We'll be the first to admit that wearing jeans with flats isn't the most exciting of all the jean-and-shoe pairings in the world, but hear us out. While there's certainly nothing wrong with wearing jeans with flats—they're the bread and butter of our wardrobes and a comfortable combo we can always rely on—there comes a point where they start to feel rote and uninspiring. Enter our Who What Wear expertise.
If the combination seems boring and dull to you, that all changes here. We're about to inject a massive amount of cool into the fail-safe outfit by offering you 11 ways to wear it that hit on the biggest denim and shoe trends of the season. From the Bella Hadid–inspired look to the jean style that will totally revive your ballet flats, keep reading for all the inspo you'll ever need to keep wearing jeans and flats.
The Trend: Chunky Soles
Channel your inner Bella Hadid and wear loose-fitting denim with Oxfords. Bonus points if you opt for a chunky-soled pair.
The Trend: Clogs
Combine two divisive trends in one go—tie-dye denim and Birkenstock's old-school clogs. Take it from us: Clogs are the next big "ugly" shoe trend.
The Trend: Square Toes
We consider flats and jeans the hardest-working basics in our closets. Let them shine all on their own when you choose a pair of go-with-anything straight-leg jeans and sleek mules.
The Trend: Snakeskin Print
Snakeskin print offers a cool upgrade to classic loafers. Combine it with rich coated denim, and you have the ideal luxe-looking fall outfit.
The Trend: Mary Janes
Embrace a high-low look when you style fancy Mary Janes with jeans in a classic blue wash.
The Trend: Cow Print
If you live in black jeans, make your outfit pop with the addition of cow print, the controversial yet Meghan Markle–approved shoe trend of the moment.
The Trend: Black on Black
The "safe" combo of black on black is made all the more interesting with a paper-bag denim silhouette and pretty mesh flats.
The Trend: Deep Indigo
Darker saturated hues of indigo reigned supreme on the F/W 19 runways, and glove-like ballet flats are once again trending, so why not combine the two?
The Trend: '80s
With so many '80s silhouettes trending right now, we love the idea of wearing light-wash "mom" jeans with flats in a punchy hue for a modern-day spin.
The Trend: High Contrast
Contrast seaming is the little detail that makes any pair of jeans infinitely cooler. To really make your outfit pop, wear them with shoes in the same color as the stitching.
The Trend: PVC
PVC shoes are hardly a new trend, but in the form of flats, they feel fresh. Double down on the look by wearing them with utility-style jeans.
Next up: the only five brands I trust for straight-leg jeans.