3 Basic Rules For Wearing Dress Shoes With Jeans (2024)

3 Basic Rules For Wearing Dress Shoes With Jeans (1)

Lee/Real Men Real Style

Wearing dress shoes with jeans ... is that even possible?

I’m here to tell you that it is.The key to pulling off this look seamlessly is to make sure that you abide by a few rules: Threedress shoe and jean rules, to be exact.

1. Make sure you are wearing the right type of jeans

There are a lot of different kinds of jeans out there.

While all jeans are casual, there are some kinds that are dressier than others. Opt for the dressier variety.

Distressed jeans, jeans with holes, and jeans with a lighter wash are all ultra-casual and will NEVER go well with dress shoes.

Instead, opt for denim that fits well in the waist and the hips. Watch the length of the jeans and see to it that they are not too long and drag.

Find jeans that have a more tapered fit at the bottom. Boot cut jeans will not work with dress shoes.

Never go with a baggy fit but opt for a slim or regular cut.

As for color ,you will not go wrong with dark indigo jeans or even a black pair. To give a quick recommendation,Lee’s salvaged denim dark indigo jeansare ideal.

3 Basic Rules For Wearing Dress Shoes With Jeans (2)

Real Men Real Style

It may surprise you but colored denim – provided it is the right fit and length – can work with black or dark brown dress shoes.

The main thing to make sure of is that there is enough contrast between the shoes and the jeans so they do not appear to match exactly.

2. Wear the right type of dress shoes

It’s not just the jeans that play a part in making sure that your whole ensemble works.

It is equally important to be mindful of the dress shoes that you choose.

When picking out dress shoes, select a pair that leans more on the casual side.

Oxford shoes are great dress shoes but they are on the more formal end of the spectrum and will therefore not work with jeans.

3 Basic Rules For Wearing Dress Shoes With Jeans (3)

Real Men Real Style

A better style to go with is theBlucher, Loaferor theDerby dress shoe style.

The shape, construction and vamp placement of these shoes lend a more casual vibe than compared to Oxfords.

Other options for shoes includemonk straps, dessert boots, chukkas and slip-onswill work beautifully when paired with jeans.

3. Balance other elements of your outfit

Even though you’re wearing jeans – the fact you’ve thrown in dress shoes as your foundation means you need to elevate the whole look.

A t-shirt or sweatshirt just isn’t going to cut it.

Balance out the look with a well-fitted collared button down ordress shirt.

Keep your accessories simple.

Consider completing your ensemble with a hat if you are confident that you can pull that off, and if wearing the above mentioned dress shirt consider a wool or woven necktie.

Make sure that every element that you bring in to your ensemble matches with your chosen dress shoe.

Warning: If you are a larger man be aware that dress shoes can make your feet appear smaller.

Tread carefully with the dress shoe and jean combination especially if you have a bigger midsection.

A solid solution would be to cover up the midsection with a beautifully cut sports jacket.

This can bring balance back into the outfit and prevent you from appearing disproportionate.

3 Basic Rules For Wearing Dress Shoes With Jeans (2024)

FAQs

3 Basic Rules For Wearing Dress Shoes With Jeans? ›

If you are wearing dress shoes with jeans you need a modern cut jean. The hem should have a slight break or rest on the top of the shoe, and never drag at the heel. Slim cut jeans with tapered legs look best. Completely rule out any baggy and boot cut jeans.

How do you wear dress shoes with jeans? ›

If you are wearing dress shoes with jeans you need a modern cut jean. The hem should have a slight break or rest on the top of the shoe, and never drag at the heel. Slim cut jeans with tapered legs look best. Completely rule out any baggy and boot cut jeans.

Can you wear Oxford shoes with jeans? ›

So, Can you wear Oxford shoes with jeans? Surprisingly, yes! While the smarter appearance of suit trousers seems like the obvious complement to a pair of formal footwear, jeans have the ability to paint a whole different impression altogether.

What shoes should a 50 year old man wear with jeans? ›

A 50+ year old man should dress casually in slim-straight jeans or chinos, solid color tees, polos or untucked button up shirts, and tasteful outerwear (like a Harrington jacket, leather jacket or bomber). For shoes, keep it simple with leather boots, casual loafers, or plain leather or suede sneakers .

Is it OK to wear shoes with jeans? ›

While all jeans are casual there are some kinds that are dressier than others. Opt for the dressier variety. Distressed jeans, jeans with holes, and jeans with a lighter wash are all ultra-casual and will NEVER go well with dress shoes. Instead, opt for denim that fits well in the waist and the hips.

Which shoes is best for jeans and formal? ›

Correct Style

The style of the jeans that we're going to be looking for are clean-cut, timeless, preferably in a dark wash. A few dress shoes to consider wearing with these jeans would be derbies, monk straps, loafers, or even brogues. Desert boots or chukka boots could also be considered for more casual occasions.

What is the best color shoes to wear with jeans? ›

The Best Colour Footwear to Pair with Jeans

Most colours of shoes will work white denim and we especially prefer darker colours like black, brown, and navy.

How should jeans fit at the shoe? ›

Generally, jeans should be long enough to reach the tops of your feet with a little extra fabric, but short enough that the hems aren't dragging on the ground.

Can you wear dress shoes for casual? ›

Most suits cannot or should not be worn with shoes outside of a dress style, yet dress style shoes can be worn in more casual settings. Naturally, you would not go hiking in dress shoes but you would not in Nike's either.

What is casual dress code shoes? ›

Choose appropriate footwear and accessories

Even in companies with casual dress codes, closed-toed shoes represent the most appropriate footwear option. These shoes may include pumps, flats, kitten heels, loafers and oxfords. You may also find formal sneakers that are office appropriate.

Do you want dress shoes tight or loose? ›

The shoes should feel comfortable without feeling tight. If they feel tight, loosen the laces and try again. If the laces are as loose as they can be, and the shoes are still too tight, try a wide width.

What makes a dress shoe an Oxford? ›

What Is an Oxford Shoe? Oxford shoes are an elegant dress shoe that features a closed lacing system concealed within the upper part of the shoe. Oxfords are a traditional men's dress shoes, but the classic shoe has evolved to become part of women's fashion.

Can you wear oxfords without a suit? ›

While many jump to marrying the Oxford shoe with a formal trouser or suit, you may be surprised to know that Oxfords make for a stylish casual clothing companion. There's often minimal crossover when it comes to styling men's shoes, but Oxfords allow for a little more flexibility.

Are Oxford shoes formal or casual? ›

Oxford shoes are traditionally noted for being a formal dress shoe but this is no longer the case. If you tend to be more relaxed in your dress sense, you'll be pleased to know that Oxfords work just as well with chinos, trousers and jeans.

Should a 70 year old wear jeans? ›

She's also right on board to proclaim high and wide that we are never too old to wear jeans! For a casual, everyday look go for medium-colored jeans and pair them with matching accessories. Darker denim can be worn to semi-formal events by pairing them with elegant and chic items.

Can a 70 year old man wear jeans? ›

As you get older, skinny jeans are a style you've likely aged out of. That doesn't mean you should be avoiding all slim styles, though. Some of the best jeans for older men are slim-leg pairs that are comfortable, age-appropriate, and stylish.

What should a 70 year old man wear? ›

Stick To The Classics

Leave the trends to the younger guys and embrace the distinguished style that you can pull off. For example, some classic items that should be the foundation of your wardrobe are: suits/blazers, oxfords, dress boots, chinos, Harrington, bomber or standing collared jackets, and polo shirts.

What shoes to wear with jeans? ›

Style Notes: Low-top trainers like Chiara's pair look so cool with relaxed jeans while classics like Converse high-tops suit straight-leg styles. Vejas are a staple amongst the fashion set thanks to their sustainable credentials and sleek look. High-tops like Converse look great with straight-leg jeans in all washes.

Is it OK to wear black shoes with blue jeans? ›

Yes, the blue jeans and black shoes formula can make even your freakiest fashion fantasies come true. To wit: Why not pair your wackiest denim with your gaudiest slip-ons?

Do jeans go over or under shoes? ›

It depends on the style of the jeans and the boots. If you are wearing skinny jeans, they will look best tucked into your boots. If you are wearing looser fitting jeans, you can leave them untucked. It depends on the style of the jeans and the boots.

What color jeans are more formal? ›

For more formal events, opt for a darker color like merlot red, dark grey, or even black. For casual daytime events, choose from a light pink or white denim that is lighter and brighter.

Which formal shoes go with everything? ›

Monk strap shoes are a versatile footwear option that looks fantastic with everything from a suit to jeans and shorts, ensuring that they will never go out of style.

How do you look formal in jeans? ›

If you want to wear jeans to work, keep these guidelines in mind.
  1. A darker rinse looks more professional. A darker rinse jean is considered to be the standard for a more professional denim look. ...
  2. Shoes matter. ...
  3. Pull it all together with a great blazer. ...
  4. Keep it clean. ...
  5. Make it tailor made. ...
  6. Add a scarf.

Which color shoes go with everything? ›

Neutral-hued shoes are fantastic because they go with anything, including all colors, patterns, and prints. In this case, it's best to stick to basics like black, white, cream, beige, brown, and gray, or switch things up and choose navy, which, yes, is considered neutral, too. Why are neutral colors best for traveling?

Which color jeans goes with everything? ›

The Most Versatile Color Jeans

The goal is for jeans to be the canvas, not the subject of the painting. Dark indigo is the most versatile color, but dark blue, dark grey, and black can work as well.

Do brown dress shoes go with blue jeans? ›

Brown shoes and blue jeans are a mutual match given their neutral coloring, so don't think twice about wearing the two together. Add a white or navy knit tee or Oxford or bring in some seasonal color with a printed button-up or fall-inspired polo.

Should jeans show ankle when sitting? ›

If you've cuffed them so that they still graze the top of your foot when you're standing, then it's okay for your ankle to slightly peak when you sit.

Is it better to size up or down in jeans? ›

Any good denim expert worth their weight in gold will tell you to “always take the smaller size when you can”. The reason is that denim stretches up to half a size, even if it says otherwise on the label.

How tight or loose should jeans be? ›

The ideal pair of jeans should not need a belt. It should fit snugly around the waistline, whether you choose low- or high-rise jeans. The waist should not “bubble” or gap at the top, nor should it be so tight that it pinches your skin or makes you feel uncomfortable.

Are you supposed to wear socks with dress shoes? ›

Without wearing socks, excessive moisture in your dress shoes will cause the leather to prematurely wear. Given that your dress shoes are likely the most expensive shoes in your closet, be sure to always wear socks with them.

Do people wear socks with dress shoes? ›

Dress Shoes should always be worn with dress socks. It is not OK to wear sports socks of any colour, even black, with business shoes. Sports socks are usually ribbed and made of a heavier cotton material and the bulkiness of the heavier fabric tends to make it bunch over the dress shoe.

Do you wear dress shoes for business casual? ›

For men, appropriate business casual attire is dress slacks or chinos, a button-down shirt, dark socks, and dress shoes. Avoid wearing polo shirts to an interview, even if they are acceptable for the job in question. Do not wear jeans or shorts.

What is difference between casual and formal shoes? ›

As formal shoes are meant for (obviously) formal occasions, they are compact and sleek in shape. Formality requires shoes to be presentable but not overbearing. Contrast this with casual shoes like Sneakers and Espadrilles, which tend to be bulkier in shape with less structure.

Does casual dress code mean jeans? ›

Basic Principles. T-shirts, jeans and trainers: all are allowed under a casual dress code. The key principle is that you should only wear clean clothing without any ragged or visibly damaged areas. Flip-flops, shorts or baggy clothing such as sweatpants or hoodies are not entirely welcome.

How do you know if dress shoes are too big? ›

If your feet are only comfortable when you pull the laces extra tight, the shoes are likely too wide for you. Another tip when you first put dress shoes on is to try a finger test. If you can fit more than one finger behind your heel with your toes touching the top of the shoe, the shoes are too long for you.

Is it OK to wear slightly tight shoes? ›

Not only does wearing tight shoes cause damage to your feet, but it can also cause damage to other parts of your body. As your body adjusts your gait and posture due to the pressure from your tight shoes, your legs, hips, lower back, and other muscles can become strained.

Are ankle boots considered dress shoes? ›

By its American definition, a dress shoe is anything that's not a sneaker, boot or any style of footwear that exposes your feet – which means a brogue, a Derby, an Oxford or a monk-strap shoe.

What is the holes in Oxford shoes called? ›

Broguing is the term used to describe the pattern of holes that marks the outer leather of shoes. These decorative perforations were originally seen on Scottish and Irish boots that were used for outdoor or country footwear, though the wearing of a brogue has evolved over time to become appropriate in many instances.

Why do dress shoes have pointed toes? ›

What is this? According to Esquire.com “a more narrow shape and a pointy toe box give the illusion of length and provide balance and proportion.” So, a pointy toe helps to lengthen your shoe, making them look thinner. Thin and long means you look better proportioned in the fashion world.

Is it OK to not wear socks with a suit? ›

As outlined above, the best way to wear a suit without socks is to ensure a consistent, casual look throughout the entirety of your outfit. With this in mind, be sure to choose dress shoes that are casual, such as loafers or dress sneakers. Avoid wingtips, oxfords and other more formal dress shoes.

Can you wear black oxfords with a blue suit? ›

Black leather oxford or brogue

The most classic dress shoe that every man must own, is the black leather oxford. This is the black shoe that is the most formal, and perfectly suits a blue suit. If you're looking for a slightly more casual outfit, you can wear black leather brogues.

Can you wear no-show socks with Oxford dress shoes? ›

No-show socks can be worn with all types of shoes whether it be casual shoes like sneakers, boat shoes or driving loafers or dressier options like oxfords, monks, or penny loafers.

Can I wear Oxfords with a suit? ›

Out of the many dress shoes, Oxfords are the most formal. They pair happily with tuxedos, business attire, full suits, or sport jacket and slacks combinations. And as the height of fashion, they can even pull off business casual looks with chinos or corduroy pants.

What is the difference between black Derby and Oxford shoes? ›

Unlike an Oxford, Derby shoe has open lacing meaning that quarters are stitched on top of the vamp - notice how there is no seam between the tongue and front of the shoe. Less-bound in both appearance and fit, the looser tightened laces allow for more freedom of movement.

What is the difference between wingtips and Oxfords? ›

Differences between Oxfords and Wingtips

Oxfords are characterized by their sleek, simple design and closed lacing, while Wingtips are known for their distinctive broguing and “winged” toe cap.

Is it OK to wear a dress with jeans? ›

The biggest fear when wearing dresses over jeans is that you will end up looking bulky. To avoid this, choose floaty lightweight frocks rather than anything too chunky – and accessorise with delicate, ladylike shoes and bags. We'd also recommend sticking to a skinny or straight-leg style, rather than a flare.

Can I wear dress boots with jeans? ›

Jeans and boots are a classic combination, and you can wear various styles of jeans with boots year-round. Consider the following pairings: 1. Straight-leg jeans: Straight-leg jeans have a straight up-and-down fit through the entire leg.

Are dress shoes supposed to crease when walking? ›

It is normal for your shoes to have crease because it bends with your feet when worn. A shoe that doesn't bend would be too stiff and would be painful to walk in.

Should your toes touch the end of dress shoes? ›

With your heel pushed against the back of the shoe, your toes should not touch the front of the shoe, and there should be about a half inch of extra space. The difference between a full shoe size is usually ⅓ inch, so if the fit is close, it's easy to go up or down a half size to get a better fit.

Can you walk long distance in dress shoes? ›

Whether it's a question of work or lifestyle, men can find themselves walking long distances whilst wearing dress shoes. However, this can become extremely tiring as the wrong shoes can lead to injuries and disorders such as Plantar Fasciitis.

Is jeans formal dress code? ›

Jeans are usually considered business casual, with some exceptions. Business casual jeans should be clean and in good condition, free of any tears, fading or fraying.

When was dresses over jeans a thing? ›

The year was 2007, a time when Disney channel stars like Ashley Tisdale and Miley Cyrus, as well as now-established actresses like Anne Hathaway and Zoe Saldana cemented dresses over jeans as the must-have look of the era.

What is the proper wearing of jeans? ›

Overall fit: Your jeans should fit your waist without needing a belt. It should fit close to your body but not be skin tight. For most guys, you want to go with a slight taper in the leg, which helps prevent a bell-bottom look.

Do people tuck their jeans into their boots? ›

Wearing your denim inside your boots is a stylish move, but it started out as a practical one. 19th-century frontiersmen and cowboys would tuck their pants into their boots to keep them free of debris and prevent them from snagging on brush when they rode their horses.

Why do you not tuck jeans into boots? ›

The reason you don't want jeans tucked into cowboy boots for a formal occasion is the fabric on the legs of your pants will bunch, wrinkle, and crease just above the shaft of your boots. If you want to show off your boots, wear pants that rest a bit higher (above your instep instead of above the heel).

How should jeans look over boots? ›

How do you wear cowboy boots with jeans? As a general rule of thumb, we recommend wearing medium to dark-wash jeans over your boots (not tucked in). The jeans should be fairly form-fitting in the upper legs but have enough space in the lower leg to accommodate the boot, without showing an outline.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Corie Satterfield

Last Updated:

Views: 6059

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Corie Satterfield

Birthday: 1992-08-19

Address: 850 Benjamin Bridge, Dickinsonchester, CO 68572-0542

Phone: +26813599986666

Job: Sales Manager

Hobby: Table tennis, Soapmaking, Flower arranging, amateur radio, Rock climbing, scrapbook, Horseback riding

Introduction: My name is Corie Satterfield, I am a fancy, perfect, spotless, quaint, fantastic, funny, lucky person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.