It's Official—These 5 Summer Shoes Are Perfectly Paired With Cropped Jeans.
As a person who is 5'4" and a half (I cherish that half inch), finding trousers and jeans that fit well can be a challenge. I'm not officially categorized as 'petite,' so I usually avoid those sections, but often my only choice left is to have them tailored. While I can roll up the hems of some pairs (and I have a baggy pair of Levi's that look best this way), sometimes I just want jeans that don't pose a tripping risk. This leads to my fondness for cropped jeans. Styles that hit around the ankle will always have a spot in my closet, but I do find them a bit more complicated to style with different shoes. To tackle this, I researched what some of the most fashionable women on the internet are pairing with their cropped jeans. The outcome? Parisians are choosing ballet flats or stylish heeled mules, London ladies are favoring flip flops and ankle-tie sandals, and in the celebrity world, Hailey Bieber demonstrates that the classic combination of (cropped) jeans, a 'nice top,' and heels is timeless. Here are the summer shoes to wear with your cropped jeans this season—because, indeed, summer is still a time for denim.
1. Flip Flops
Style Notes: There's something incredibly appealing about pairing relaxed flip flops with jeans (or really any trousers). London women are taking them from the beach to the urban scene, and I adore how Lois has paired a black leather pair with her white cropped jeans for a chic monochromatic look.
Shop the Look:
- Autograph High Waisted Wide Leg Jeans (I usually size up in M&S jeans.)
- A.EMERY Kinto Leather Flip Flops (The chocolate brown color is just as stylish.)
- & Other Stories Cropped Wide Leg Jeans (Just & Other Stories making me covet this entire ensemble.)
- Mint Velvet Lula Red Suede Flip Flop Sandals (Two-tone flip flops are a cute mini trend not to miss this season.)
2. Ballet Pumps
Style Notes: Léna is one of many French women who consistently wear ankle jeans, and I love how she adds a Parisian flair with ballet flats. This season, I'm leaning towards animal prints, woven textures, and pairs with strap details for an extra touch of style.
Shop the Look:
- MANGO Catherin Culotte High-Rise Jeans (An animal print pair will spruce up basic denim.)
- Sézane Le Crop Middle Grey (Sézane denim never disappoints, and I'm noticing many woven pairs this season.)
3. Ankle-Tie
Style Notes: Since cropped jeans show off a bit of ankle, why not embrace the opportunity? Ankle-tie sandals are trending right now, and these specific jeans will allow you to showcase your stylish new sandals to anyone interested.
Shop the Look:
- Levi Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans (A fashion editor favorite for a reason.)
- A.EMERY Leather Elmer Tie Sandals (I would also wear these with ecru shorts.)
- ASOS DESIGN Ankle Grazer Comfort Stretch Straight Leg Jeans (These come in 8 different washes.)
- The White Company Tkees Lilu Square Toe Tie Up Sandal (This minimal strappy pair is a must-have for me.)
4. Strappy Sandals
Style Notes: Hailey Bieber once again shows that jeans paired with a 'nice top' is always a win, particularly when topped with heels. This trio has stood the test of time, and summer evenings call for strappy heeled sandals with cropped jeans.
Shop the Look:
- Jigsaw Carter Straight Leg Jean
- Reiss Leather Link Strap Stiletto Sandals (These would also make a striking choice for a wedding.)
- Whistles Dark Denim Stretch Barrel Leg Jean (As someone who is (almost) petite, I appreciate that these come in petite lengths, too.)
- Senso Genesis Leather Heeled Sandals (I’m getting these right away.)
5. Mules
Style Notes: If you know me, you’re aware that I have a soft spot for mules. They always add a refined touch to any outfit, and I love how Sylvie's suede pointed-toe pair elevates a basic jeans and black top look.
Shop the Look:
- Agolde Harper Crop Straight Jeans in Blue (Agolde jeans fit perfectly.)
- M&S Pure Cotton Crease Front Barrel Leg Trousers (I’m really into brown, caramel, and beige jeans right now.)
- Marella Python-Print Mules (Absolutely yes to snake print shoes of any style.)
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It's Official—These 5 Summer Shoes Are Perfectly Paired With Cropped Jeans.
As a small-sized fashion editor, I prioritize denim that doesn't need alterations, so here are the shoes I'll be pairing with ankle jeans this season.
