We promise we're not trying to wish away summer, but we can't help but start to think about next season. Blame it on the cloudy weather, or the fact we're growing tired of wearing summer dresses on rotation, but we're keen to make our wardrobe work as hard as it possibly can. That means finding transitional outfits that work just as well now as they will a month from now.
Enter our favorite end-of-summer-early-fall outfit formula: jeans and sandals. With temperatures currently hovering around the mid to high 70s, the combo keeps things feeling summery thanks to exposed toes, without leaving you shivering at the slightest hint of a breeze. It's also the perfect formula for getting maximum wear out of the endless sandal trends we've invested in since April (platform mules, gladiator sandals, studded styles, jelly shoes, wedges, clogs, flip flops, the list goes on...).
The options are endless, especially when you factor in all the different denim silhouettes on offer, from dark wash bootcut jeans smart enough for the office, to low-rise baggy styles made for weekend lounging. To help you find the perfect pairing for you, we've rounded up the best jeans and sandal looks as styled by the street style set for the ultimate fashion inspo. Recreate these outfits now and all the way into fall.
Baggy jeans + flip flops
Baggy jeans and flip flops are every cool fashion girlie's go-to look right now, and for good reason. It practically screams effortless chic. Keep the rest of your outfit sleek with a plain white t-shirt, classic shoulder bag, and minimal accessories.
Turn-up jeans + toe-ring sandals
The toe-ring detail is the selling point of this sandal style, so make sure it's clearly seen by pairing with turn-up jeans. The cuffed hems will let your footwear take center stage.
Barrel jeans + strappy mules
Barrel jeans—also known as 'horseshoe' or 'balloon leg'—are easily identifiable by their tapered leg silhouette. As they're cut close to the ankle, you can't go wrong wearing a mule sandal without fussy ankle straps. Not only will the sandal add a touch of elegance, it will also help to give the illusion of longer legs, especially if you opt for a heeled design.
Slim leg + clogs
The secret to a well put-together outfit is all about balancing proportions. In this example, counter the chunky, heavy wooden soles of a clog with slim-leg jeans.
Straight leg + rope sandals
Rope sandals have a streamlined silhouette with a chunkier ankle strap, making straight leg jeans the perfect choice to wear them with. This denim style is cut relatively loose to the body and often finishes at an ankle grazing length so as to best show off the rope straps.
Low rise + embellished sandals
Channel the boho revival in low-rise denim (bonus points if your jeans are light wash) and embellished sandals. Whether you opt for intricate beading, metal detailing or 3D adornments, don't forget to add a peasant blouse to complete the look.
Cargo jeans + platform mules
Go full Y2K in cargo jeans and platform mule sandals. The ‘90s called, and Jennifer Aniston wants her outfit back!
Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
