Fashion is a funny thing. A few years ago, my teenage daughter was threading shoelaces from her old Converse through the belt loops of her jeans for a cool, DIY vibe, and I thought she was crazy. I even told her I’d be happy to buy her a belt, ha! Fast forward to now, and brands are taking that same idea and building it right into their designs. Shoelace jeans are officially a thing.
I’m loving this fresh, playful twist on classic denim. It’s such an easy way to make a casual outfit feel a little more modern and interesting—perfect for summer styling. Today I’m sharing two ways to wear this trend: one with jeans and one with a skirt.
Z Supply Long Weekends Tank (M) // KUT from the Kloth Holly W Drawstring (6) // Left On Friday X Loeffler Randall Dana Brown Strappy Jelly Sandal (8) // J.Crew Woven Chainlink Earrings // similar camera bag // Tom Ford sunnies
I found these jeans at EVEREVE, and as soon as I pulled them on, I knew they were coming home with me. Not only do they have the fun shoelace drawstring at the waistband, but the wash is so good, and they’re the perfect full-length wide-leg silhouette. The cherry on top is that they’re just the right length for me to wear with flat sandals, which is exactly what I was missing in my summer closet. (All of my other full-length wide-leg jeans require a bit of a heel.)
I paired them with a ribbed tank to keep the look laid-back and casual, and I love this deep shade of brown that’s everywhere right now. It feels a little unexpected for summer and will transition beautifully into fall. This one has a flattering scoop neck and extra-wide straps, plus a modern 22″ length that works tucked or untucked. It’s also part of EVEREVE’s 20% off Tees & Tanks Sale, but only through tomorrow.
To finish the look, I went with these fun brown strappy jelly sandals with the gold ball detail, part of the Left On Friday X Loeffler Randall collab. I also added my new J.Crew Woven Chainlink Earrings and a few delicate Monica Vinader bracelets. I completely forgot to add a necklace, but I think my Marlyn Schiff beaded necklace with coin charm would be perfect with this tank.
KUT from the Kloth also has a shoelace jean skirt that I instantly fell in love with. I really like the lighter denim wash, and it has some great details too, like a split hem that’s slightly longer in the back and subtle distressing for that perfectly lived-in look.
LNA Dessa Muscle Tee (M) // KUT from the Kloth Holly Skirt (8) // adidas Samba OG Sneaker (8.5) // similar earrings // similar necklace // similar bangle // similar bag
I styled it here with a bright pink muscle tee (also part of EVEREVE’s 20% off Tees & Tanks Sale) and my white adidas Sambas.
I love these sneakers for summer—the mesh panels keeps them light and airy, and the contrasting gum sole adds just enough interest to keep them from reading as a plain white sneaker.
I accessorized with silver jewelry and carried this old HOBO taupe crossbody bag to complete the look.
I originally planned to use this outfit for a post about what to wear to a summer concert, which is why I grabbed this particular bag. It’s my go-to for concerts and amusement parks when I want something durable and under the radar. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and has plenty of compartments to keep everything organized.
I feel like the shoelace drawstring waist is such a fun, fresh way to give your denim a little personality this season. Whether you go for wide-leg jeans, shorts, or a skirt, it’s an easy, wearable trend to try.
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21 Responses
Love these looks with the shoelace tie. As for the sizing, I usually wear a size down (8) from my usual 10 in Kut, but I see you are wearing the 8, so I may stick with a 10! I plan to be at the KOP Mall today and will definitely stop in at Evereve, maybe they will have them in-store to try on?? Do you have any Gorjana jewelry? Some pieces really appeal to me and I see there is a new store at the Mall. I may need to take a peak! Have a great day!
Oooops! The jeans are a 6. The skirt is an 8, and it is a bit loose, after wearing it a few times, but I tend to always go up a size in a shorter skirt for length. I would say both are TTS for KUT. 🙂
I have been drawn to this trend too! Citizen has a Brynn style is several fabrications that I’ve been wanting to try. Have a fun weekend!
Yes, I tried their shorts! https://jolynneshane.com/the-best-shorts-for-summer-2025.html
Love it. BTW bought Kut wide legs in anniversary sale and they were great, except for weird wash marks on side seams. Also noted by another reviewer on Nordstrom site Just sharing for others who are thinking of ordering those. I’m going to order the shoestring ones from Evereve instead. Thanks.
Good to know! I have these KUT jeans from the #NSale coming today… I wanted to try them to report back, since they’re still in stock.
Question? What is the difference between a tank with extra wide straps and a muscle shirt. The pink and brown in this post have different necklines but the shoulders look very similar.
A tank with extra-wide straps has a more fitted, feminine cut with closer armholes, while a muscle shirt is boxier with wide shoulders and tends to have deeper, more oversized armholes for a sportier vibe.
Great looks!
I bought the wide leg blackwash Paige jeans from your recent Nordstrom hidden gems link! The fit is amazing and they do not stretch! Love these!!!! Thanks for the inspiration with outfits!!!!
The drawstring Kut jeans look great on you…I’m thinking about these but length is my only pause as I noticed they are 31 inches. They would drag a bit on ground for me with sandles. They are so fun looking ….so I’m contemplating them and have them in my cart! ; )
They may be worth a try. I would guess mine are closer to 30” – if they were 31” they would drag. They also may shrink a bit..
The shoelace drawstring trend is one I’m skipping. I guess I’ve spent too much time in the country because they remind me a farm & Tom Sawyer. I’ll stick to my preppy belts. 😉
lol! I feel the same.
I love how Jo Lynne always styles the trends with a chic cool vibe. I don’t have that same affect so I’m skipping too. I love the brown tank, and may purchase in white as I can use a cute white tank in my summer collection.
Same. The target audience will love this fresh idea. Gives off Ellie Mae Clampett vibes but my age might be showing. JoLynne, thanks for keeping us aware of the trends. At least when I see the strings, I’ll understand. For me, I’ll stick to a chic belt that leans casual.
Not a fan of the shoelace look. Some of these trends look much better on teens and 20 somethings.
If you were between sizes would you size down? I met a friend last weekend who was wearing a version of this jean style and I liked it immediately! Thank you!
In this KUT from the Kloth pair, yes!
I like the shoestring look. It looks casual and modern. I jumped on board early spring. I found a pair of slightly wide leg, utility style jeans in the juniors dept at Kohl’s for low price. They do look best with casual flat sandals. I returned my Paige Billy straight jeans from the sale. Don’t think they were worth it. While at the store, I found cute AG jeans for $99
Sounds like a great find! I hate to spend a lot on a trendy piece. Sorry the Billy didn’t work out… they fell a bit short for me too. Glad you found another pair!
We put shoelaces (usually w some cute design on them like strawberries, hearts, stars, etc) like a belt on our jeans in the mid 70s when I was 5-6 years old. Not a style that’s at all in line w my personal style today nor will it be. I dislike a tie so much I usually pull them out of sweats and such 😊
Love the shoe lace jeans.
Got the jeans. Love them! A little long for me, 5’4”. I plan to wear them with my platform sneakers and sandals.