Denim and flats make a pretty unparalleled combo for me. On the daily, I am running to and from brand appointments, schlepping my laptop on the subway from Brooklyn to Manhattan and back, normally not returning home until after dinner. Fussy outfits are a no-no, and uncomfortable shoes just won’t do when you're running all over town for 12 hours a day. Flats with jeans has become my perfect outfit godsend, a solution for both my achy soles and the daily dilemma of what to wear. No longer am I subscribing to trendy footwear (although, let’s face it—flats have been having a moment) or stuffy outfits. I have been opting for comfort instead.
That’s not to say that I have become lazy with my dressing. Flats with jeans actually can be quite stylish. When styled in a classic way—my go-tos include a good blazer, leather belt, and simple T-shirt—the combination is timeless. From the ever-present mashup of straight-leg jeans and loafers (I’ll admit I own at least four different pairs of G.H.Bass Weejuns) to the mix of slouchier, wide-leg jeans with ballet flats (hitting directly on a wearable way to do ballet-core), I know these will become instant repeats in your weekly outfit rotation. Take a peek below at some of my favorite flats-and-jeans combos to inspire you.
Straight-Legs and Loafers
A classic for good reason.
The iconic penny loafer feels more relevant than ever.
High-waisted + a slimmer leg = perfection.
For a winter-friendly twist, lean into velvet.
The raw hem makes these feel totally modern.
This two-tone black-and-white is giving off serious retro vibes.
Straight and simple—you'll want to wear these over and over.
This tassel version gets a modern-day twist in optic white.
These are worth the investment.
A little shine never hurt anyone.
Flares and Retro Kicks
Choose from regular, short, and long hem lengths to make them flats appropriate.
A street style staple.
Feelin' groovy.
Channel your inner Sporty Spice.
A floor-skimming flare is made to be worn with flats.
A white sneaker is always en mode.
No hemming required.
Borrowed from the '80s but totally now.
These have a little slimmer cut.
A '70s flare pairs perfectly with a sneaker from the same era.
Slouchy Wide-Legs and Ballet Flats
We love the soft, worn-in feel.
You can't get more classic than these.
This pair sits lower on the hips.
Mix it up with a white accessory.
An It-girl-approved favorite.
Buttery leather perfection.
Regular, tall, and petite sizes are all here.
Lean into true ballet-core vibes with a nude version.
You'll live in these baggy jeans from dawn to dusk.
How cute is the delicate tie on these?
-
I'm an NYC Shopping Editor—I Can't Stop Thinking About These 31 Rich-Looking Fall Finds From Nordstrom, Zara, and H&MDid I mention they're under $250?
-
I'm 5'0"—These Are the Only Jeans That Get My Petite ApprovalThe hunt is over.
-
I Live in Murray Hill—Here Are the 8 Places I Like to Shop for a Fashionable Fall ClosetStylish sweaters and suedes ahead.
-
These 32 Chic Zara Fall 2025 Shoe Finds Are the Key to Looking Like a Fashion Person—Good Luck Picking Just One PairPrepare for endless compliments.
-
Abercrombie Sucked Me Back Into Its Orbit With These 25 Incredibly Chic Fall 2025 FindsSo, so good.
-
People With Impeccable Taste Swear By COS—21 Chic Sale Finds to Take Advantage of Right NowDid you say 25% off? Yes, please.
-
The 6 Shoe Trends Well-Dressed People Are Wearing With Pants and Jeans (Instead of Sneakers)Flat and heels to pair with pants and jeans.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor on a Budget—27 Incredibly Chic Fall Finds That Will Get You More Bang for Your BuckStellar under-$150 finds right this way.
