Boyfriend Jeans Are Summer’s Go-to Denim—Here Are The Shoes to Wear With Them

2 min read

While summer denim is usually associated with jorts, cropped cuts, and white jeans, boyfriend styles will always have a place in our warm-weather rotation. Perfectly slouchy and subtly relaxed for when the temperatures rise, the silhouette brings an ease to summer dressing, offering more coverage than shorts while still exuding effortlessness (and not clinging to the skin in the midst of a heat wave).

When styling boyfriend jeans for the summer, consider the shoes. Because the fit is intentionally relaxed, it helps to contrast the denim’s volume with footwear that is lighter, structured, and streamlined. Open-toe sandals, from heeled styles to strappy flats, keep the look casual and vacation-adjacent. Minimalist flip-flops are ’90s-approved, doubling down on the everyday cool of the jean.

There are also pointed-toe shoes that add definition and dressiness, ballet flats that bring softness and femininity, or loafers that highlight the borrowed-from-the-boys attitude. For more classic dressers, low-profile sneakers remain a forever-reliable choice, and one that works just as well into fall. Ahead, all these and more of the best shoes to wear with boyfriend jeans.

Pointed-Toe Shoes

Contrast the ultra-relaxed shape of the denim with pointed-toe shoes. Whether you choose a mule, slingback, or a wedge heel, it will create an elongated line that dresses up and balances out the denim in the chicest way possible.

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Sandals

Sandals help keep boyfriend jeans breezy, regardless of whether you go for a leather slide, strappy flat, or barely-there heel. Flat versions are ideal for daytime (and vacation), while heeled sandals give the denim height for dinners, drinks, or dressier plans.

J.Crew Audrey Beaded Slingback Sandals

Cult Gaia Ria Calla Lily Leather Slingback Sandals

Raye Linz Sandal

A.Emery Jalen Suede Sandals

Loafers & Boat Shoes

Loafers and boat shoes bring out the menswear-inspired look of the silhouette. Styled with a blazer, striped button-down, or rugby shirt, the collegiate combination is preppy and effortlessly relaxed for summer and fall.

Madewell The Jamie Boat Shoe

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Gucci Jordaan Leather Loafers

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Jamie Haller Zebra-Print Penny Loafers

Flip-Flops

Flip-flops give boyfriend jeans a ’90s-inspired finish. Whether flat or heeled, stick to leather, embellished, or contrasting-color styles to prevent the outfit from looking too beachy.

Margaux The Deia 50 Sandal

St. Agni Suede Woven Flip Flop

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Reformation Jessie Flip Flop

Staud Freja Woven Thong Slide Sandal

Ballet Flats

Ballet flats offer a softer counterpoint to boyfriend jeans, especially when the denim has a looser leg or lower rise. In Mary-Jane, heeled, or bow-adorned silhouettes, their feminine shape adds balance without making the outfit too precious.

Aeyde Onda Crinkled Metallic Leather Pumps

Le Monde Beryl Leather Mary Jane Ballet Flats

J.Crew Bea Ballet Leather Flats

Mansur Gavriel Square Toe Ballerina Flat

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Sneakers

Low-profile sneakers are the most effortless everyday option for styling boyfriend jeans. Slim retro trainers, canvas sneakers, and classic white lace-ups work best, keeping the proportions clean and avoiding extra bulk at the hem.

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