7 shoes to pair with your wide-leg jeans that look sophisticated, not sloppy

Heads up! Gen Z deemed skinny jeans uncool a couple of years ago. But while I, a full-grown adult, shouldn’t let the youth dictate what I wear, many brands made the switch to baggier styles, and I’ve since incorporated several pairs of wide-leg pants into my wardrobe. And to be honest, I love ’em. I think the wider legs are more comfortable, more flattering and often easier to dress up. But there’s one learning curve that took me some time to navigate: What shoes should you wear with wide-leg jeans?

I’m 5’2″, so chunkier sneakers paired with my baggy pants made me feel like a toddler. My lug-sole boots? It’s hard to look my age when my pants are dragging on the ground like they did back in high school. But after a lot of research and a little testing, I finally narrowed down the seven best shoes to wear with wide-leg pants.

Below, I’m listing them all — with stylish photos proving my point — and noting why they work (ie, because they make you look like the sophisticated, polished adult that you are). I’ve also included examples for each, in case your closet needs an upgrade, or you just want to engage in a bit of retail therapy. Because, in the end, much like jeans, you can never have too many pairs of shoes, right?

1. Pointed-toe pumps

Want to look taller? A pointed-toe pump will both elongate your legs and give you some literal height. They don’t need to be sky-high, either — the pointed shape is what creates the lengthening effect, so you can opt for anything from a shorter kitten heel to a stiletto pump. If you’re going to invest in only one pair, make it a simple, black leather heel you can wear season to season, year to year, outfit to outfit.

2. Loafers

Loafers are underrated — you can wear them casually or dressed up, and their low profile and structured fit won’t add bulk to an already slouchy silhouette. Whether you choose a classic penny, a polished horse-bit, or a chunky, lug-sole style, loafers can give you a smart, polished finish that makes even a casual pair of wide-leg jeans sophisticated enough for the office or a chic weekend look.

• Related: The very best loafers for women, tried and tested by style experts

3. Ballet flats

Good news: Ballet flats are still trending, and the style looks sleek and slim under billowy, wide-leg pants. You could wear a simple black pair, as they’ll largely be hidden under a wide hem, but if you want to show off a sparkly or leopard-print pair while you strut, by all means. Pairing your trousers with ballet flats is an easy way to elevate your look without adding any bulk. And, of course, they’re comfortable — we’re all about comfort.

4. Clogs

If you love your closed-toe Birkenstocks, try pairing ’em with your wide-leg jeans. Clogs’ chunky silhouette complements the oversized hem, whether you choose a flat or block heel. Clogs and flares obviously went together in the ’70s and ’80s — why not try the bohemian look again?

5. Heeled booties

When it’s cold outside, reach for a pair of booties with attitude and altitude, which can help keep your hem from experiencing a very unpolished case of heel-drag fraying. And note that booties with a pointed, almond, or otherwise tapered toe can also help elongate your legs. You can even pair your tall boots with wide-leg pants — no one will notice how tall they are, and they can provide a little extra warmth in the winter.

6. Slim sneakers

You can pair chunky sneakers with your wide-leg pants for a super casual look. For a more elevated look, stick with kicks with a slimmer profile. A chunkier fit will create more volume at the hems and draw the eyes downward, while the sleek fit is more flattering, especially for those who are more petite.

7. Sandals

Sandals are the easiest choice, whether you opt for a pair of flip-flops, slides or a strappy, heeled pick. Their ultra-slim profile keeps the attention on the pants, not your shoes. This option is weather-permitting, of course. If you live in a warmer climate, try your wide-leg pants on with a pair, or pack some for your next tropical vacation.