Catwalk Queen: How to wear jeans with boots

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How to wear jeans with boots

Don't worry! I'm not so condescending that I think you don't know how to wear a pair of boots under your favourite bootcuts, but I've had a few people asking me how to wear their jeans or trousers tucked into knee-high or calf-length boots without ending up with baggy knees and chunky-looking ankles. So I decided to share a few tricks of the trade with you...

All clothes, boots and accessories available from ASOS

Regardless of your size, the most flattering way to try the look is with a slightly slouchy boot with a reasonable heel or wedge. You need the height to stop you looking too short and stumpy, especially if you're petite. Overall, this look does tend to work best on people who are tall and slim, but it shouldn't be cast aside by anyone with a few curves. If you're pear-shaped, balance out the look with a slouchy knit like the one in the middle, and avoid anything cropped or close-fitting on the top half. If you're conscious of a large bust, try adding an eye-catching belt to draw attention down.

Ernest Sewn, Citizens of Humanity & James Jeans all from Shopbop

If all your jeans are flared or bootcut and your boots are quite close fitting, it might be best to invest in some skinny jeans. Bulk around the ankle is the surefire way to ruin this look, so go for tight-fitting, slim jeans that won't sag. This is the only time I'd ever recommend people who are a UK size 14 or up to buy skinny or straight leg jeans, but since they're going to be tucked into boots, it's worth it. You could also recycle your Summer cropped jeans, and wear your boots underneath.

All boots (in wide calf widths and larger sizes) from Evans

If you can't be doing with buying a new pair of jeans, one trick to reduce the bulk is to fold your jeans in 'pleats' around your ankle, and then pulling on some socks or knee-highs to flatten them down. Pleating or folding in more than one place will stop you from having a big bump in one area. If you find that the extra bulk from your jeans makes zipping up normal boots impossible, plus size shop Evans is amazing for affordable boots in larger calf widths. It's also worth trying Duo of Bath and Buckles and Bows, who also do smaller widths for skinny legs.

My final tip is this: if all else fails wear a belt! One of the main reasons you get that saggy knee syndrome is because the waist of the jeans is slowly falling down, so hitching it up and pulling the legs down as far as the can go (tuck them into your socks, nobody will see) will help to create a smooth line.

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Posted by Gemma on November 11, 2005 5:22 PM in Hot Trends
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Comments

Thanks for this article! I've always wanted to try this but never did cos I didn't know how to make it work. I'll definately be trying out your tips!

Posted by: Kim | November 12, 2005 2:22 PM

This website is GREAT! I just thought I would let you know that all your work is greatly appreciated by those that need help in finding the perfect pair of boots! Fingers-crossed, I've still to find mine!
Thanks again!
k

Posted by: Karen | November 23, 2005 3:06 PM

i like the stills

Posted by: dylan | December 1, 2005 10:52 PM

It's also helpful to unbutton your jeans and then slide them down a bit (like you're taking them off) so the bottom of your pantleg is closer to your foot; then put your boot on; pleat your pantleg and finally zip up your boots.

then when you stand up, pull your jeans up and button them!

no more bunching at the knees, and the pantleg pulls up the boot shaft for that smooth look.

Posted by: j | January 21, 2006 7:37 PM

The site is great, was very helpfull for find the right gift to my girlfriend.
Thank you

Posted by: Roger | April 1, 2006 5:39 PM

Hey thanks for writing this.. you don't sound condescending. I'd also like to add that I just found my perfect pair of brown boots (I was just looking at how to wear them with jeans). If you're looking for a great pair of boots, look at Frye's! FAntastic quality and looks!

Posted by: Grace | August 7, 2006 6:41 AM

i am very small in the waist with no booty and ive been a tomb boy almost all my life..i need a lot of fashion tips on how to make my outfits look great and cute without being out of style. i want to stivk out but not too much. please help me.

Posted by: Sha'Vierre Willoughy | November 27, 2006 12:32 AM

what sort of boots or shoes should a guy wear with really skinny jeans? i like the idea of pointed boots but the best ones are womens and most have a heel. would this be too odd or am i worry too much about what others think? please, no nasty answers! thanks

Posted by: Rob | February 8, 2007 11:20 PM

i think men who wear boots must be pretty confident to pull of the look. pointed boots are fine, as long as the tips do not protrude out too much, if not you would end up looking like some punk clown. to me, men should wear those converse boots, it works well with both streetwear and if you wanted to, you could always team it with a plain long sleeve and jeans. can't go wrong that way

there are always cow boy boots to turn to, for that yeeha look =)

i too do need help...does anyone know what to wear with mid calf boots? this site helps only for knee length boots, and i have no idea what to wear my converses with other than just jeans.

Posted by: kitty | April 11, 2007 10:42 AM

as many other guys I always liked women in high boots. One day I just thought: Why not buy them for myself too! First problem was to find some in size 43. Don't even think about the men's section for (stylish) boots so I ended up with a pair of slick Western style kneehighs with 3,5" heels and long pointy toes from, yes the women's section...
After zipping them up I was hooked, I couldn't believe how good it felt and looked (to me anyway). Fortunately I am reasonably tall and slim and I usually pair my brown boots with a straight legged blue jeans and a nice shirt.
I finish the look as masculine as possible with a wide studded brown leather belt with a big buckle, which complements my studded boots perfectly. Depending on the temperature I wear a denim-leather sporty jacket.
Everything should be tight around your body because you'll look out of proportion quickly on heeled pointy boots, which demand a slim look. The advantage of heels is that they neutralize the long pointy toes. My boots are just as long on the floor as my regular shoes so I don't look like a clown, although some people might disagree :-)
I guess the trick is to practice walking confident and with the right male attitude first, some people ARE gonna think you're gay or a freak anyway. The first time I walked by a large window and looked I couldn't believe it was me. Heeled boots make you look and feel on top of the world if you style them well.
BTW, pants in boots and stilettos are strictly for women, no exceptions.

Posted by: Thomas | July 3, 2007 2:42 PM

I need some help... I have these awesome black slouchy wedge heeled boots that I bought. It was love at first sight. But I'm 5'2 and have a pear shape. What style of jeans should I get to wear with these boots. My legs are short. So all of the jeans I have flare out, but they look funny with these boots. Skinny jeans look like crap on me! I'm confused.

Posted by: Kelley | October 6, 2007 6:05 AM

Very useful article, especially with the pictures!

Posted by: Sal | December 22, 2007 3:58 AM

Very useful article, especially with the pictures!

Posted by: Sal | December 22, 2007 4:01 AM

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