Jeans and heels are about as classic an outfit as it comes. Denim, being one of the most versatile wardrobe staples to exist, can just as easily be worn to a fancy dinner party as it can to run errands, while heels help to add a little oomph to any look. But we’ll admit, sometimes the term "jeans and heels” can sound a little, well, basic.
But with today’s many trending jeans silhouettes and heel styles, the outfit possibilities are pretty endless, going far beyond classic blue jeans and pumps. Whether you opt for baggy boot-cut jeans and pointy slingbacks or pair a flared style with towering platforms, jeans and heels can look just as polished or cool as any other of today’s trends.
In need of some inspiration for how to wear jeans and heels? Ahead, we scoured the feeds of our favorite fashion people to see how they’re doing it, and trust us—these outfits are anything but basic. Keep scrolling for 20 looks you’ll want to copy ASAP and, of course, where to shop each item.
You can’t go wrong with a black-and-blue ensemble, and we love how these dainty kitten-heel sandals elevate this otherwise casual look.
Light-wash jeans are a bit tougher to dress up than darker washes, but add on a pair of cap-toe slingbacks and a sleek blazer? So chic.
Low-heel mules have been trending for the last few seasons, and they’re showing no signs of stopping. A simple nude pair works well with any outfit, including baggier denim.
Poppy top-stitching makes classic black skinny jeans way more interesting. We love how this pair looks with matching chunky heeled clogs.
Classic blue jeans, especially those of the skinny variety, will always be our go-to. These extra-chunky pumps really up the cool factor.
If you weren’t aware, red pants are trending right now—including red denim. This wide-leg style looks extra polished paired with exaggerated square-toe mules.
At first glance, this white-denim look reads casual, but the simple black heeled sandals bring it to party-ready status.
An all-black ensemble is always chic—just ask a New Yorker. Black skinnies and black Mary Janes with black socks just might be our new favorite combination.
Frayed, raw-edge denim will always have a cool and effortless feel. A sleek pair of ankle-strap sandals like the ones above make them a tad dressier.
Pairing oversize white shirting with relaxed denim is currently every fashion person’s go-to casual look, but a hint of sparkle really elevates it.
Like nude mules, nude kitten-heel sandals make every outfit better.
A sculptural heel makes any denim look way more exciting.
Still not sold on the low-rise-jeans revival? This Y2K-inspired look may just change your mind. We need these chunky silver platforms in our lives ASAP.
We’re always here for an unexpected color combination. Take this look, which pairs pastel yellow jeans with lime green PVC sandals, for example.
Looking for that special something to bring your basic denim to the next level? Try a pair of rainbow mules.
A denim top, blue jeans, and black slingback heels? This look just screams fall.
This look is a lesson for making your destroyed denim dinner appropriate. Simply throw on a pair of strappy black sandals, a chic, oversize blazer, and voilà!
We love a good ’70s-inspired ensemble. Catch us copying this bell-bottom and platforms look ASAP.
Yep, we’ll be pairing all of our acid-wash denim with towering platform sandals going forward.
Of all the fall jean trends of 2024, printed denim is arguably the most fun—especially when styled with a printed top. Pair with simple strappy sandals like the above to keep things from looking too busy.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.