Whether you’re heading to the office or enjoying a night out with your best girlfriends, pairing the perfect heels with your favorite jeans can take your style game to the next level. Not sure how to wear heels with denim? From comfortable work shoes to playful platform wedges and high-rise to skinny jeans, we’ve got the details on how to pair your high heels with any pair of jeans in your closet. There are so many stylish ways to wear heels and denim and to get you started, we’ve curated 10 different outfit ideas for you to pair your jeans perfectly with the latest trends in women’s footwear.
Why Wear Heels with Jeans?
First and foremost, you might be wondering, “Why should I wear heels with jeans? Isn’t that a little outdated?” While wearing heels with jeans is considered a classic or timeless outfit, that doesn’t mean that it’s too old-fashioned or no longer in style. Sometimes, some of the most beloved styles are ones that people across all generations can wear. The combination of heels and jeans offers a dressed-up casual look, so you’ll look polished but enjoy its effortless styling. During the daytime, opt for wider-leg jeans with a low heel and blouse. For an evening out, wear ankle-cropped or straight-leg denim to show off a statement heel like a heeled sandal or a mule.
How to Style Heels with Jeans
Erin Busbee, a lifestyle and fashion expert, shares that one of the most important things to choose when you’re pairing heels with jeans is to choose the right pair of jeans. Now, what exactly does that mean? Consider the inseam length. Depending on the height of your heel and your height, different inseam lengths may work better for your height and heels. Wearing heels with jeans is an easy way to take your look to the next level. For a casual ensemble, wear block heels with distressed jeans and a simple tee. At the office, try black pumps with a tailored blazer and high-waisted skinny jeans. For a night out at a trendy restaurant or bar, combine a fitted blouse with cropped jeans and low heels. Platform wedges with flared jeans can create a stylish, leg-lengthening effect for a night out. Don’t forget to complete the look with bold jewelry and a statement bag as part of many endless fashion possibilities.
Are There Any Heels You Can’t Wear with Jeans?
Now that you have a basic idea of how to style heels with jeans, you might wonder what heels don’t work with which jeans. The fashion experts at Who What Wear share that if you’re on the petite side, avoid wearing baggy jeans (or jeans that go past your ankles) with mules. If you’re on the taller side, avoid cropped jeans and ankle booties that can come off looking unproportioned. In general, flared jeans look great with heeled sandals, boots and pumps. Let’s move on to outfit ideas for wearing different kinds of heels with different jeans.
Outfit Ideas for Wearing Heels with Jeans
By using any of our outfit ideas, you’ll create stylish heel and denim looks in no time. We’ve got the scoop on how to style your jeans and heels for a look that works all day — every day. For your next date night, get playful with prints or metallics. If you have a more relaxed dress code at work and can enjoy wearing jeans at the office, we have plenty of options for heels that also double as comfy work shoes. Next, we’ll also take a look at different jean types that can be tricky to style, like skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans, and distressed jeans. Let’s take a further look at these outfit ideas so you can be a total fashion jean-ius!
1. Everyday Jeans and Heels
Play up your everyday feminine style with some cute heels to create an ensemble that’s both playful and sophisticated. For a playful everyday look, put on your favorite jeans and pair them with vibrant, eye-catching heels. Think of pumps in a fun pattern or bright red pumps to add a splash of color. Don’t hesitate to go all in with bold, chunky jewelry and a colorful crossbody bag. Add a touch of glam with oversized sunnies, and your outfit is sure to scream fun and confidence. It’s the perfect way to turn every day into an exciting fashion statement whenever and wherever.
2. Date Night Jeans and Heels
Get a flirty date night look by pairing strappy wedges with skinny jeans. Make your outfit pop by wearing a top in a metallic or animal print. Add some more sparkle with statement earrings and a delicate layered necklace. Bring a cute clutch to hold all of your essentials, and then finish the look with a swipe of red lipstick and a spritz of a sultry perfume. Get ready to dazzle your date with your fun, flirty, and fabulous date night style.
3. Jeans at the Office and Heels
For a chic office look, slip into some comfortable work shoes for women paired with a white blouse and high-waisted jeans. Opt for classic dark-wash jeans with colorful open-toe heels for a playful touch. If your work is a bit more conservative, stick to closed-toe heels. Tuck the blouse into your jeans and layer with a tailored blazer. Accessorize with a statement necklace and keep it lively with funky earrings. Complete the look with a stylish tote for all of your work essentials. The jeans and heels look at the office is a great way to add a dash of fun and personality to your everyday office look.
4. Skinny Jeans and Heels
Rock skinny jeans and slingbacks or kitten heels, topped off with a vibrant printed blouse or playful graphic tee. Layer with a cropped denim jacket or bomber jacket. Accessorize with a necklace and oversized hoops. This outfit is a great choice for any fashionista who wants to show off her fun, vibrant personality while staying practical.
5. Boyfriend Jeans and Sandals
Trying to figure out how to style boyfriend jeans? Try heeled sandals like mules or wedges. Begin with comfy boyfriend jeans, and then roll up the cuffs for a breezier vibe. Slide into colorful, strappy sandals and add a flirty off-the-shoulder top for a date night look or a playful graphic tee for a day out with your best girlfriends. Accessorize with stacked bangles and sunglasses. Don’t forget a cute baseball cap or floppy sun hat for extra shade. This is a great outfit choice for casual outings while still exuding effortless style and fun.
6. High-Waisted Jeans and Platform Wedges
Take your casual high-waisted denim outfit to the next level by wearing platform wedges to add both height and style. Try a pair of high-waisted jeans that hug your curves just right. Then, slip into platform wedges in a bold color or fun pattern. Pair with a ruffled blouse or a form-fitting bodysuit tucked into the high-waisted jeans. Don’t forget about a crossbody bag to keep things fun and hands-free — a perfect outfit for a day out with friends.
7. Bootcut Jeans and Ankle Boots
Give bootcut jeans a playful spin with ankle boots. Start with bootcut jeans to elongate your legs, and go for funky ankle booties in a quirky print or bold color for some more personality. Pair them with a cozy oversized sweater during the colder months or a breezy linen top for the spring and summer months. Layer with a denim jacket or windbreaker. Accessorize with a statement belt and drop earrings to complete the look. It’s casually cool for any outing — from running errands to going on vacation.
8. Distressed Jeans and Block Heels
Amp up your distressed jeans by showing off your edgy vibe with block heels. Tuck a graphic tee with your favorite band or a witty slogan on it, and layer with a cropped cardigan for a relaxed vibe. Accessorize with stackable rings to look effortlessly cool while expressing your playful personality. It’s the perfect look for a night out with your beau or your besties.
9. Cropped Jeans and Kitten Heels
Play up a pair of cropped jeans with kitten heels to look fun and flirty. Your cropped jeans should hit just above the ankle to better showcase the kitten heels in a bold color. Pair the jeans with a casual tee or tank top, layering with a power jacket to dress it up. A power jacket, according to the Shapes of Fabric, is typically designed with a power shoulder with a strong shoulder shape. However, a power jacket could also be designed with a large puff sleeve or pointed shape, anything that creates volume around the shoulder region. Finish off the look with dainty hoop earrings and a crossbody bag with embellishments.
10. Wide-Leg Jeans and Chunky Heels
Finally, let’s have some fun styling wide-leg jeans with chunky heels like platforms, block heels, or wedge heels. Watch how you flow with every step when you wear this outfit, which is perfect for exuding playful confidence at the office or for a casual night out with friends. Pair your denim with a tucked-in graphic tee or linen top. Layer with a denim jacket that has decorative patches for a touch of flair. Accessorize with dangle earrings and a delicate gold bracelet to complete the look.
Charleston Shoe Co.’s Top Picks for Heels to Wear with Jeans
Closed-toe mules, peep-toe booties, and block heels are great choices to wear with denim. Closed-toe mule heels are ideal for chic, minimalist outfits in both casual and professional settings. If you’re looking for an edgier twist to your denim look, try black peep-toe booties to transition from day to night. For comfort and stability, you can’t go wrong with a block heel slip-on. Block heels are great for all-day wear due to the thicker heel, which provides more support while maintaining a stylish appearance. Any of these versatile heels easily complement various jean cuts — from the trendy skinny jeans to the classic boyfriend jeans. We’ve handpicked three of our favorite heels at Charleston Shoe Co. to wear with denim, so let’s take a look at these fabulous heels and learn how to style them with jeans!
1. The Debi
The Debi is a great fall transitional shoe that’s easy to style with jeans. For a casual look, pair these heeled mules with high-waisted skinny jeans and a cozy sweater. Rest easy on your next night out, knowing that its elastic upper and sling-back strap provides all the support you need. For a dressier look, wear the Debi with your fave boyfriend jeans and a fitted turtleneck. The 3.5-inch heel and 1-inch platform provide both height and comfort, ideal for pairing with cropped jeans and a blazer. Versatile and comfortable, the Debi heeled mule is your perfect companion for enhancing any fall outfit.
2. The Drayton
The Drayton peep-toe heel helps add a touch of sophistication to any ensemble, making it perfect for pairing with jeans for the office, a date night, or any special occasion. Transition with a day-to-night look by wearing these heels with distressed jeans and a sharp blazer to get that effortlessly chic look. For a night out, wear the Drayton in black with matching black skinny jeans and a sequined top for extra glamour. The stretch upper promises a snug fit, so you’ll be stylish and comfortable for any moment.
3. The Jac
Looking for a heel you can wear to cocktail parties? Try the Jac heel paired with dark skinny jeans and a peplum top. The sturdy block heel is a smart choice for long wear, while the 2½-inch block heel and three thin straps offer a dainty, elegant look. The elastic upper offers a comfortable fit, so whether you’re going casual or want a dressier look, the Jac complements any outfit seamlessly.
Now that you’ve gone through our guide on how to wear heels with jeans, including our top picks for heels, it’s clear that this versatile pairing offers endless possibilities for any fashionista. The right footwear can transform your favorite pair of denim into a chic everyday look as much as a special date night ensemble. Experiment with different accessories to express your own personal fashion sense. Don’t forget to complete your jeans and heels look with tops from our selection of stylish women’s clothing!
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