Pro tip: Flat sandals elevate denim effortlessly.
Now that it’s finally warm enough to wear open-toe shoes, the question on everyone’s mind is this: What sandals to wear with jeans? It’s a fashion riddle as old as time, and one of the classic struggles of transitional dressing. Because as versatile as jeans may be, their unique cuts, washes, and hemlines all play a major part in your styling.
For example, naked sandals should never be worn with puddle jeans (denim that bunches at the bottom), lest your toes peek out from the hemline and give the illusion you’re not wearing shoes at all. Puddle jeans, however, look great with chunky sandals, which balance out their dramatic proportions. See what I mean? Ahead, I’m breaking down all the rules of what sandals to wear with the season’s most popular jeans. Consider this your summer survival guide—and consult it anytime you have no idea what to wear.
Straight jeans & thong sandals
So how should those aforementioned naked sandals be styled? I recommend pairing them with straight-leg jeans to adequately show off your flip-flops or thong sandals. Finish with a boho-style blouse for the perfect breezy summer vibes, or lean into the ’90s look with a white tank top or plain T-shirt.
Baggy jeans & slide sandals
When wearing loose, baggy jeans, narrow styles like ballet flats and strappy sandals can easily get lost among the folds of fabric. Reach for a chunkier shoe style that can hold its weight against oversized fits; this classic Birkenstock silhouette (along with its many, many lookalikes) is the perfect pick.
Barrel jeans & toe-ring sandals
These two eye-catching fashion trends wear quite harmoniously together. (Turns out that in this case, more really is more.) Typically, barrel-leg jeans end around the ankles, meaning they’re an ideal choice to show off a cool pair of toe-ring sandals.
Dark blue jeans & black sandals
The difference between looking boring and looking effortlessly chic lies in your wash of choice. Indigo jeans always look elevated—especially if you’re headed to the office or a fancy meal—and simple black sandals play off their sophisticated energy. Forget the old rule about not wearing navy and black together; this pairing works every time.
Wide-leg jeans & thick flip-flops
Expect to see this styling trick on repeat for the next three to four months. Wide-leg jeans that end at the ankle and thick-strap flip-flops (heeled or flat, your choice) give off a laid-back aura that’s perfect for summer. No wonder all the Scandinavian girls have been wearing this combo for a few years now.
Classic blue jeans & fisherman sandals
Fisherman sandals can easily look childish. To combat this, try styling them with vintage high-rise jeans to make them feel boho and eclectic, not juvenile (or even grandpa-worthy). If your pair is too long, try a single cuff; it’s a styling trick that plays well with the relaxed energy of these sandals.
