looser. I’m 5 feet 7 inches, and I got the 31-inch leg. At my height, these fall to the floor but don’t drag when I’m wearing shoes. I’d wear this style with a slimmer trainer or a loafer. You don’t want anything too bulky on your feet with a baggy jean.

ZARA CROPPED BARREL & CHELSEA BOOTS

The Zara barrel jeans are a great pair for the price and, inexplicably (we all know how Zara can be with sizing), they are true to size. I have these in a size 10, and I waver between a 10 and a 12 in most shops. I tried a 12, but they were gaping at the waist. These jeans are slightly cropped on me, so I’ll wear them with my trusty John Lewis Purcie boots in the winter.

I hear it said a lot that heavy boots don’t work with barrel jeans, but I think they do as long as the jeans are cropped and you can see most of the boot. I’d also say boots that fit closely around the ankle work best, so a Chelsea-boot style is a perfect all-rounder.

ME + EM ENGINEERED & BLOCK HEEL BOOTS

These are my current favourite jeans, and I’ve been wearing them a lot since I got them a few weeks ago. I really like the lighter blue denim and the permanent crease line down the front. I have these in a size 10, and they fit like a dream. Slightly cropped at the ankle. These jeans look great worn with a smarter boot with a lower block heel.

I have these from Rixo in brown suede, and now that the weather is cooling down a bit, I’m looking forward to wearing a version of this outfit soon.

COS CHORD STRAIGHT & LOAFERS

If you don’t favour a barrel and you’re looking for a more classic pair of straight-leg jeans, these Chord jeans from COS could be for you. They’re true to size and full length, and go very well with classic loafers. They’d also work with slim boots or even, if you’re that way inclined, heels.

REFORMATION CARY WIDE & BALLET FLATS

I think these are among the most flattering jeans I own. With good thick denim that holds in any annoying bulge, they really smooth out my meno-belly. They’re wide, but not too wide, and full length. I tend to wear them with flat shoes. Ballet flats in particular work well for me.

We’re also officially into layering season. If you want a more feminine take on this, get yourself a long-sleeved lace top to wear under your regular tops. Just push up the sleeves of the outer layer so that a peek of lace shows. Wear a vest underneath, though, if you plan on taking that top layer off at any point.

CITIZENS OF HUMANITY AYLA & POINTED BOOTS

These are probably my all-time favourite jeans. Yes, they are extortionate, but my cost-per-wear is down to around £3 now as I’ve definitely worn them nearly 100 times over the past two to three years. Size down with these; I take a size 27-inch waist (which is always nice). Keep an eye on Vinted for pre-loved pairs as they wash and wear so well. Even older ones would still look great.

I wear these with any slimline shoes, but for an evening out I might even venture into a pair of pointed ankle boots with a smallish heel.

COS TWINE WIDE BARREL & SALOMONS

These could be a bit Marmite as they’re quite a different style to those you might be used to, but I love the front pleats and baggy style. They come up a little bit big. I got my usual size 38 in COS. I didn’t want to go down a size because I think these are better a little on the larger side. As they’re cropped on me, I can wear a nice pair of comfortable, chunky Salomon trainers (which are true to size) with these jeans.

Next week, still focusing on the bottom half, we’ll have a look at skirts for a change from jeans.

Kate x

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