If Skinny Jeans Really Are Back, These Are the Shoe Styles to Wear With Them

They’re a wardrobe staple—a second skin—yet from time to time, our skinny jeans throw us a sartorial curveball when it comes to which shoes to pair them with. There’s not much in the footwear department that doesn’t go with the spray-on silhouette, but sometimes it’s the wash of the denim and the height of the heel that can make all the difference.

A little turn-up here and a lighter shade there can take you from outfit frustration to outfit success. How do we know this? Because we've researched how the most stylish women in the world wear theirs for effortless skinny jean recipes that you can take inspiration from all season. So, if you're over baggy jeans and wide-leg trends and you're staying true to the faithful skinny, keep scrolling for your complete guide on all of the best shoes to wear with skinny jeans. You can thanks us later. 

1: SKINNY JEANS AND ANKLE BOOTS

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Style Notes: A classic pair of suede or leather ankle boots have proved that they’re here to stay, and this is music to our ears. Regardless of your shape or size, anyone get in on this polished look. Trust us, they’re skinny jeans’ new best friend.

SHOP ANKLE BOOTS

2: SKINNY JEANS AND LOAFERS 

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(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

Style Notes: Elegant, timeless and the hardest-working flats of all, our appreciation of loafers knows no bounds. Whether they're scuffed, vintage, patent, embellished, or suede, they'll always work with a skinny silhouette.

SHOP LOAFERS:

3: SKINNY JEANS AND SPORTY SNEAKERS

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(Image credit: @honeybelleworld)

Style Notes: Skinnies and trainers go together like bread and butter. But as fashion guru Belle proves, the coolest combination for now lies in chunkier-soled, sporty kicks like retro looking New Balance.

SHOP SPORTY TRAINERS:

4: SKINNY JEANS AND SOCK BOOTS

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(Image credit: @tamumcpherson)

Style Notes: The Hadids and Jenners like to tuck their skinnies into sock boots, and the idea has caught on for the rest of the world. You can wear them untucked, but come winter your hemline should reach the top of your booties.

SHOP SOCK BOOTS:

5: SKINNY JEANS AND MULES

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(Image credit: @sabinasocol)

Style Notes: If flats are too flat, heels are too heeled and sneakers feel just plain wrong for you, then the solution lies in cute, midi-heeled mule. From open toed slip ones to chunky backless loafers, an easy mule is the perfect option for elevated comfort.

SHOP MULES:

6: SKINNY JEANS AND CLASSIC POINTED-TOE PUMPS

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(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

Style Notes: The juxtaposition of tight, ripped jeans with ladylike court shoes is a formula we'll never tire of. They elongate your legs and you can continue to play with the high/low contrast by adding an oversized jacket tee and a ladylike bag.

SHOP COURT SHOES:

7: SKINNY JEANS AND KNEE HIGH BOOTS

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(Image credit: @babba)

Style Notes: Don't fear boots that graze the knee or above. They're great for winterizing skinny jeans - earning practical points - and adding a hint of glamour to everyday staples. Try them for evening drinks or a brunch date and you'll feel like you're wearing an entirely new outfit.

SHOP KNEE HIGH BOOTS:

8: SKINNY JEANS AND STRAPPY HEELS 

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(Image credit: @aidabadji_)

Style Notes: There’s nothing like minimalistic strappy sandals to add a dressy edge to a pair of casual jeans. The perfect way to show some skin during the colder months, make sure that yours stop just above the ankle straps of your shoes.

SHOP STRAPPY SANDALS:

9: SKINNY JEANS AND BALLET FLATS

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(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Style Notes: Did you get the memo? Ballerinas are back. It worked for Audrey Hepburn all those years ago, and it still works today: these dainty flats go with all types of skinny jeans, whether they're super-tight drainpipes or frayed hem cigarette cuts. 

SHOP BALLET PUMPS:

10: SKINNY JEANS AND CHELSEA BOOTS

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: And finally, the footwear that we spent all of autumn and winter relying on. Flat Chelsea boots never date and are a headache-free companion to trusty skinnies in the footwear department.

SHOP CHELSEA BOOTS:

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This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.