Jeans [1] and sneakers are a fail-safe combo, and yet, for some reason, it can be tricky to find the perfect pairing. With a vast assortment of denim cuts and sneaks on the market, who's to say which two styles are best suited to each other?
To us, it's all about proportion and striking a perfect harmony between opposing styles. Let us explain.
Say, for example, you're wearing a cropped straight-leg jean. A slim high-top [2] like Converse All Stars will hug your ankle and tuck under the hem nicely sans bulk or bunching. Alternatively, heftier high-tops sit better with skinny jeans [3] that are fitted over your calves and ankles, and meet at the top of the shoe (almost as if you're tucking your jeans into your sneakers).
If you go for a cropped jean that hits just above the ankle, your tried-and-true white leather low-tops are an ideal companion.
In the case of a voluminous jean, like wide-leg crops or a roomy trouser style, you'll want a sneaker with weight for balance. A chunky "dad" style or throwback heritage sneaker like Reebok classics are our of-the-moment picks (Scandinavian It-girls are big proponents of both these styles).
Think you got it? Here, we pulled together a range of combinations to further guide you, as illustrated by the always savvy street-style set. Peruse the various looks and shop our picks for recreating each pairing on your own.
Slim Straight-Leg Jeans + White Leather Low Tops
AKA, the easiest combo out there.
GRLFRND x Revolve Karlina High-Rise Skinny Jean
The GRLFRND x Revolve Karlina High-Rise Skinny Jean [4] ($248) looks perfectly lived-in with a raw cut hem.
Common Projects Original Achilles Leather Sneakers
For a clean finish, these Common Projects Original Achilles Leather Sneakers [5] ($410) are fail-safe.
Long Straight-Leg Jeans + Sporty Leather High Tops
A pale wash and sporty sneakers relax the look of a tweed jacket.
Goldsign The Classic Fit High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
Goldsign's Classic Fit High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans [6] ($295) are a refined take on vintage-style denim.
Nike Air Force 1 Mid '07
For a modern take on a legendary sneaker, look no further than Nike's Air Force 1 Mid '07 [7] ($95).
Slim Straight-Leg Jeans + Canvas High Tops
A classic combination, slim straight-leg jeans appear polished with fitted high-tops and a belted trench.
Frame Le High Straight
Frame's Le High Straight [8] ($219) jeans come in the perfect medium blue wash with a high-rise fit.
Converse Chuck Taylor Monochrome High Top
Another modernized mainstay, these Converse Chuck Taylor Monochrome High Tops [9] ($55) are so fresh.
Wide-Leg Jeans + Chunky Sneakers
Distressed cut-out details and chunky sneakers make for a total fashion-girl look.
Rejina Pyo Mia Jean
Rejina Pyo's Mia Jean [10] ($118, originally $396) is a major conversation piece.
Nike Air Max 97 Velvet, Nubuck And Rubber Sneakers
Talk about throwback kicks, Nike's Air Max 97 Velvet, Nubuck And Rubber Sneakers [11] ($170) are a street-style favorite.
Skinny or Straight-Leg Jeans + "Dad" Sneakers
If you haven't caught on by now, old-school sneakers are back in a big way. Scandinavian It-girls wear them with every type of jean from raw-edge straight legs to skinnies.
Mott & Bow Mom Ridge Jean
Mott & Bow's Mom Ridge Jean [12] ($118) is a classic cropped fit that flatters every body type.
New Balance 420 Sneaker
File these New Balance 420 Sneaker's [13] ($85) under: part of the vintage revival.
Frayed-Hem Skinny Jeans + Mesh Sneakers
Nothing tempers a tailored dress more than layering skinny jeans underneath with workout-inspired sneakers to finish.
Mother High Waisted Looker Ankle Fray Not Rough Enough
Mother's High Waisted Looker Ankle Fray Not Rough Enough [14] ($238) jeans come with a generous stretch for total comfort.
Adidas Ultraboost Shoes
Wear Adidas Ultraboost Shoes [15] ($180) at the gym, or simply as a fashion statement.
Straight-Leg Jeans + Low Tops
Universally flattering, straight-leg jeans pair well with low-top sneakers of any kind. We're partial to black and white pieces with medium wash blue jeans for a timeless look.
Mango Girlfriend Claudia Jeans
Mango's Girlfriend Claudia Jeans [16] ($60) slouch just right.
Kenneth Cole Kam Sneaker
Celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid have been known to wear Kenneth Cole's Kam Sneaker [17] ($120) on repeat.
Full-Length Jeans + High Tops
Go skater girl-chic with a pair of full-length jeans and Vans.
DL1961 Mara Instasculpt Straight
DL1961's Mara Instasculpt Straight [18] ($178) jean maintains its shape with a contoured waistband and high-retention fit to sculpt your legs, butt, and waist.
Vans SK8-Hi Slim
Vans SK8-Hi Slim [19] ($60) high-tops are a trimmer version of the iconic lace-up.
Wide-Leg Trousers + Throwback Sneakers
Channel a street-style vibe with loose-fitting denim that's frayed at the waist and hem. Bonus points for adding a throwback sneaker into the mix.
Marques' Almeida Frayed Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
Marques' Almeida Frayed Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans [20] ($213, originally $425) make for an exaggerated look.
Reebok Classic Harman Sneaker
All hail the Reebok Classic Harman Sneaker [21] ($60).
Super Skinny Jeans + Low Tops
A graphic topper enlivens super-skinny light-wash jeans and casual canvas low tops.
H&M Super Skinny High Jeans
H&M's Super Skinny High Jeans [22] ($13, originally $20) are ultra-stretchy with vintage appeal.
Feiyue Fe Lo Plaine White
Nail a casual-cool look in Feiyue's Fe Lo Plaine White [23] ($65) sneaker.
Cropped Straight-Leg Jeans + High-Top Sneakers
Petite girls can get in on the action, too! A straight-leg jean cropped high enough will reveal classic high-tops without making you look shorter.
Simon Miller Kasson Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
Simon Miller's Kasson Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans [24] ($325) are perfect for those in the mood for relaxed, raw-edge denim.
Converse All Star '70s High Top Sneakers
Can't beat Converse All Star '70s High Top Sneakers [25] ($85) in good 'ol black.
Skinny Jeans + Millenial Pink Sneakers
A millenial or not, light pink sneakers look especially fresh against dark-rinse skinnies and a neon bag.
J Brand High Rise Alana Crop Jeans
J Brand's High Rise Alana Crop Jeans [26] ($188) contour to your shape, hitting perfectly above the ankle.
Aldo Women's Mx
Aldo's Women's Mx [27] ($80) sneakers are as comfortable as they are stylish.