Bootcut jeans are back, baby!
Yes, millennials have horror stories about the jean cut, buuuut we can see why the renaissance is here. After years of XXL width trouser legs, we're opting for a more mid-width cut.
ICYMI: these jeans are fitted around the hips and thighs, then are more wide-fitting at the ankle...so that, as the name suggests, they can be worn over ankle boots.
But while bootcut jeans are synonymous with boots, don't feel limited with your styling options. There are all kinds of trending shoe options this season, and these jeans can be worn with pretty much any of them.
However, given that bootcut jeans are designed to be worn with boots, it’s worth noting that if they are worn with other shoe options (trainers, flats etc), the hem *can* drag on the ground. As a styling tip, a platform sole, a bit of a heel, or opting for a slightly shorter leg length can be good hack to avoid this!
Keep scrolling for our top picks of bootcut jeans and trending autumn shoewear combos, complete with styling tips.
Everyone's clicking on...
Bootcut jeans and open-toe shoes
This first option might be a little controversial but, seriously, open-toe shoes and bootcut jeans are a seriously underrated combo. For warmer autumn days, pairing bootcuts with a pair of sandals, mules, or thong heels can be a great way of making jeans a bit more flirty - perfect for a date, drinks, or a night out. With these jeans, they can drag a little on the ground, so going for a heeled option might be a good shout. Pair with a going out top, and you've got a winning outfit.
Bootcut jeans and flats
Want to look crisp, chic and ready to take on whatever? Try your (preferably darkwash) bootcut jeans with a pair of leather flats and a boxy shirt. But, word to the wise, your average pair of bootcut jeans might drag on the ground beneath your heel a little if you're opting for flats. So, if you routinely plan to wear your bootcuts not with boots, be sure to try before you buy and don't be afraid to try a slightly shorter pair.
Bootcut jeans and trainers
The best dressed-down looks often revolve around jeans and a pair of trainers... and bootcut jeans are no exception! With this look, you might want to try a chunkier pair of trainers to balance with the fit of the jeans. On top, a fitted tee, or crisp vest, pairs well with the overall look, and you can layer with a cropped leather bomber jacket for a late aughts throwback.
Bootcut jeans and ankle boots
Ah, the classic. Bootcut jeans, as we've signalled a couple of times throughout this article, are synonymous with ankle boots. You'll likely be wearing your jeans over your boots, which means the toe of your boot will be doing a lot of work here, as it will be one of the few visible parts of the shoe. We recommend a pointed or square toe, in order to make an impact. On top, you can rock a cropped tee, a shirt, a going out top...really whatever you'd like. This look is great for dressing up, or down, depending on what you fancy.
Bootcut jeans and loafers
Ah, loafers. As we've written elsewhere, these are very much the trending shoe of the season. These preppy shoes work well with plenty of trouser options, but we'd be keen to try a more experimental loafer (a bright colour, a fun snakeprint vibe) with this jean. In order to make the proportions work, opt for a more gentle, laidback flare to the jeans and pair with a boxier silhouette (like a jacket or shirt) on top.
Bootcut jeans and knee boots
Traditionally, you're supposed to layer your jeans over your boots, but you can also get more out of your bootcuts by tucking them into knee-high or calf-high boots. Opt for a slouchier, wider boot so that the jeans can fit without too much bunching. You can play into the boho chic trend hear with some motorcyle boots and a flowy top (very Mischa Barton back in the day).
Megan Wallace (they/them) is Cosmopolitan UK’s Former Sex and Relationships Editor covering sexual pleasure, sex toys, LGBTQIA+ identity, dating and romance. They have covered sexuality and relationships for over five years and are the founder of the PULP zine, which publishes essays on culture and sex. In their spare time, they can be found exploring the London kink scene and planning dates on Feeld.
