4 Trending Spring Shoes to Wear With Baggy Jeans, Per an Editor

Denim trends are constantly shifting, with the past year seeing a return to slimmer styles like bootcut silhouettes and even the super-skinny jeans that defined 2010s fashion. However, that doesn’t mean that baggy jeans aren’t still as popular as ever, especially among Gen Z. In fact, despite being a skinny jeans devotee in my youth, I exclusively wear relaxed-fit jeans now—and I don’t plan to stop anytime soon.    

Besides being the more comfortable choice thanks to their loose fit, baggy jeans just have a certain cool factor that sets them apart from other denim trends. They look great in a variety of rises and washes, and, most importantly, are surprisingly easy to style. The secret? You just need to pair them with the right shoes.

As a self-proclaimed baggy jeans connoisseur (Abercrombie’s Curve Love Low-Rise Ultra Loose Jeans are my current favorites), I’ve worn oversized denim with practically every shoe style you can imagine, so you can trust that I know what looks best. Below, I’m breaking down the only four kinds of shoes you need to style your baggy jeans like a fashion person this spring. 

Ballet Flats

Ballet flats are by far my most commonly worn shoes with baggy jeans. For me, the image of slouchy, low-slung jeans with the dainty toe of a ballet flat poking out instantly evokes early-aughts paparazzi photos of Keira Knightley or Kirsten Dunst, two of my favorite 2000s It girls. The effect is slightly chicer than a sneaker with the same comfort and effortlessly cool vibe. My go-to ballet flats are the Thursday Boots Prima style, a classic, versatile silhouette made from supple leather that I can attest requires zero break-in. You also can’t go wrong with a printed statement flat or Mary Jane style. 

Sleek Sneakers

Jeans and sneakers will always be a timeless pairing no matter what, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t certain types of jeans that look better with certain types of sneakers. For example, I’d always pair baggy jeans with a sleek style like my Adidas Taekwondo Sneakers (currently on sale for 66 percent off, FYI) over a chunky dad sneaker. The stylish contrast between oversized bottoms and a streamlined, retro-inspired sneaker is proof that playing with proportions is key to nailing an outfit.     

Boat Shoes

Loafers will never go out of style, but lately they’ve been sharing the spotlight with another preppy slip-on. Boat shoes are back again after first starting to trend last spring, and I’m fully on board. After getting my hands on the Sperry x Aritzia AO Boat Shoes last fall, they quickly became one of my most-worn pairs of shoes for their comfort and nostalgic style. I love the juxtaposition of styling them with baggy jeans to keep the overall look from veering too country club.     

Slingback Heels

Last but not least, if you want to dress up baggy jeans for spring, opt for a pair of slingback heels in the color or print of your choice. Styling relaxed-fit bottoms with a polished heel is the easiest—and comfiest—way to look model-off-duty chic. Plus, the combination of wide-leg jeans and pointed-toe shoes makes your legs look miles long. In the market for a new pair? I always recommend the Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pumps. I own them in three colors and they never give me blisters or leave my feet feeling sore.