Now That Skinny Jeans Are Out, What Shoes Do You Wear With Non-Skinny Jeans?

If you’re here, you’ve likely caught wind of the fact that skinny jeans are over. The trend, spearheaded by Millennials in the '00s, was killed by TikTok. If you were a fan, I apologize for your loss. Of course, you can wear whatever jeans you please — more power to you if you rage against the Gen Z machine — but since the youngest generation doubles as the one with the fastest growing economic power, there’s a good chance that the vast selection of skinny jeans you’ve grown accustomed to seeing in stores won’t be vast for much longer. And when that happens, one question will inevitably follow: What shoes do you wear with jeans that aren’t skinny?

Finding shoes to go with the tight-fitting silhouette was simple: Heeled booties, over-the-knee boots, or pumps, if you’re a heels person; ballet flats or low-top sneakers, if you weren’t. But these days, when footwear trends range from chunky loafers to even chunkier clogs, skinny jeans can feel like an odd pairing. Just think about the proportions. Throw on a pair of slightly baggy — but fitted in the butt and waist — vintage jeans, though, and just about every on-trend shoe style of the season is a perfect match, no matter how bulky. 

But switching to non-skinny jeans doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite footwear. You can still wear black booties with flares and ballet flats with slouchy jeans. If you ask me, they’ll look even better. But there are a few types of footwear that pair especially well with a less fitted denim style. 

Click ahead to find out what shoe styles to buy, now that old mom jeans are “in” and skinnies — the new mom jeans — are “out.”

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Fancy Shoes

There’s no shoe-jean partnership more visually satisfying than a pair of baggy, light-wash jeans paired with a fancy, colorful shoe. There’s something about the high-low mix that makes a cusper like me — someone who loves both Carrie’s Sex And The City shoe collection and Depop's vintage denim selection — excited to wear jeans, even in quarantine.

By Far Pointed Crystal-Embellished Mules, $, available at Farfetch

Steve Madden Tonight Slide Sandal, $, available at Nordstrom

Charles & Keith Satin Embellished Slingback Heels, $, available at Charles & Keith

Loafers

With skinny jeans, loafers had a tendency to feel outdated. But, with slouchy jeans and an added heel or two-tone colorway, these former prep school styles become surprisingly cool. Don’t believe us? Just check social media, where loafers are impossible to miss.

Larson Larson Colorblock Weejuns, $, available at G H Bass

Pêche Tacy Loafers, $, available at Pêche

Labucq Kitty Black, $, available at Labucq

Knee-High Boots

When I decided to switch from skinny jeans to non-skinny jeans, I thought I had to also say goodbye to my beloved knee-high boots. The tucking situation alone appeared like a lot of work. But after a few tries and a handful of different denim-boot combinations, I have embraced the baggy tuck. You won’t regret it, either. 

Mango Leather Boots With Tall Leg, $, available at Mango

Ganni Recycled Rubber Country Boot, $, available at The Frankie Shop

aeydē Tammy Leather Knee Boots, $, available at Net-A-Porter

Clogs

Whether they’re Birkenstock-style clogs (or the high-fashion equivalent by JW Anderson) or cottagecore-esque rubber alternatives that are perfect for gardening, clogs of all shapes and styles are a comfortable and chic sidekick for your non-skinny jeans. There’s something very satisfying about the way slouchy jeans just fall on top of them, the rounded toe popping out ever so slightly. And for a dressier, more put-together alternative, dare I suggest a wooden heel?

Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed, $, available at Birkenstock

Kkerelé Mai, $, available at Kkerelé

JW Anderson JW Anderson Leather Loafer Mules, $, available at Farfetch

Chunky Boots

Given how prevalent chunky boots are in today’s fashion landscape, and how well they pair with a non-skinny pair of jeans, no list of this nature would be complete without them. The level of bulkiness is up to you, but if you’re willing to dive right into this new way of living — no more laugh-cry emoji or side parts — then go all the way with a pair of lug-soled boots.

Bershka Rubberized Ankle Boots With Elastic Panels, $, available at Bershka

EYTYS Black Ortega Chelsea Boots, $, available at SSENSE

Zara Low Heel Rubberized Ankle Boots, $, available at Zara

Sneakers

Yes, you can wear sneakers with non-skinny jeans. Just opt for athletic pairs that have a chunkier sole — something with a little more height. New Balance 990v5s and Adidas Falcons are a safe bet. 

New Balance Grey Made In US 990 v5 Sneakers, $, available at SSENSE

Nike Daybreak Sneaker, $, available at Nordstrom

Adidas Falcon Sneakers, $, available at ASOS

Leather Boots

For those days when you want to look comfortable and chic, without trying too hard, a fitted, pointed-toe, stiletto boot is the way to go. Unlike a heavier boot, these will offset the baggier look of your non-skinny jeans. When paired with a North Face Nuptse coat and a T-shirt, leather boots are a quick and easy way to get that cool, model-off-duty look that TikTok loves. 

Violeta By Mango Leather High Leg Boots, $, available at Mango

Miista Noor Coffee Milk Nappa Boot, $, available at Miista

COS Leather Sock Ankle Boots, $, available at COS

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