When it comes to fashion, certain pairings can effortlessly elevate your look and be as easy and natural as peanut butter and jelly.
Ankle boots and straight-leg jeans are a timeless outfit combo that never fails to exude style and sophistication. Whether you’re going for a casual daytime ensemble or a chic evening outfit, this classic duo offers endless possibilities. However, mastering the art of wearing straight leg jeans with ankle boots requires a few key styling techniques to ensure a flattering and balanced silhouette. In this article, we will guide you through all the tips and tricks needed to effortlessly pair ankle boots with straight leg jeans.
To fully realize the possibilities of this look, you must grasp how the top of your boot and the hem of your jeans interact. Straight-leg jeans have a straight up-and-down silhouette through the entire pant leg, from waist to hem. They can be baggy, like boyfriend jeans or relaxed-fit jeans, or have a slim fit. Straight leg jeans come in cropped, ankle and full lengths. They differ from skinny jeans in that they do not taper at the bottom. Ankle boots- short boots that cover the foot and ankle bone- come in a variety of different styles with varying shaft heights.
Selecting the perfect ankle boots
Choosing the proper ankle boots means striking a balance with your straight leg jeans. Although traditional flat black ankle boots are chic and adaptable, many more choices are available. Sock boots provide a smooth, modern style that molds to the shape of your feet, while Chelsea boots offer an element of classic British grace.
Ankle boots come in a variety of toe styles, to include pointed toe, almond, square and round toes. Different styles of ankle boots can change the overall vibe of your outfit. Classic Chelsea boots, heeled ankle boots, or even edgier options like combat boots can all work with straight-leg jeans. Choose a style that complements your personal aesthetic.
Choose ankle hugging boots. While straight leg jeans have a wider leg opening than skinny jeans, they aren’t as wide as wide leg jeans, bootcut jeans or flare jeans. While you don’t have to resort solely to a sock bootie, an ankle boot with a taller ankle shaft that hugs the ankle will work best under straight leg jeans.
Create a visually cohesive look by opting for ankle boots in a similar color to your jeans. This monochromatic approach can elongate your legs and create a streamlined appearance.
White ankle boots with white jeans is a great option, as are black boots with black jeans.
Choosing the best straight jeans
First, choose the straight leg jeans that fit and flatter your body type. If your jeans don’t fit properly, it won’t matter how your boots look. You will still feel off when wearing straight leg jeans with boots. Determine if you need a high rise or mid-rise.
The best straight leg jeans are the ones that work with your ankle boots. The jeans’ length is essential. There are two options: try to get the hem to sit slightly above the top of the boot, or let the hem extend past the top of your boots. The width of the leg opening will also play a part in which boots you choose if you want the hem to extend past the top of the boots.
Two Options for Wearing Ankle Boots with Straight Leg Jeans
The First Option
The first option works with cropped jeans. You want the hem to stop just short of the shaft of the boot so that it doesn’t catch on the heel tab, hang up or bunch on the top of the boots in any way. You are allowing some skin to be exposed with this look. Just don’t go too short or it will look awkward. The key is to leave just a short gap between the bottom of your jeans and the top of your boots.
If these jeans were any shorter, this pairing would not work. A boot with a higher shaft would work better.
A different pair of black boots closes the gap better.
This pair of straight leg jeans works even better with these white booties.
This pair of jeans sits just at the top of the ankle booties.
Socks are trendy again too, so if it’s too cold for exposed skin, wear socks and let a bit of them show at the gap. If you’re into fashion-forward looks, consider adding a statement sock that peeks out above the ankle boots. This can add a playful and trendy element to your outfit.
You can also achieve this look by cuffing the hem of your jeans so they stop above the shaft of the boot. A chic roll or a single cuff gives a casual touch to longer jeans, letting your boots take center stage. Here are a few style hacks for cuffing your straight-leg denim.
Types of Cuffs
- Single Roll Cuff:
- This is the most classic and simple cuffing method. Roll up the hem of the jeans once to create a clean and neat cuff. Adjust the height of the cuff based on your preference.
- Double Roll Cuff:
- Similar to the single roll cuff, but with an extra fold. Roll the hem twice for a slightly thicker cuff. This method is great for adding a bit more structure to the cuff.
- Pinroll Cuff:
- Instead of folding, the pinroll involves folding the excess fabric on the inside before rolling the hem. This creates a tapered and snug cuff, often used to showcase footwear.
- Wide Cuff:
- Fold the hem of the jeans multiple times to create a wider cuff. This style is more relaxed and works well for a casual and laid-back look.
Single roll cuff:
Pinroll cuff:
The Second Option
The second option involves wearing your jeans over the top of your ankle boots. Make sure the jeans are long enough and the leg opening is wide enough for the jeans to stay over the top of the boots or fall back in place appropriately when sitting and standing or moving.
This pair of jeans isn’t quite long enough and gets caught on the top of the ankle boot.
This pairing works better.
This pair of straight leg corduroy jeans falls down nicely over the top of the boots.
Full length, looser cut straight leg jeans are the best option for this scenario. I prefer a pair of booties with a pointed toe with a longer straight leg jean to elongate the leg and keep from looking stumpy, especially if you have short legs.
Choosing straight leg jeans with boots for different occasions
The ankle boot and straight-leg jean combination lets us look put together in various social situations.
Pick a pointed-toe ankle bootie and mix it with dark-wash straight-leg jeans for a polished look. The denim makes it solid and welcoming, but the boot’s simple shape adds a touch of elegance. On the other hand, light-washed denim and suede Chelsea boots are ideal for a more relaxed occasion, as they offer the perfect mix of warmth and flair.
For a casual look: Pair ankle boots with straight leg jeans along with an oversized sweater or a graphic tee for an effortlessly casual chic look.
Combine Chelsea boots with slim-fit jeans or chinos along with a button-up shirt layered under a cozy cardigan for a smart-casual appearance.
Dressier occasions: Wear Chelsea boots with dark-wash jeans and add a blazer over your shirt for an elevated semi-formal outfit that strikes the perfect balance between style and comfort.
Night Out or Parties:
When attending social events or parties where you want to make a statement with your outfit, go for ankle boots that add flair to your ensemble. Consider trendy styles such as pointed-toe booties with stiletto heels or ones adorned with metallic details like buckles or studs. Playful colors like red, animal prints, or even glittery finishes can help create an eye-catching look.
Here’s a fun casual outfit idea:
Pair straight leg boyfriend jeans with a cardigan and camisole. Complete the look with statement making leopard ankle boots. Cuff the jeans in a wide cuff so the ankle boots take center stage. Add a felt wide brim hat for extra flair.
How to wear flat ankle boots with straight leg jeans
While a heeled boot gives some height and elongates the leg, you may be more comfortable for some outing in flat ankle boots. The tips for wearing flat ankle boots with straight leg jeans are pretty much the same.
Choose the Right Length of Jeans:
To achieve a polished look when wearing flat ankle boots, it’s crucial to pay attention to the length of your jeans. Opt for straight leg jeans that hit right above the top of your boots or have a slight break at the hemline. This ensures that the focus remains on both the jeans and the boots without any awkward bunching or excessive fabric.
Cuffing Technique:
If your straight leg jeans are longer than desired, cuffing them is an excellent way to showcase your ankle boots while maintaining a clean aesthetic. Roll up the hem once or twice, ensuring that it sits just above your booties’ shaft height. This technique not only adds visual interest but also helps create balance in proportion between your pants and footwear.
Embrace Monochromatic Looks:
For an effortlessly chic appearance, consider opting for monochromatic outfits by pairing black flat ankle boots with black straight leg jeans (or choose other hues if preferred). This combination creates an elongating effect, making you appear taller while providing a sleek and sophisticated silhouette
Confidence-the key to look perfect
Without confidence, no ensemble is complete; it’s the most subtle yet powerful accessory you can wear. Although fashionable and adaptable, the combination of ankle boots and straight-leg jeans shines when worn with confidence. Your walk, energy, and way of carrying yourself are all influenced by your enthusiasm. It elevates an ordinary ensemble into a statement and transforms a simple ensemble into a representation of your individuality. Remember that the most excellent style advice is timeless: dress in a way that empowers you.
Wrapping up
There’s no denying the adaptability of ankle boots with straight-leg jeans. Fashion fans worldwide have found this timeless mix to be dependable time and time again. You can confidently navigate the fashion scene with the ideal jeans and your favorite ankle boots, realizing that what you’re wearing not only looks great but also serves as a tribute to the timeless quality of well-chosen wardrobe basics.
