While trends come and go, denim truly is forever – and whether your preferred silhouette is wide or barrel leg, we always come back to a trusty pair of jeans. Perfect for everything from casual weekends at home to sightseeing in a new city, there's a reason they are a key component to everyone's favourite smart casual uniform – the fail-safe ‘jeans and a nice top’ combo.
For spring/summer 2026, turn-up jeans are having something of a moment across various leg shapes. Looser styles have an easy wearability that caters to a laid-back aesthetic, while straight cuts look more tailored and polished, if it's a chic ensemble you want to create. Whether you invest in a pair of pre-stitched, intentional turn-up jeans or DIY the look yourself, it's an ideal way to give just a little bit more personality to an otherwise classic outfit.
The size of the actual turn-up does vary, ranging from more statement designs – often involving three or more inches of denim flipped inside out – to more subtle nods to the style. Similarly, you'll want to think about the point at which the hem hits your leg, but between ankle-grazing and floor-sweeping, we're here for it all.
Working well with all kinds of footwear from boots to ballet flats, there's no denying this denim silhouette comes into its own at this time of year. So, if you've been wanting to try out the look but have been struggling to know what to pair it with, look no further. We've pulled out the best street style inspiration to help you decide exactly what shoes to wear with turn-up jeans.
Want to up your denim game? Club Cosmo members can get an exclusive 15% off at Levi's now until 18 March! To log in/sign up for free and claim your unique discount code, click here.
With smart loafers
Take a casual outfit up a notch with a smart leather loafer. A great choice for this transitional weather, you can add socks while you wait for the sunshine to make an appearance, or leave your ankles bare when the temperatures allow.
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With pointed kitten heels
Another way of adding a layer of sophistication to turn up jeans is with a kitten heel. Plus, they'll boost your height a couple of extra inches underneath a heavy layer of denim. This feels like the ultimate day-to-night look as a kitten heel is comfortable enough to walk in all day, but smart enough for a date or drinks.
With sandals
Bookmark this ‘fit for a few weeks time when the sun is shining, the blossom is out and the birds are singing. IMO, peak springtime is jeans and sandal weather. It's warm enough to get your toes out, but not the stifling heat that makes wearing denim feel impossible.
With Birkenstock Boston clogs!
It's hard to avoid Birkenstock Boston clogs adorning the feet of our favourite fashion girlies when spring rolls round – not that we're complaining. Consider this your sign to finally don yours! Add socks for serious comfort points.
With coloured trainers
Samba girlies, we've got good news. Your shoe of choice can easily be styled with turn-up jeans, leaning into a playful, casual aesthetic. Blue denim looks great with a whole host of coloured footwear (not just trainers!), from pink to sage green, with the pop of colour peeking out beneath the turn-up hems.
With ballet flats
Sometimes, less really is more. Your turn-up jeans are interesting without being overpowering, so keep the rest of your outfit simple in a plain t-shirt and ballet flats to ooze effortless cool. That doesn't mean it has to be boring, though. Experiment with proportions and try a pair of baggy or barrel turn-up jeans for an off-duty model-approved ensemble.
Dusty Baxter-Wright is an award-winning journalist and the Entertainment and Lifestyle Director at Cosmopolitan, having previously worked at Sugarscape. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work covering pop culture, careers, interiors and travel, and oversees the site’s Entertainment and Lifestyle strategy across print, digital and video. As a journalist for the best part of a decade, she has interviewed everyone from Louis Theroux and Channing Tatum to Margot Robbie and Ncuti Gatwa, while she has also spoken on Times Radio and BBC Radio. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram here.
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!
