How to Wear Dress Shoes with Jeans
Choose the Right Jeans
Before you pair dress shoes with jeans, you need to make sure you have the right type of jeans. Avoid baggy or overly distressed jeans, as these tend to clash with dress shoes. Instead, go for slim or straight-leg jeans in a dark wash or a classic medium blue. These styles will create a clean, streamlined look that complements your dress shoes well.
You should also make sure your jeans are the right length. They should hit just above your shoe, with a slight break. If your jeans are too long or too short, they will detract from the polished look you’re trying to achieve.
Choose the Right Shoes
Not all dress shoes are created equal, and some are better suited for pairing with jeans than others. Generally speaking, you want to avoid highly formal shoes like oxfords, as these tend to look out of place with denim. Instead, opt for more casual dress shoes like loafers, chukka boots, or desert boots.
You also want to consider the color of your shoes. Black shoes can be difficult to pair with jeans, so it’s better to stick with brown tones. Tan, cognac, and dark brown shoes all work well with denim.
Choose the Right Socks
When it comes to wearing dress shoes with jeans, your socks matter as much as the shoes themselves. Avoid wearing athletic socks, as these are too casual and clash with the dressy shoes. Instead, go for dress socks that match the color of your pants or shoes.
If you’re feeling daring, you can also try wearing colorful or patterned socks for a fun pop of personality. Just make sure that the socks don’t clash too much with the rest of your outfit.
Pair with a Complementary Shirt
Now that you have your jeans, shoes, and socks sorted, it’s time to choose a shirt. Since you’re already mixing dressy and casual pieces, it’s best to keep your shirt fairly simple. A plain white or light blue button-up shirt is a classic choice that works well with any color of jeans and shoes.
If you want to add a bit more flair to your outfit, you can try a patterned or colored shirt. Just make sure that the pattern or color doesn’t clash with either your jeans or shoes.
Accessorize Thoughtfully
Finally, you can complete your outfit by adding a few carefully chosen accessories. A leather belt that matches your shoes is a must-have, as it helps tie your entire look together.
You can also add a watch or other jewelry, but keep it simple. Again, you don’t want to overpower the outfit with too many accessories.
