5 Shoes You Should Own If You Live in Mom Jeans

April 18, 2021 at 06:04AM

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 jeans silhouettes. However, we consider another jeans style to be a classic, and that’s 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.

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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 vest, and strappy sandals. The attraction? Their relaxed but sculpting shape makes them the perfect denim option for those whose aesthetic teeters sexy and effortless.

Like 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 flats and trainers 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 your daily walk or for a picnic in the park, 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. 

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Style Notes: Looking taller mightn’t be one of your priorities, but regardless, a minimal slip-on slider sandal will also help elevate your mom-jean look. 

Style Notes: Proof that fashion trends always come full-circle, we love how Franny has taken the mom jean back to their origins by wearing hers 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 is the ideal option for far-reaching hems. 

Opening Image: @emmanuellek_

Next Up: We Called This Non-Skinny Jeans Trend Ages Ago, and, Well, We Were Right

Author Maxine Eggenberger | Whowhatwear
Selected by CWC