As a former religious skinny jean wearer, I can’t imagine going back now after my denim world’s been opened up! One cut that I’ve been particularly drawn to lately is the wide leg crop. A wider cut jean offers balance and interest against a fitted top, and for those who don’t love heels, a cropped length makes them more practical for pairing with a variety of lower shoes.
I recently mentioned this J.Crew version (more colors) of my favorite Madewell wide crop jeans and wanted to show how versatile they can be. All of the J.Crew washes in this jean look good! I have 24 petite and noticed the J.Crew waist stretched out a bit after wear (and fits a little bigger than the Madewell), so would consider sizing down if between sizes. My J.Crew jeans in 24p now measure 13″ across the waist, with a 10″ rise and 24″ inseam. They also come in a full length style with a 28″ petite inseam.
Base Outfit
A racerback tank or a fitted tee tucked into wider cut jeans has been a no-fail “base outfit” for me. Especially when the bottoms are cropped, a higher neckline and shoulder angling on racerbacks help keep the overall look long & lean. The rib on this AF bodysuit is a nice thicker weight (I sized up since it runs snug), and I found it worth getting in black, too. Here’s a few different shoes I’d pair this base outfit with:
1. Flats
Mary Jane shoes and ballet flats are very on trend again this Fall, and any trend that’s practical and comfortable is a win to me! The slender shape of such flats works well against jeans with a wider leg opening.
Check this post for some styles that have caught my eye! On my wishlist is a good black or dark brown pair with a slightly squared toe and thin strap, a deeper tan flat, and possibly a metallic pair since my gold sandals prove to be so versatile this summer!
2. Loafers
For an alternate office-friendly shoe, jeans like these also work well with a sleek loafer. These are my trusty loafers that I’ve had in 2 colors for a few years, and found comfy without any breaking in. I just saw they restocked Classic Nude and Soft Beige, which are 2 beautiful neutral tones that were sold out for a while. I love my nude pair for year round wear!
3. Sneakers
While I’ve been loving my chunkier New Balance and Converse shoes for other outfits, I’m liking a slimmer profile sneaker like the Adidas Sambas with these jeans.
4. Booties
Block heel booties with a slightly squared toe are one of my must-haves going into Fall, and look great under straight and wide leg jeans. These are actually a knee-high boot that I was trying on under these jeans (did not expect the tall shaft to actually fit underneath!), but an ankle boot would be much more practical for everyday wear.
5. Low Block Heels
I’ve had these pumps for so long, and am still a fan of the silhouette! The low angular block heel still feels modern to me and gets compliments. I’ve contemplated adding the brown suede for several years now for a deeper fall hue.
Just purchased a pair of high waisted cropped wide leg jeans and was looking for ideas on shoes to wear. Love you recommendations! Nice, classic and clean style. Is your racerback bodysuit an Abercrombie and Fitch? Also, what brand is your cropped trench? Thank you!!!
Hi,
I am wondering whether the jeans need to be cropped in order to look good with these shoes? Also what about the sneakers that are thick soled. Do they pair well with wide leg jeans? Thanks for your help!
Hi Kelly! Yes this post was specifically for wide jeans that are cropped to be around ankle length. For chunky / thick soled sneakers, it might feel like a bit much with a wide leg jean so perhaps try a straight cut cropped jean?
Hi! New fan here 🙂 I stumbled upon your site and just fell into a rabbit hole looking at everything! Hope i’m doing this right as well because this may be the first time I’ve commented on anything haha
This is sorta random but do you mind me asking what bra you wear whenever you wear the A&F rib bodysuit? I have the same one and have not been able to find a bra or nippies that look invisible because the bodysuit is formfitting…the whole outline of the bra and nippies all show fairly clearly for me. So far the most ‘invisible’ option has been braless which can sometimes feel exposing haha. I also checked out your post on your favorite bras to wear but wasn’t sure if any of those options were it. I’ve seen you wear it in other posts as well and you look flawless (as always!) and I am dying to know what you wear with it please!!
Hi and welcome! I’m so glad you found your way to EP 🙂
I usually wear my nippies or Gap wireless bra with a racerback converter – both mentioned and linked in this blog post! I haven’t had issues with the bras showing through too visibly, but I also did size up from my usual size to an XS on the tank so that it isn’t too tight.
This is such a good look even for women my age. Love the jeans and tee base, altered by the jacket/sweater and handbag changes. Thanks for such a great plan!
I’m going to Europe this fall and am hoping to pack lighter this year. So much easier!
You’re darling! (I’m a grandmother so I can say that! 😊)
Thank you, Charla! I hope you have a wonderful trip!
Hi Jean!
Longtime fan here. I was wondering about your general take on styling chunky loafers for business casual. Is it usually recommended only with cropped/ankle length pants and shorter dresses/skirts? I feel like I read lots of fashion posts saying you can pair them with anything, but anyone only ever shows them with ankle length or shorter anything. Trying to decide on a good office shoe with more support than a true flat and would love to hear your take on this!
Hi and thank you so much for following along over the years! I generally see them with the styles you mentioned, but have also seen them with trousers that are long enough to cover the top of the loafer! I think it’s worth experimenting with, or perhaps you can buy traditional loafers in a half size up to put a full insert in to offer more support?
Great footwear selections. They all look so stylish. Someone knows what they are doing
Thank you, Sally!
What’s the black bag with the Sam Edelman loafers?
That one is a Cafune bag!
I love those Chanel flats with the jeans/blazer combo!!
Thank you!