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What Sandals to Wear with Bootcut Jeans

This post was a reader request, and I just so happened to have these pictures in my queue, waiting for the perfect opportunity!

what sandals to wear with bootcut jeans BR Factory top (S) // Mother denim (29) // Vince Camuto wedges (8) // Loeffler Randall bag // Stella & Ruby necklace // rattan earrings // Stella & Dot bracelet // rag & bone sunnies

Here’s what she said: I need help with types of sandals to wear with bootcut jeans. I have no issue with boots and booties, but I struggle with what sandals to wear with them.

First, let’s discuss the jeans. Yes, bootcut jeans are making a comeback this spring, and we’re seeing all different lengths from crops to full-length flares.

These are the Mother The Hustler High Waist Fray Hem Ankle Bootcut Jeans. Whew, that’s a mouthful! The hem of ankle-length jeans should end right at or above the ankle bone, which is pretty much exactly where these hit on me.

They have a 27″ inseam, so keep that in mind if you are taller or shorter than I am. If you’re shorter, you can just cut them to the length you want. (I’m 5’5″, for reference.)

I know some of you are going to tell me that you aren’t a fan of this length, and they remind you of the “high waters” your mom used to make you wear back in the day because they were hand-me-downs or you were too tall to find jeans that fit properly.

You can certainly wear full-length bootcut jeans if you prefer, but I’m actually a huge fan of the ankle length. I love how it shows off the shoes, and revealing some skin at the ankle gives your legs some definition and can actually be more elongating and slimming than longer jeans.

The key is to be sure the overall proportions of the outfit are in check. Read more about the Rule of Thirds as it applies to fashion.

As for the sandals, I always prefer a bit of a heel with bootcut jeans, especially ankle-length and full-length styles. Wedges and block heel sandals are trending this spring, and even a kitten heel works well with ankle-length bootcut jeans. In other words, the heel doesn’t have to be super high to be flattering.

These are the Vince Camuto Molisana wedge sandals from Evereve, and I love the rattan wedge with woven platform combo. It makes them so summery and fun, and they pair well with straw bags as well as caramel and cognac shades.

I’m more likely to wear a flat sandal with cropped jeans because they allow a little more skin to show, which helps balance out the look. These are the Mother The Insider High Rise Crop Step Fray Hem Jeans, and they have a 26″ inseam.

The hem on a cropped pant should end an inch or two above the ankle bone. Because they show a little more skin than the ankle-length jeans, they work well with flat sandals (and also heels.)

Full-length bootcut jeans also work well with wedges and block heel sandals, but the issue I have with them is they sometimes get caught under my heel when I walk, especially in slides. I prefer a sandal with a back strap to avoid this.

These are the KUT from the Kloth Stella High Waist Raw Hem Flare Jeans, and they have a 31″ inseam. They could be longer and still look good, but I don’t mind this length either. Again, because of the raw hem, they can be cut if you want them shorter.

Okay, let’s get back to the original outfit! I found this top at Banana Republic Factory, and I’m really pleased with the quality for the price point.

It’s a rayon/poly blend, so lightweight and perfect for transition season. The scoop neck is flattering, and the banded hem and center front and back seams are nice details. I’m wearing my usual size small, for reference.

I accessorized with the same rattan earrings, oversized link necklace, and cuff bracelet that I wore with the black jumpsuit in Monday’s post.

This bag is from last year, but there are a lot of similar styles available. The STAUD Bean Ruched Shoulder Bag in Tan is a good option, and I just discovered this Loeffer Randall Analeigh Ruched Clutch in the Dune color.

See more in my Top Handbag Trends for Spring 2022.

And don’t forget your shades! These brown tortoiseshell sunnies are a nice complement to the colors in this look. They’re softer than my usual black frames, and the oversized square shape adds a touch of glam to this dressed-up casual look.

This outfit makes a nice casual diner-out look while on vacation. I actually wore this to dinner at our resort one night when I was in Florida.

I also plan to wear this to church or to meet a friend for lunch this spring. I can’t wait for the weather to warm up enough to start going out and about without a coat!

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photos: Sarahdipity Photos

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25 Responses

  1. Thanks for the reminder about the rule of thirds. I went back and reread where you explained it. How did you get the lines on the picture? I think that’s helpful because my eye doesn’t always see it.

  2. I love this outfit! But I REALLY love the brown sunnies with your highlights in your hair! Maybe it’s the sunshine that catches the highlights and shows them off but dang, it’s GOOD!

  3. Love this look! The top is in my cart as I love a banded bottom on a shirt because then I can get the hem to hit in the right place, depending on the rise of the pants I’m wearing. I bought 2 pairs of long bootcut jeans last year and wore them a ton. I am loving the look of the shorter hems now, though, so I may pick up a white pair with a frayed hem so I can be sure to get the right length.

  4. This is exactly my type of outfit. I love blue and white together, and the flares with wedges. You look great!

  5. I love this look! Love the color combo and the jeans. I’m not a fan of the frayed hem jeans but these are cute. Any thoughts on a shorter wedge? I know 3″ seems to be the standard but it’s a bit too high for me to wear comfortably.
    I also have a question about lug sole shoes. I was hoping maybe you could answer it in a Saturday Q&A. I bought these in the fall and just never wore them
    . https://www.nordstrom.com/s/franco-sarto-balin-platform-loafer-women/5743633
    I like them but the sole is huge – 1) what do you think of them? 2) do you think they’re past popularity already? think I can still return them (Nordstrom) but as I said I really like them but haven’t worn this style in so long!

    1. I like those, but I wouldn’t be able to pull them off. If you haven’t worn them, I’d be tempted to return while you still can and revisit the style next year if they’re still popular.

  6. I love the blue and white and the handbag from last year matches soooo well with the wedge sandals from this year. I had thought wedge sandals were out, so glad too hear they are back in. But, when I think to buy a new pair, they just seem dated to me. I think they are more comfortable if you have to wear a heel. I’m looking for a nude pair to go with everything. Any suggestions?

  7. Hi, Thank you for providing side view photos which show the different hem lengths & shoes. This was very helpful (more than a front view only).

  8. Does this top run big? One of the comments read that it does. I usually wear a medium but wasn’t sure if I needed to size down to a small. Thanks.

  9. Thanks so much Jo-Lynne! This was very helpful. I’m going to have to find some wedges with backs because that is where I seem to have trouble with the jeans getting caught as well. I also do wear the longer lengths so I still have trouble with certain shoes because I just think they look funny. I’m going to have to do some tryons and post in the group for some more feedback on what I think looks funny because maybe it’s just me. Thanks again!

  10. Anytime we use the term “high waters”, we are totally giving away our age. There really is no such thing anymore.

  11. I love the blue and white outfit and it’s certainly something that I would wear. Glad to hear that wedge sandals are still in style as I like the stability of that type of heel.

  12. In the article, you talk about the full length boot cut (31 inseam) and there is a picture of you wearing them w/a black and white pock-a-dot shirt and what appears to be an open toed black heel. Can you tell me where you got this open toed black heels? I love the look of them. The black leather strip doesn’t look to wide over your toes, which I like.

  13. Love this look. Wedge sandals are always my go to spring shoes with boot cut jeans. I also wear heeled mules with boot cuts and I think clogs would be cute.

  14. Love how you have styled this outfit
    Appreciate your recommendations of what type of shoes are best to wear with boot cut jeans.
    I am 5’2″ and curry hard to find stylish clothes that r proported to my petite size. Even have to get petite slacks altered as they r too long
    Again, thank you for fashion feedback

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