As denim aficionados, we’ve noticed there’s one trend climbing high on everyone’s list: wide-leg jeans. Don’t believe us? From the SS26 runways to the streets of the fashion capitals of the world, all our fashion favorites are highlighting the silhouette this season—and with good reason.
You can wear them slightly oversized with a tank for a casual, baggy look, then easily dress them up if you swap out for a dark wash or an embellished pair (two other seasonal denim trends, FYI) and style with something more tailored on your top half. Now that we’ve given you some ensemble ideas, you may be questioning how to finish off your attire. Namely, what shoes to wear with your wide-leg jeans.
As we head into the new spring season, we’ve cherry-picked some of the most stylish footwear trends around right now to see you through the typically unpredictable spring weather and into the (hopefully) long, hot summer.
Animal print
Wide-leg jeans often mean long, billowing hems that can easily hide your shoes. Make sure yours are worth noticing with footwear in an eye-catching animal print to tick off two spring trends in your outfit. Be it zebra stripes, leopard spots, or cow hide splodges, you can’t go wrong.
Heeled mules
Our love affair with a good heeled mule is never-ending. Toss on a neutral pair with a light-wash wide-leg jeans, a button-up, and a matching varsity jacket for an effortless fit to keep on your roster.
Flip-flops
Lean into the casual feel of wide-leg jeans with equally casual footwear. Opting for a brightly colored pair of flip flops instantly adds more excitement to a simple jeans and tee look, as well as earning you extra style points by tapping into the spring trend for stand-out shades!
Pointed-toe pumps
Looking for a bit of extra polish? Add a coordinating pointed pump to your dark-wash wide-leg jeans. A cuffed style ensures your shoes will be seen. Top with a cropped polo and a contrasting flapped bag for instant perfection.
Clogs
Whether it’s a Birkenstock or otherwise, clogs are here to stay. Make like an off-duty model by pairing yours with a ribbed tank and a chocolate brown leather jacket.
Sneakers
A sneaker-and-jeans combo is a tried-and-true classic. Pair your Nike Dunks (or Puma Speedcat OGs if you like a slimmer silhouette) with a tube top and cropped jacket for a simple and sleek look.
Angel Cordova-Todd is the Fashion Assistant at Cosmopolitan UK, Red and Prima. Having previously spent time at Elle UK, The Sunday Times Style, Net-a-Porter and The Outnet she’s a budding shopping specialist. You’ll typically find her overpopulating her online wishlists, prepping threads for our next cover star, swimming in Bermuda, or internally debating whether she should root for Piastri or Hamilton during a Grand Prix (most likely both..).