Mom jeans are our ride–and–die—and they’re back in vogue. TikTok has officially canceled skinny jeans, saying goodbye to the form-fitting jeans that were everywhere in the 2000s.
Alessandra Ambrosio wears One Teaspoon mom jeans with a Cotton Citizen ribbed shirt and Re/Done ankle boots in Los Angeles on January 21, 2020 (Credit: Instar / WENN)
Mom jeans are the more laidback alternative that is back with a bang – and we couldn’t be happier!
While mom jeans are classic, it’s not always easy to know which shoes to wear with your new denim. Whether buying your mom jeans pre-loved or from your favorite American brand, you don’t want to forget about your footwear.
While some shoes make the perfect match, like ankle boots, there are other styles you want to avoid.
Jennifer Garner, Lucy Hale, Lily Allen, Ashley Roberts, and Irina Shayk show how to style mom jeans (Credit: Mega / WENN)
The secret to wearing any jeans style is knowing what shoes to match them. The wrong shoes can make your legs appear shorter and give the illusion of a less flattering silhouette. We share the ultimate guide on which shoes you can and can’t style with the TikTok-favourite jeans.
Understanding Mom Jeans: A Fashion Throwback
Mom jeans are the high-waisted style that was everywhere in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The classic way of styling them was with an oversized t-shirt or sweatshirt tucked into the high waist and finished off with a belt.
They got the nickname ‘mom jeans’ for being the signature style of middle-aged American moms, even becoming an SNL skit.
Mom jeans were made fun of in a May 2003 Saturday Night Live skit written by Tina Fey for a fake brand of jeans called Mom Jeans (Credit: NBC)
Fast-forward to the early 2020s, and mom jeans have been embraced by teenagers and twenty-somethings worldwide.
While TikTok can be credited for its success, the move towards mom jeans comes when comfort-driven fashion is the aesthetic everyone is going for.
Seasonal Shoe Pairings for Mom Jeans
Before we jump into which shoes you should avoid wearing with mom jeans, it’s worth considering the seasons. Some shoes work for every season and in almost any weather condition. Your favorite white sneakers will see you through everything except the snow.
During the warmer months, you can style your mom jeans with sandals for a minimalistic spring look. Birkenstocks are worth the investment, or you can keep it casual with slides.
Teenagers and twenty-somethings showcase the versatility of mom jeans, pairing them with everything from casual sandals to chic ankle boots and classic sneakers
When it comes to the cold weather, you need at least one style of ankle boots to reach for to wear with your mom boots. It’s worth looking for a style where you can comfortably slip your denim jeans over the shaft.
If you’re looking for shoes that will work with your jeans all year long for a night out, look no further than classic stilettoes or a contemporary mule.
1. Sneakers: The Ultimate Match for Mom Jeans
When it comes to denim jeans, sneakers are always a failsafe and a guaranteed perfect match. You can never go wrong with your favorite sneakers, whether they’re sleek and minimalistic or make a bold statement.
If you want to create the illusion of a slimmer silhouette, you can switch out your sneakers for a style with a raised platform sole for extra height.
This chic outfit pairs the cozy Bishop + Young Highline turtleneck sweater with edgy BP. slashed mom jeans, perfectly finished with trendy Monse x Both corduroy platform sneakers
For a more casual and laidback look, opt for athleisure sneakers by a brand like Veja for a Meghan Markle-inspired look. If you plan to spend the day running errands or doing chores, style them with running sneakers for ultimate comfort.
This effortlessly stylish look features a classic striped top, high-waisted mom jeans, and Veja sneakers, creating the perfect casual-chic ensemble
2. Versatile Sandals: Effortless Summer Style
If you like to keep your toes out, it’s worth investing in minimalistic sandals that you can wear for any occasion during the summer.
While we love a bold moment, the best sandals you can buy for your mom jeans are easy slip-on silhouettes with an understated color palette.
This playful and colorful outfit features light-wash mom jeans, a vibrant tie-dye tee, and comfy Birkenstock sandals, perfect for a relaxed summer day
Birkenstocks are a classic choice for mom jeans and allow you to recreate the signature ‘90s look. These shoes will take you from the first signs of spring to the end of autumn.
If you want a style that will take you from day to night, look for sandals with a chunky platform for another’ 90s-inspired look.
Don’t forget about slides. While they’re no longer the most trend-worthy shoes, they’re still a must-have for your denim closet. If you want a more elevated style, look for slides that use leather instead of rubber.
This stylish and sophisticated look combines high-waisted mom jeans, a chic Karl Lagerfeld graphic shirt, and elegant cream sandals, perfect for a polished yet casual outfit
3. Ankle Boots: Chic and Edgy
Ankle boots are the shoes we reach for most to wear with mom jeans. The edgier the style, the better! These everyday shoes are a staple for your closet and add an effortlessly chic feel to your outfit.
This effortlessly cool outfit pairs high-waisted mom jeans with a casual graphic tee and stylish black ankle boots, perfect for a laid-back yet trendy look
Choose ankle boots with a mid-height heel for extra versatility that you can wear to any occasion. The right ankle boots will see you through every season and almost every weather condition, come rain or shine.
4. Ballet Flats: Parisian Elegance
Channel your inner Alexa Chung or reimagine a contemporary Audrey Hepburn look with ballet flats. These shoes are a year-round staple and effortlessly chic with a Parisian feel.
If you want to be a ‘cool’ mom, these are the shoes you’ll want to have out on rotation with your favorite
This chic and cozy ensemble features high-waisted mom jeans, a soft beige sweater, and stylish snake-print ballet flats, perfect for a sophisticated casual look
Shoes to Avoid With Mom Jeans: Style Tips
While we love to discuss which shoes you should wear with your mom jeans, it’s also worth identifying which shoes you should avoid.
When considering which shoes won’t work with mom jeans, the best rule of thumb is to think about your silhouette. Avoid wearing shoes that shorten the appearance of your legs and make them look larger than they really are.
While knee-high boots are perfect for skinny jeans, they don’t work with the looser-fitting silhouette of mom jeans.
You want to avoid jeans that you must tuck inside your boots. The extra fabric of mom jeans gives the illusion of wider hips and larger calves while making you appear shorter.
While we love wearing mom jeans, they’re not as easy to style with shoes as skinny jeans are. You want to consider how the shoes make your legs appear and whether they shorten the appearance of your legs. Our golden rule is to stick with short shoes that are ankle length or lower.