With nostalgia being the only trend anyone seems to care about these days, denim, the hallowed fabric of the ’80s, has to be on everyone’s mind. While many might opt for a Canadian tuxedo or a denim bag to stay on trend, a look that often gets overlooked is the denim shoe, a choice that is bound to make anyone stand out. You could be wearing the simplest silhouette, but denim shoes will instantly provide the right amount of It girl energy.
Photo: Twitter.com
How did denim shoes become a fashion favorite?
From Aquazzara presenting a bedazzled cat heel in denim for spring/summer 2024, to the deconstructed low-top denim sneaker from Loewe, the options here are endless. Worried about how to wear denim shoes? Or perhaps you want to know what to wear denim shoes with? Simply look towards the multitude of celebrities that have championed this look in the past. Consider Julia Fox and her obsession with everything denim, especially those denim boots, or for a more sophisticated look, follow in the denim-clad heels of Tracee Ellis Ross last year at Paris Fashion Week. With denim boots being the most popular choice over the years, discover how celebrities in denim are styling them or scroll for some alternate silhouettes.
Denim knee-high boots: Inspiration from celebrities in denim
Rihanna
Photo: Instagram.com
Who better to take inspiration from than the queen of pop herself? You can never go wrong with a denim miniskirt, but pair it with pencil-heeled denim boots and a top in the same fabric, and your ensemble reaches new heights. Not to mention, that something about deep blue denim just makes it extra special.
Kylie Jenner
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Leave it to Kylie Jenner to make a statement. Not everyone would pair slouchy denim boots with a hyper-feminine outfit, but now you know exactly what to do the next time you need to add a little bit of a subversive effect to your party dresses or perhaps even an evening gown, although you may prefer to go with denim heels or denim sandals for that one.
Julia Fox
Photo: Instagram.com
In all honesty, Julia Fox might just be the ultimate inspiration today when it comes to denim. From her matching ensemble with Kanye West at Paris Fashion Week in 2022, to a deconstructed look where the waistband of her jeans was cut off to form a top. However, this gray denim maxi skirt with matching boots is perfect for anyone hoping to try something different from traditional blue denim.
Hailey Bieber
Photo: Instagram.com
For the days when you’d rather go with an outfit that’s more relaxed, take a lesson from Hailey Bieber and a pair an easy dress with knee-high denim boots to give your ensemble some structure. Pair it with a contrasting color to add even more character to what could have otherwise been a simple outfit.
Jennifer Lopez
Photo: Instagram.com
You can never go wrong with denim and an oversized white shirt, so why not swap those pants for a pair of knee-high denim boots? With a number of options to choose from, go for something with a little extra, like Jennifer Lopez’s belt and button-detailed pair of pointy-toed boots.
Lady Gaga
Photo: Getty
Distressed denim has been a street style favorite for years, so why not add it to your footwear collection? Wondering how to style it? Take some tips from Lady Gaga and contrast the edginess of distressed denim with lighter hues and a cowboy hat to give a country touch to your otherwise urban ensemble.
Denim shoes: The best denim heels
There’s something about denim shoes with heels that is bound to make your look stand out. However, denim boots might not fit into every niche aesthetic out ther,e or there may be those who prefer something a bit more feminine. If that’s the case for you, then denim shoes with heels are just the footwear you need. From platform sandals and mules to glittering details, these are some of the best options out there.
A Platform for You
Crazy 30 Sandal from Steve Madden
With its criss-cross details and light denim wash, this platform sandal from Steve Madden merges comfort and style perfectly.
Stilleto Style
3.0 Barely There Sandal from Femme LA
Who doesn’t love a stiletto? There’s no way you could go wrong with this denim number featuring a delicate ankle wrap closure.
Buckle Up
Samma Mule from Tony Bianco
This Tony Bianco mule provides just the right amount of edginess with metal hardware to its sophisticated pointed-toe silhouette.
Distressed Denim
D-Venus Pumps from Diesel
No one does denim better than Diesel, and this distressed denim stiletto heel serves as proof.
Monogrammed Mule
Recalling the glamour of the 2000s, these YSL monogrammed denim mules are ideal for whenever nostalgia strikes.
Glittering Details
Adorned with Mach and Mach’s signature crystal-embellished bow, this pair of denim heels is just what you need for elevated evenings.
Sculptured Denim
If you are looking for something a little different, then this sculptural pair from Malone Souliers makes the ideal choice.
Denim shoes: The best denim sandals
There are endless answers to the question of when to wear denim, but sometimes no matter what the occasion, you would rather swap your heels for something a bit more comfortable. Luckily, there is a vast array of denim sandals to choose from. Whether you prefer the eyelet detail of the Isabel Marant slides or the contrast of wood and denim from Chloe, one thing is for sure: you cannot fail when it comes to denim shoes.
Eyelet to Eyelet
Eyelet-detail buckled denim slides from Isabel Marant
Bring a hint of rebelliousness into your life with the raw cut finish and eyelet detailing on these Isabel Marant denim slides.
Silver Sheen
Belinda Slingback from Steve Madden
Mixing a metallic sheen with denim? Time to hit two trendy targets with these Steve Madden slingbacks.
Keep it Casual
Slip-on Denim Sandals from Saint Laurent
There is something to be said about quiet luxury and these slip-on denim sandals from Saint Laurent seem to say it all.
A Patchwork Pair
Logo Patch Slip-On Sandals from Dolce & Gabbana
Featuring a large logo patch, these Dolce & Gabbana sandals uplift their relaxed feel with two-tone patchwork details.
Touch Wood
Blue Woody Flat Mule from Chloe
The woody flat mule from Chloe is a universally popular option, but this denim iteration will help you stand out from the crowd.
What to wear denim shoes with: Outfit ideas
Look back at celebrities like Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, and Hailey Bieber, and you’ll notice that denim shoes — be it knee-high denim boots, denim sandals, or even denim heels — are extremely versatile, and can be paired with just about anything, from party-ready dresses to evening-appropriate silhouettes and casual dresses as well.
- A good rule of thumb to follow is to keep things simple. When wearing denim shoes, it’s easy to go overboard with the rest of your look. But often, less is more, and the best way to complement denim footwear for women is to go with colors that complement shades of blue.
- You’ll never go wrong with a white sundress, acid-washed jeans, or shades of black. But don’t be afraid to add a little sparkle here and there as we approach the end of the year!
When to wear denim
The beauty of denim is that it works just as well on the red carpet as it does for a Sunday brunch.
- Denim can be worn for all occasions, but looks best at casual outings.
- Denim shoes, in particular, serve as a cool accessory for parties. Wear your boots to your next big night out, or stick with sandals for a daytime occasion. Denim heels work best for special dinners.
Read Next: Anne Hathaway Shows You How To Give Denim a Formal Makeover on the Red Carpet
