Shoes don’t simply protect your feet, gentlemen; they also add a classic element of style that can be paired with any situation — if you know what you’re doing. Does that mean you need to take a tour of the world’s fashion hotspots? Heck, no. Feel free to breathe a sigh of relief as we break down exactly how to pair shoes with jeans – no travel required.
Image source: http://www.thediscerningbrute.com/tag/mens-vegan-shoes/
3 Simple Rules of Matching Shoes With Jeans
Whenever you’re faced with the daunting task of pairing shoes with jeans, review the three simple rules of creating an ensemble:
- Keep purpose in mind. Are you attending a social event, meeting or going to the beach? Wear shoes and jeans appropriate for the occasion.
- Consider the complete outfit. Your stylistic choices will be scrutinized by others – maybe even that cutie across the room – so consider the complete outfit when choosing shoes. Put too much emphasis on color, patterns and textures, and you’ll resemble a walking kaleidoscope. Don’t be that guy.
- Dress for comfort. Ultimately, no one will want to be around you if you’re crabby, regardless of your fashion sense. Always opt for comfortable clothing choices.
Now, as you look at your shoe and jean choices, remember the three simple rules of matching before diving in.
4 Perfect Shoes and Jeans Pairings
Most guys have four or less categories of shoes: sandals, casual shoes, dress shoes and boots. In the spirit of simplicity, this guide breaks down jean options by which shoes you’d like to wear.
Sandals
First, if your feet haven’t been groomed in a while, it’s best to skip the open-toed look. However, if your tootsies are ready to be put on display, feel free to pair sandals with jeans. Unlike dress shoes, sandals are ideally paired with relaxed or average-fit jeans, which can be a lighter blue hue – although darker denim is almost always a better choice for other types of shoes. Keep your shirt casual to complete the look.
Casual Shoes
From designer sneakers to boat shoes, casual shoes are the go-to option for many guys. Pairing casual men’s shoes with the right jeans can bring your style to new heights while maintaining your comfort level. If shoes are a neutral color, choose jeans featuring darker denim and designed with an average or skinny fit. Complete the look with a simple polo or shirt-cardigan combo. Keep the visual pop on bolder shoes by toning down the rest of your outfit with neutral colors, like beige, white or black.
Image source: http://www.brit.co/mens-style-guide-10-rules-for-rocking-jeans/
Boots
Believe it or not, wearing cowboy boots with jeans has been considered cool for quite some time – just ask James Dean – but they aren’t your only boot option. Chukkas, a low-rise boot available in various materials, have become very popular for their versatility, as they can be dressed up or down with the right jeans. Opt for dark denim with clean lines, which will bring out the contrast achieved with Chukkas.
Dress Shoes
When getting ready for a special occasion, pairing dress shoes with jeans can achieve a relaxed, but debonair, look. The key to pulling it off is pairing quality with quality. In other words, don’t bust out the suede derby shoes just to match it with old, worn jeans. Feel free to experiment tastefully with colors and textures, but save your best shoes for fitted, high-quality denim jeans. Add a tailored jacket for enhanced elegance.
Keep It Simple
By now, you’ve likely noticed a trend – keep things simple, and you’ll score a fashion touchdown every time. Next time you’re staring at your closet with a blank look on your face, grab this handy guide for a quick review.
Featured photo credit: Unsplash via unsplash.com
