Jeans and sneakers are a fail-safe combo, and yet, for some reason, it can be tricky to find the perfect pairing. With a vast assortment of denim cuts and sneaks on the market, who's to say which two styles are best suited to each other?
To us, it's all about proportion and striking a perfect harmony between opposing styles. Let us explain.
Say, for example, you're wearing a cropped straight-leg jean. A slim high-top like Converse All Stars will hug your ankle and tuck under the hem nicely sans bulk or bunching. Alternatively, heftier high-tops sit better with skinny jeans that are fitted over your calves and ankles, and meet at the top of the shoe (almost as if you're tucking your jeans into your sneakers).
If you go for a cropped jean that hits just above the ankle, your tried-and-true white leather low-tops are an ideal companion.
In the case of a voluminous jean, like wide-leg crops or a roomy trouser style, you'll want a sneaker with weight for balance. A chunky "dad" style or throwback heritage sneaker like Reebok classics are our of-the-moment picks (Scandinavian It-girls are big proponents of both these styles).
Think you got it? Here, we pulled together a range of combinations to further guide you, as illustrated by the always savvy street-style set. Peruse the various looks and shop our picks for recreating each pairing on your own.
If you haven't caught on by now, old-school sneakers are back in a big way. Scandinavian It-girls wear them with every type of jean from raw-edge straight legs to skinnies.
Universally flattering, straight-leg jeans pair well with low-top sneakers of any kind. We're partial to black and white pieces with medium wash blue jeans for a timeless look.
Go skater girl-chic with a pair of full-length jeans and Vans.
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DL1961 Mara Instasculpt Straight
DL1961's Mara Instasculpt Straight ($178) jean maintains its shape with a contoured waistband and high-retention fit to sculpt your legs, butt, and waist.
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Vans SK8-Hi Slim
Vans SK8-Hi Slim ($60) high-tops are a trimmer version of the iconic lace-up.
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9Wide-Leg Trousers + Throwback Sneakers
Image Source: Getty / Edward Berthelot
Channel a street-style vibe with loose-fitting denim that's frayed at the waist and hem. Bonus points for adding a throwback sneaker into the mix.