Jeans – everyone’s favourite pair of pants. I’m sure if people could wear jeans every time they go out, they would. Once you’ve found the right one for you, it’s comfort-max
And even though you really enjoy wearing cool sneakers with denim, there might be times when you want to dress up your jeans by wear a pair of formal shoes with it.
Now, hold on – I see that reaction coming… Yes, I know mixing two pieces of clothing that so different from each other in terms of formality can be tricky. But then, that’s what I’m here for, right?
Yes, Formal shoes do go with jeans – if worn the right way. And the right ways are what this post is all about 😉
When wanting to wear formal shoes with jeans, there are few things that are to be kept in mind. These are mainly related to the fit and colour of your jeans, the right kind of shoes, and whatever you choose to wear above the waist. The key to dressing well when pairing jeans and dress shoes is to keep a balance – to not let it get too formal or casual.
Before we get to the actual looks, there are a few tips that will help you along the way:
Tips To Wear Formal Shoes With Jeans
#1: No Oxfords Please
(Note: Wondering what are oxford shoes? Check out my complete guide to formal shoes for men.
It explains all the things you need to know about men’s dress shoes)
So, you’ve thought of classing up those jeans with dress shoes – well done, that’s a great idea! Wearing Oxfords with jeans though is taking it a bit too far
Oxford shoes are at the top of the formality scale so mixing them up with denim can feel out of place. There are suggestions online that state that it is okay to actually wear these two together, but I’d rather you not do it.
The only scenario I see it working is if your oxfords are full brogues / wingtips, but even that will be a bold step on your part.
We have a lot of other shoe options that are great with jeans. Keep those beautiful oxfords for dress pants.
#2: Avoid Light Wash, Faded and Tattered Jeans
Yes, all of them.
With sneakers, light wash, faded or tattered denims work cause they’re uber casual. But dress shoes are not.
To ensure that everything looks well put together, tuck those denims away and opt for a darker wash.
The shades are not a problem as long as they’re still dark. Such dark wash jeans are dressier than the other ones so they are great options to pair dress shoes with
Jeans by themselves are such a casual piece of clothing that the only way you can make them formal enough is by choosing the right wash
Whenever we are mixing two distinctly formal or casual pieces, the key to good matching is to get both of them as close as possible on the formality scale. This means that the formal pieces should be as casual (or semi-formal) as possible, and the casual pieces should be as dressy as possible.
#3: Tapered Jean Cuts Look Better With Dress Shoes
Dress shoes generally have a sleek looking profile which is why they look best with dress pants, which are slim and have a smooth fall
So, to wear jeans with dress shoes – the trick is to have the jeans be slim or tapered. The exact cut of the jeans depends on your preference and comfort, as long as it is not baggy
Baggy jeans will spoil the dressed-up casual look that we’re going for, cause now there’s a visual disconnect between the bulk of the jeans and the sleekness of the shoes.
Actually, baggy jeans aren’t flattering anyway so you’re better off avoiding them altogether
#4: Keep The Balance With Thoughtful Shirt Choices
Just deciding to wear formal shoes with jeans is not enough, we need to make the right choices above-the-waist as well
Because of the formality of dress shoes overtly casual tops will not work here – so forget about t-shirts and sweatshirts.
Still want to wear a t-shirt but thinking of layering it with a shirt (or shirt-jacket)? Now we’re talking.
Button-down shirts will look great even by themselves. Add a blazer / jacket to the mix, and now you’ve got yourself some really cool outfits
Remember to #KeepTheBalance, and you’ll be fine 🙂
#5: Matching Jean And Shoe Colour Might Not Be the Best Look
I’ve given this some thought, and it is true.
Somehow the jeans and formal shoes combination is better when there’s a contrast between them. So matching jean and shoe colour should be avoided.
Think of black jeans with black dress shoes. Usually I like monochrome, but the overall tone of your outfit with jeans and dress shoes is smart-casual – so the same colour might not add to that
What shoes should you wear with black jeans then? After all, you can’t pair them with brown shoes.
That’s a difficult one. It’s for this very same reason than I’d suggest not going for black jeans when you want to wear formal shoes. Other colours have contrasting shoe options but black doesn’t, unless you have a pair of shoes in a very different colour like navy blue or a dark green suede. Colours like these will look good with black jeans
#6: Go for Half or No Break Jeans
We need to make sure that your shoes are the focal point around your feet, right?
Longer jeans will not hide shoes, but the extra fabric will bunch up so much around your ankles that it will grab all the attention that your shoes deserve.
Getting your jeans altered to make them half-break / no-break will work wonders, trust me. Yes you can cuff up your jeans when required, but the longer they are the more folds you’ll need – ultimately leading to thick cuffs which again, draw the attention away
Top Formal Shoes To Wear With Jeans
Wingtip Derbys With Jeans
I strongly believe wingtips and jeans are made for each other – they’re such a beautiful pairing.
The smartness of dark-wash denim with the brogueing is just too much to handle!
As long as there is some contrast, go crazy with the colours here. Everything is a go! Suede works just as well as leather
Make sure you’re still wearing socks though. Then cuff up those jeans to show em off!
Loafers With Jeans
Loafers are the smartest shoes to wear with jeans if you want to rock the sockless look. They’re perfect for the summer when paired with lightweight jeans, making sure you’re comfortable AND cool
You can wear loafers with socks as well and they will look just as good.
And since we are pairing them with jeans – you can also experiment with bold colours rather than sticking to the usual ones
(To get some more tips about socks, check out my guide on how to wear socks with formal shoes )
Turn up for that brunch / beer with friends wearing dark wash denim and bright suede loafers, and you’re bound to get extra style points by everyone B-)
Plain Derbys With Jeans
While Wingtips are perfectly fine with jeans, if you want to dress up further you can wear plain derbys
These shoes are super versatile because they pair well with dress pants as well as jeans. If your office allows jeans, then these might just become your go-to combination.
Wear an unlined blazer or trucker jacket with it and you’re pretty much set.
Monk Straps With Jeans
Monk straps are just as classy as plain derbys and can be worn in all the same situations
Because of the visual interest that the straps already provide, it would be better to keep the brogueing minimal here.
Black monk strap shoes will be amazing with dark blue / indigo jeans. With dark brown shoes, you have a little more options. And the colour tan is not as formal so with tan monkstraps you can even go with light wash denims. I feel darker washes will always look better though
Chelsea Boots With Jeans
I have a colleague at work who regularly wears jeans with cognac Chelseas, and I can’t stop myself admiring this combination every single time!
Chelsea boots are a great way to add some oomph to your outfits.
Granted, they don’t look good on everyone – but if you’re one of those lucky ones who can pull it off, then you’ve got to wear them the next time you wear jeans. What are you waiting for? Christmas?
When it comes to colour black chelsea boots are hands-down fabulous, but I’d say that the medium-brown and cognac shades will give you more uses than black boots. Pair them with any dark or medium wash blue jeans and be assured that you look great
Chukka Boots With Jeans
Chukka Boots and jeans work really well together – they give off a polished yet kinda rugged look
These boots were originally made of suede with a crepe sole. They came in sand / tan colour, which is why Chukka boots are sometimes also referred to as dessert boots
The dessert boot aesthetic is pretty casual because of its colour and choice and material, which makes it right at home with a pair of jeans. But today you will also find Chukkas in leather and a variety of colours – ranging from dress shoe classics such as blacks and dark browns to even navy and olive
For events that require smart casual – go for leather chukkas in dark colours as they are more formal than the suede dessert boots. For every other casual occasion, feel free to wear whichever type of chukka boot you like (and own, obvs :P)
Jeans On!
There is nothing like a pair of good jeans, and blue ones happen to be my (or everybody’s?) favourite kind
No matter what colour of jeans you like, if you want to wear them with formal shoes then the same rules apply. Feel free to go back to the headings by clicking the points below
- No Oxfords
- No Light Wash or Tattered Jeans
- No Baggy Jeans
- Thoughtful Shirt Choices
- Colour Contrast between Shoes And Jeans
- Half/No Break Jeans Look Better
While we’re still on the topic of jeans, here’s a cool song about it I just discovered. Have a listen before you go
What shoes do you wear with denim the most? Let me know 🙂
