Ditch the stuffy footwear this summer! Pairing jeans with sandals lets your feet breathe while keeping your look on-trend—and the best part? These 8 easy outfits transition seamlessly into fall, so you won’t have to overhaul your wardrobe when the weather cools down.

You Don’t Need to Follow Trends to Notice Wide-Leg Jeans—Here’s How to Style Them With Sandals/Slides All Summer (and Fall!)

You don’t have to be a trend follower to feel how popular wide-leg jeans are right now. Whether it’s the viral celebrity looks all over social media or the diverse denim outfits you spot on the street, this staple is everywhere. But if there’s one styling hack you need to master this summer, it’s jeans + sandals/slides. The open-toe, exposed-foot design adds a breathy touch to thick denim pants—effortlessly giving you that confident, polished vibe without ever looking overdone. We’ve rounded up 8 outfit formulas below that work for summer, then transition seamlessly into fall.

1. Wide-Leg Jeans + Flip-Flops

This year’s flip-flop trend owes a lot to Rosé Park—she’s been spotted rocking wide-leg jeans with flip-flops on repeat, and it’s easy to see why. Whether she’s wearing flat styles for a laid-back vibe or low kitten-heel pairs for a subtle lift, she always pulls off that effortless, cool-girl aura.

The key to nailing this look? Keep the jeans relaxed (high-waisted or mid-rise works best) and opt for a neutral flip-flop (think black, tan, or white) to let the denim shine. For summer, pair with a cropped tank top or an oversized tee tucked in slightly at the front; when fall hits, layer a lightweight denim jacket over your top—you’ll keep the flip-flop vibe while adding just enough warmth. It’s casual, chic, and totally wearable for everyday.

2. Straight-Leg Jeans + Woven Sandals

If you prefer sandals over slides, woven styles are your perfect match. They’re breathable and stay securely on your feet—no constant adjusting needed. Beyond the classic leather woven pairs, there’s the nylon-strap woven sandal trend, popularized by Miu Miu (known as “Prada’s little sister”). These nylon styles add a sporty, utilitarian edge to your look, infusing even casual outfits with a dynamic, active vibe.

To style them: Pair with mid-rise straight-leg jeans (light or dark wash works!)—roll the cuffs slightly to show off the sandal’s woven texture. For summer, throw on a fitted linen tee or a cropped button-down (left unbuttoned over a tank). When fall comes, layer a thin turtleneck under your top and add a cropped suede jacket— the woven sandals keep the look from feeling too heavy, balancing coziness with a fresh, open-toe feel. It’s versatile enough for coffee runs, weekend trips, or even casual workdays.

3. Cargo Jeans + Platform Slides

Platform slides are a favorite among women for good reason—their thick soles instantly elongate the legs, creating a taller, leaner silhouette. While they’re often paired with denim shorts, they’re just as stylish with cargo jeans, blending the slides’ laid-back vibe with the jeans’ rugged, edgy feel for a look that’s bold and full of personality.

Whether you go for cargo jeans that hit right at the ankle or longer styles that graze the top of the slides, the combo works. For a summer-ready outfit: Pair light-wash cargo jeans (leave the waist slightly relaxed for a casual fit) with a cropped graphic tee or a ribbed tank top—tuck in the front of your top to highlight your waist and keep the focus on the leg-lengthening effect. When fall arrives, layer an oversized flannel shirt (tied around the waist or worn open) over your top, and keep the platform slides— the added layer adds warmth without losing the cool, effortless energy of the look. It’s perfect for running errands, hanging with friends, or any day you want to add a tough-chic twist to your outfit.

4. Wide-Leg Jeans + Fishnet Shoes

Fashion insiders have cracked the code to effortless sophistication with this combo: a black long-sleeve deep V-neck top paired with wide-leg jeans and black fishnet shoes. The sheer texture of the fishnet adds a subtle, layered effect to the look—never over-the-top, but just enough to elevate the outfit from basic to polished.

The key here is balance: the flowy wide-leg jeans keep the silhouette relaxed, while the form-fitting deep V-neck top adds a touch of elegance. The black fishnet shoes tie the two pieces together, adding a hint of edge without clashing. For summer, opt for lightweight wide-leg jeans (in light or medium wash) and wear the deep V-neck top on its own—perfect for dinners or cocktail parties. When fall comes, layer a cropped black blazer over the top and keep the fishnet shoes; the blazer adds structure, making the look work for casual work events or weekend brunches. No matter the occasion, this combo exudes that “effortless high-IQ style” that feels put-together without trying too hard.

5. Bootcut Jeans + Jelly Shoes

Jelly shoes—back in the spotlight thanks to the Y2K trend—earned their cute nickname from their translucent PVC material. But here’s the fun twist: pair them with bootcut jeans (those with a subtle flare that “hugs” the ankle, adding street-ready edge) and you get a look that’s equal parts playful and retro.

The contrast is what makes this combo work: the jeans’ cool, casual vibe balances the shoes’ whimsical, nostalgic feel. For summer, keep it simple: throw on a cropped ribbed tank top (in pastels like baby pink or mint) or a graphic tee with high-waisted bootcut jeans, then slip into jelly shoes (clear, white, or soft yellow are perfect for keeping the retro vibe light). When fall rolls around, layer a fitted long-sleeve thermal (in cream or light gray) under your tank or tee, and keep the jelly shoes—add a cropped denim jacket for extra warmth, and you’ll still hold onto that Y2K charm. Even with minimal pieces, this look turns heads—ideal for weekend hangs, mall trips, or any day you want to add a fun, nostalgic twist to your outfit.

6. Cropped Jeans (Ankle-Length) + Heeled Sandals

Denim cropped jeans—those with that iconic streetwear edge—are back in the spotlight, thanks to the revival of the “boyish chic” trend. Once a favorite among guys, women have now made them their own, even styling them with semi-formal sets. The beauty of these jeans lies in their versatility: pair them with flats for a laid-back vibe, or mix them with heeled sandals to create a striking contrast that’s equal parts polished and cool.

For summer: Opt for light-wash cropped jeans (hit right above the ankle to show off the sandals) and pair them with a loose-fitting linen button-down (tucked in slightly at the front) or a fitted tank top. Slide into strappy heeled sandals (nude or metallic tones work best—they lengthen your legs even more) for a look that’s casual enough for brunch but sharp enough for a daytime work event.
When fall arrives: Layer a thin turtleneck (in neutral shades like beige or gray) under your top, keep the cropped jeans, and stick with the heeled sandals. Add a cropped blazer (in black or camel) to elevate the outfit—this combo balances the jeans’ streetwear roots with the sandals’ elegance, making it perfect for casual dinners or weekend outings where you want to look put-together without trying too hard. The contrast between the relaxed jeans and sleek heels is what makes this look stand out—it’s effortless, on-trend, and totally wearable.

7. Jeans + Heeled Slides

Cylindrical jeans—also known as “carrot jeans” or “balloon jeans”—have a signature shape: the leg tapers gradually from thigh to ankle, which slim down the ankle area beautifully. This makes them the perfect match for heeled slides (the slip-on style with no buckles or extra hardware)—a combo that’s equal parts sleek and flattering.

Heeled slides bring two big wins: they add an elegant touch to the jeans’ casual vibe, and their heel (even a low block heel!) instantly stretches the line of your legs, making them look longer. For summer styling: Pair light-wash carrot jeans with a cropped silk camisole (in soft hues like blush or sky blue) and nude heeled slides—tuck the camisole in slightly to highlight the jeans’ tapered shape and your waist. When fall comes: Layer a fitted long-sleeve tee (in cream or black) under the camisole, keep the heeled slides, and throw on a cropped leather jacket. The jacket adds just enough warmth, while the slides keep the look from feeling too heavy—perfect for dinner dates or casual workdays where you want to look polished without sacrificing comfort. The key here is letting the jeans’ unique fit and the slides’ elegance complement each other—no extra frills needed, just effortless style.

8. Straight-Leg Jeans + Ring Sandals

If you’re tired of sticking to flip-flops, ring sandals—another trending style this year—are the perfect fresh pick. With their unique “ring” detail that wraps around the toe or ankle (adding a subtle yet eye-catching touch), they pair beautifully with straight-leg jeans—especially those with cuffed hems. The folded pant legs not only highlight the sandal’s design but also add a thoughtful detail to your outfit, effortlessly boosting your style quotient.

For summer: Go for mid-rise light-wash straight-leg jeans, cuff the hems twice (to hit just above your ankle), and pair them with a loose white linen tee (tucked in slightly at the front) or a cropped tank top. Slip on ring sandals in neutral tones (tan, black, or clear) to keep the focus on the shoe’s unique silhouette—this look is ideal for coffee runs, weekend shopping, or casual lunches.
When fall arrives: Layer a thin long-sleeve thermal (in soft gray or beige) under your tee, keep the cuffed straight-leg jeans, and hold onto the ring sandals. Add a cropped denim jacket or a lightweight cardigan for extra warmth— the open-toe sandals keep the look from feeling too cozy, balancing fall comfort with a hint of summer freshness. This combo proves you don’t need complicated pieces to stand out—just a pair of trendy sandals and a simple cuff on your jeans.