A quick poll of the Cosmopolitan UK office and straight-leg jeans are the uncontested winner when it comes to the team's go-to denim silhouette. Sure, the style might occasionally be overshadowed by trendier cuts, like barrel jeans, but this is a classic look for good reason.
After skinny jeans were banished from fashion around 2020, many people – myself included – found refuge in the straight-leg silhouette. Designed with a consistent width all the way down the legs, they simultaneously feel modern and timeless whilst being the most straightforward jeans style to find the best fit. Coming in high, mid and low rises, they make for a universally flattering look for everybody. No wonder stylish celebs from Olivia Rodrigo and Gigi Hadid to Dakota Johnson and Pamela Anderson are all big fans, too.
As well as famous faces backing the hero denim item, further praise came from the SS26 runways, where designers including Dior, Balenciaga and Chloe showcased the sleek style. In varying shades of blue, they paired the jeans with burgundy leather bomber jackets or pussy bow blouses, delivering the playbook on how to work them into your wardrobe. Cheat sheet: the no frills or fuss design means you can wear them with just about anything.
So, with its wardrobe staple status reconfirmed, now feels like a good time for a dose of fresh inspiration. Specifically, what shoes to wear with straight-leg jeans.
With ankle boots
The straight cut of this style means tucking into knee-high boots won't promise a seamless, polished look – unlike your cigarette jeans. Luckily, straight-leg denim looks fab with ankle boots! We love a pointed-toe kitten heel boot for chic sophistication, while flat Chelsea boots and chunkier lug-sole designs work just as well if your jeans hit slightly higher on your ankle.
With ballet flats
Straight-leg jeans and ballet flats are a faultless outfit formula that's not only full of 00's nostalgia, but as two of the most reliable items in your wardrobe, they create the easiest, effortlessly cool I-just-threw-this-on 'fit imaginable. Keep your top half in the same vibe by layering a leather jacket or blazer over a plain t-shirt or tank top.
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With trainers
The key to making your trainers work with your straight-leg jeans is to think about proportions. A chunky Dad sneaker will draw the eye down and appear bottom-heavy, instead opt for a more slimline style with an almond toe – like the fashion girlie-approved Adidas Sambas, or Onitsuka Tiger's cult faves, the Mexico 66.
With loafers
Smarten up your straight-leg jeans with loafers. The gift of a loafer + straight-leg combo is that you can shake up your denim hems without fear. Cropped denim or ankle-grazing length gives some breathing space between your brogues and your jeans and has that preppy appeal. If you're strictly floor-length silhouettes only, a printed loafer will add a cute pop of interest to a full-denim look.
With studded shoes
ICYMI, studded shoes are trending right now and they work *so* well with straight-leg jeans! Why? Because the minimal cut allows the statement footwear to be the main focal point of your look without competing for attention. If you don't believe us, scroll back up to see Dior's take on the trend. Consider this the basis of your next outfit formula.
With kitten heels
A kitten heel can transform any casual pair of jeans. Swap those aforementioned loafers or trainers for a printed, pointed-toe kitten heel and voilà, you have elevated your everyday denim to formal-attire status (think: to work, out for date night). The combo works especially well with straight-leg jeans. As they are cut the same width from hip to ankle, the petite heel adds some much-needed dimension and creates the illusion of longer legs – an extra bonus if your jeans are low or mid-rise.
With Birkenstocks
Whether you don your trusty Birkenstock Bostons or mix it up with the Naples clogs, you can't go wrong wearing suede mules with your straight-leg jeans. The look feels particularly autumnal, so safe to say we'll be recreating this ‘fit ASAP.
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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!
