Last Updated on September 5, 2023
How do you wear jeans with boots? That’s the exact question I’ve been asking myself, so I went on a deep dive to find some tried and tested ways ahead of autumn winter 2023. While this pairing is often seen as a no-fail formula for easy dressing, others find it intimidating and don’t know where to start. I hear you! Sometimes the simplest of combinations can be confusing, but hopefully I’ll be able to provide you with some inspiration on how to pair these wardrobe staples together.
Firstly, it’s worth taking notice of which styles are trending. Classic staples like chunky black, pointed-toe, knee-high and western boots are always worth investing in, as they’re pretty much always in style. Jeans trends are usually pretty similar too, although millennials will be painfully aware of the recent lean towards low-rise cuts, baggy styles and ripped denim. So how can we take the trending styles and work them together?
Here, I’ll be discussing the do’s and don’ts of jeans and boots pairings, making sure that all bases are covered. It all starts with good quality items, so take a look at our definitive list of the best women’s jeans of 2023 to get you started.
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How to wear jeans with boots
The pairing of jeans and boots may depend on the type of denim and footwear you have. The most sustainable items are the ones you already have in your wardrobe, so hopefully here you’ll find some tips that don’t require you to spend any money. Here are three basic tips on how to wear jeans with boots.
Tuck them in
This method works on a case-by-case basis depending on what vibe or style you’re looking to achieve, but this trick works for most fits of jeans, from baggy to tight-fitting styles. We’re moving away from skinny jeans, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be worn. As always, we encourage you to wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Hide them under the hem
The opposite of tucking in, hiding the boots under the hem of the jeans creates a more polished look. Ideal for pants with a wider hem, like flares, wide legs, or even straight-cut pants, it allows your jeans to take centre-stage. Wearing heeled boots in this way will make your legs look longer, but it works well for flats too.
Cuff your jeans
Try cuffing your jeans with boots to show the length of your footwear. Go for a single or double cuff, or go bold with the ‘super wide cuff’. All you need to do is roll the hem of your pants about 1 or 2 inches above the hem and your boots will get the attention they deserve.
Mind the gap
Similarly to cuffing your jeans or hiding them under the hem, wearing cropped jeans gives your boots a little more attention or can be a great fix for shorter denim without it looking like you’ve bought the wrong leg length. Leaving a gap works really well for sock boots or those that fit tight around the ankle.
What is the right way to wear boots with jeans?
There is no ‘right way’ to wear boots with jeans, but there are certainly tried and tested pairings that look great. I invite you to look at the proportions of each item and play around to work out what looks best together. Below is a cheat sheet you might want to take a look at, but it’s mainly trial and error.
Slim Fit + High Boots
We’ve talked about tucking your jeans into your boots and there are so many ways you can do it, but if you’re looking to wear over-the-knee or knee-high boots, opting for slim-fit styles will work best.
Baggy Jeans + Heeled Boots
Try mixing and matching heeled boots with loose-fit jeans. This pairing complements the oversized structure of the pants, while the heeled boots elongate the legs. You can wear this combo for a casual or even date-night look.
Mom Jeans + Chunky Boots
Prefer chunky boots? No problem. These look great with mom jeans as the shape allows the chunky boots to be seen. Chunky boots also work well with loose-fitting styles, offering a glimpse of the shoes under the jeans.
