What Kind of Shoe Looks Good with Skinny Jeans?

Heels elongate the legs, so they're always a good choice, especially for shorter women or women with fuller hips. Heels that work best with skinny jeans tend to be low and basic, often pumps with pointed toes. These understated shoes resonate with the casual, no-nonsense feel of jeans while adding a dash of class.

Some women pair skinny jeans with heavier heels, sch as wedges, with occasional success. But these shoes can look mismatched against the tight line of the jeans and emphasize curves in an unflattering way.

Flats can be a risky choice with skinny jeans. Women with slim figures often can pull them off, but flats can make women with fuller curves look wider than they are. Wearing longer sweaters or shirts can counteract the widening effect, however, by elongated the torso.

Ballerina-style flats or pointed-toe dress flats usually work best with skinny jeans, because they give feet a slender shape. Loafers and other angular shoes don't work as well because they emphasize the body's width over its length.

Boots outshine all other footwear when it comes to skinny jeans. Skinny jeans are the perfect type of jeans for tall fashion boots, because they slide easily into the boot leg.

Tall, narrow-toed boots with a low heel are the fail-safe choice. Flat boots also work well with a variety of body types, but like regular flats, they can draw unwanted attention to the hips. Boots that end at the ankle or a few inches above run the risk of causing unwanted wrinkling near the bottom of the jeans, but wearing a tousled or loose top can make the wrinkling look intentional.

Basic low-top tennis shoes complement the slender line of skinny jeans and make for a casual, comfortable look. Even high-top sneakers can work, especially for women with straighter figures. But heavy-duty shoes, such as athletic trainers, will contradict the taper of the jeans and call too much attention to themselves.

The main rule for pairing shoes with skinny jeans is to make sure the shoes complement the jeans' tapered shape and downplay unflattering curves. For the most part, subtle and slender shoes do this best. However, fashion rules exist to be broken and, when balanced by dramatic, heavy tops, bulky footwear can look great. So choose shoes strategically, but don't let these guidelines keep you from experimenting.