Blame the autumn/winter 2025 runways that were flooded with denim, but jeans really do come into their own in the cold weather months. From turn-up to wide leg silhouettes, there's no shortage of jeans trends to choose from right now. However, if you're looking for a style that ticks all the boxes, you can't go wrong with boyfriend jeans.
This cool classic is instantly recognisable by its relaxed, slouchy fit, typically with a low-rise waist and straight or slightly tapered legs. It's a similar cut to many men's denim, hence it's ‘borrowed from the boys’ moniker. This season has seen the denim silhouette branch out, adopting more extreme tapering with barrel-shaped legs and slightly baggier forms.
The result? A more polished take on oversized styles that might otherwise seem a little intimidating to bring into your wardrobe. Plus, a whole host of fresh footwear options to wear with yours. Below, find outfit inspiration for what shoes to wear with your boyfriend jeans.
Trainers
Complement the casual silhouette of boyfriend jeans by wearing them with trainers. From sleek, fashion designs to chunky Dad styles, there are no restrictions to what will work.
Ankle boots
While some jeans styles require a certain toe shape when it comes to footwear (more on this below), you can get away with round and square-toe ankle boots with boyfriend jeans. This is because the style, while loose and roomy, is often cut in a straight leg silhouette. Depending on how baggy your denim is, you may be able to wear a pair of biker boots if they finish no higher than the mid-calf.
Ballet flats
Ballet flats provide an element of contrast – a feminine shoe with a masculine denim silhouette – without feeling too jarring, thanks to their minimal style. Be prepared for hems to pool around ankles due to the slouchy fit and low rise of your boyfriend jeans.
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Loafers
Lean into the masculine feel of boyfriend jeans with a pair of loafers. Why not opt for a shirt and tie on your top half to really hammer it home?
Animal print
Animal prints, particularly leopard print, add interest to an otherwise minimal outfit. Adding pattern at your feet works in the same way as a colour pop, drawing the eye down and highlighting your boyfriend jeans in the process. Win-win!
Cowboy boots
No, we’re not over cowboy boots and don’t plan to be any time soon, tbh. Want to keep wearing yours? You can't go wrong pairing them with boyfriend jeans. They provide a few extra inches with their stacked heel, without feeling too feminine, therefore staying true to the relaxed, masculine aesthetic of the denim.
Anything with a pointed toe
Visually creating the illusion of length through shoes with a pointed toe is never a bad thing, so don’t consider these designs off limits just because boyfriend jeans don't *need* them in the same way a barrel leg requires a very specific shoe silhouette. The pointed toe adds a level of formality, too, so there's no reason you couldn't wear this look to work IMO.
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!
