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 denim silhouettes. But we consider another style to be a classic: 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.
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 tee, and strappy sandals. The attraction? Their relaxed but sculpting shape makes them the perfect denim option for those whose aesthetic teeters sexy and effortless.
As with 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 ballet flats and sneakers to boots and heels, here are the five shoes to wear with mom jeans, as demonstrated by some of our fashionable friends.
Opening Image: @emmanuellek_
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.
Next Up: 7 Anti–Skinny Jeans Outfit Formulas to Try in 2023