How to Style Straight Leg Jeans 7 Ways

Looking for new ways how to style straight leg jeans? I’m sharing my best tips, favorite pairs and giving you several different outfit ideas to inspire you to wear your pair of jeans with new pieces in your closet.

When wider legs jeans hit the shelves, I have to admit, I was not prepared for this new jean style—I’d been wearing my skinny jeans for years and trading them in for something straighter and less form fitting took me a second. 

Now, I love them and find myself grabbing these more than my tight jeans. For one, they’re infinitely more comfortable and remind me a lot of boyfriend jeans, but not quite as oversized. Is there anything worse than sitting down and having the top of your jeans cut into your stomach? 

They’re fun to style and such a classic and timeless cut of denim that can be worn so many different ways. A few basics first and then let’s talk about some stylish ways to wear these in your everyday life.

How Should Straight Leg Denim Fit?

When it comes to fitting straight leg jeans, it’s important to consider their construction, fit around the waist, leg shape, and length. Straight leg jeans should fit relatively snugly around the waist without causing any discomfort or leaving a gap. 

In terms of leg shape, straight jeans should have a consistent width from the thigh down to the ankle. Unlike skinny jeans, which are tight-fitting throughout the entire leg, straight jeans offer more room for movement and a more relaxed fit. This extra room allows for a more comfortable and versatile wear, making them suitable for various body types and occasions.

What Length Should They Be?

As for length, traditional straight leg jeans typically fall just above the ankle or reach the top of the foot when un-cuffed. They should have enough length to avoid feeling too short or restricted. When trying on straight leg jeans, make sure they don’t feel excessively tight around the calves or ankles, as this can affect both comfort and aesthetics.

Often straight jeans will hit at the smallest part of the leg, which is usually just above or below the ankle bone. This length not only creates a visually appealing line, but it also elongates the leg and provides a balanced proportion. Additionally, when the jeans hit at the smallest part of the leg, they maintain a modern and tailored silhouette.

Another factor to consider when deciding on length is the type of shoe you’ll be wearing. Straight leg jeans look great with so many different shoe options from sneakers, to flats, to heels, and boots. So taking into account the shoe height is important as it can influence the overall appearance of the outfit.

For example, if you’re wearing flats or sneakers, it may be preferable for the jeans to graze the top of the shoe, creating a casual and effortless look. On the other hand, if opting for heels or boots, a slightly longer length may be desired to showcase the footwear and add a touch of sophistication.

Stretch or No-Stretch

When deciding between stretch or no-stretch denim jeans, it really comes down to your personal preference on what feels best for you.

This is no surprise, but one of the main benefits of stretch denim jeans is the increased comfort they provide. This is great if you’re wearing them to work and you’ll be sitting down all day. The downside is that stretchy denim tends to stretch out throughout the day, so finding a balance of enough stretch, but not overly stretchy is important.

On the other hand, no-stretch denim jeans provide a more structured and traditional look. While they may lack the flexibility of their stretch counterparts, they often offer a more flattering fit. Additionally, no-stretch denim tends to hold its shape better over time and gives you that more authentic and classic denim appearance. 

How to Style Straight Leg Jeans

With their timeless appeal, straight leg jeans can be effortlessly dressed up or down, making them a great wardrobe staple. Whether you’re going for a casual and laid-back ensemble or a more polished and put-together outfit, here are some ways to style these classic jeans.

For dressier looks, opt for dark wash denim or black denim, and for more casual looks, opt for your standard blue jeans or light-wash jean. Now—how to style straight leg jeans several different ways!

Best Straight Leg Jeans to Try

In the photos below I’m wearing my Levi’s Wedgie Straight Leg Jeans and my AGolde Pinch Waist Denim.

With Flats

When it comes to styling denim, flats are a versatile and fashionable choice. Whether you opt for pointed flats, slides, or ballet flats, these shoes can add a chic touch to your denim outfits.

Flats can be tricky since they don’t naturally elongate your legs, opt for styling straight leg jeans with pointed flats or pair them with straight leg jeans that hit at the ankle or can be cuffed. This length creates a streamlined and flattering silhouette.

Pointed flats are a sleek option that can elevate your denim look. They add a sophisticated touch and can easily transition from day to night. Loafers are another great choice for a polished and preppy vibe. Their structured shape and classic design make them a versatile option, more on this in a second because loafers deserve their own section!

Ballet flats are a timeless and feminine choice. They offer comfort and elegance, making them a perfect match for jeans. Pairing them with a cozy sweater or oversized shirt like a classic white button-down creates a stylish and put-together look. The contrast between the casual denim and the refined flats adds a touch of effortless chic to your outfit.

Pair Heeled Ankle Boots

When wearing heeled ankle boots with straight-leg jeans, it’s important to find the perfect pair of boots that complement your jeans and enhance your overall look. Straight-leg jeans are the ideal cut to pair with ankle boots as they create a balanced and streamlined silhouette.

When selecting ankle boots, opt for a pair that hit right at the top of the boot. This placement will elongate your legs and create a seamless transition between the jeans and boots. The goal is to achieve longer-looking legs, and the right boots can help you achieve just that.

You also want to consider the shaft of the ankle boots. Choose a style with a narrow shaft that is more fitted to your leg. This ensures that there is no overlapping or bunching of the denim around the boots, creating a clean and polished appearance. The narrow shaft also provides a snug fit, allowing the boots to hug your legs.

Lastly, I tucked this top in to give more shape to my body. If you have a loose baggy sweater paired with straight leg jeans and NO tuck, it just looks a bit frumpy. Tucking it makes your legs look longer, defines your waist and makes you look polished!

With Strappy Heels

When it comes to styling straight-leg jeans, one versatile option that can instantly elevate both casual and dressed-up outfits is a pair of strappy heels. This is a perfect date night or girls night look. Strappy heels not only add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any ensemble but also create a visually pleasing contrast with the clean lines of straight-leg jeans.

When choosing strappy heels to pair with straight-leg jeans, consider different types that work well together. Block heels, for example, offer stability and comfort while still maintaining a stylish appeal. They are a great choice for a more relaxed and casual look. Sling-backs, on the other hand, provide a more elegant and polished vibe, making them perfect for dressier occasions or when you want to take your outfit up a notch. Pointed-toe varieties of strappy heels lend a chic and modern touch, effortlessly elongating your legs and creating an overall sleek appearance.

Whether you’re going for a casual daytime look or a more refined evening ensemble, the combination of straight-leg jeans and strappy heels is a winning one. The versatility of strappy heels allows you to easily transition from a day at the office to a night out on the town. So, next time you reach for your trusty pair of straight-leg jeans, consider adding a touch of glam with a pair of strappy heels.

With Sneakers

As you might know by now, I love sneakers, so it’s no surprise that I often pair my straight leg jeans with them. This effortlessly chic and casual look allows you to combine style and comfort for everyday wear. Whether you’re picking up the kids, running errands, or even going on a trip, this outfit is a practical choice that’s comfortable and stylish.

Pairing classic sneakers with straight-leg jeans creates a balanced and versatile ensemble. The clean lines of the jeans contrast well with the sporty vibe of the sneakers, resulting in a trendy yet relaxed appearance. You can opt for white sneakers, black or neutral sneakers sneakers for a timeless and minimalistic look, or experiment with different colors like bright sneakers and unique styles to make a bolder statement.

One of the advantages of this outfit is its comfort. Sneakers provide the necessary support and cushioning for your feet, making them ideal for long walks or standing for extended periods of time—great for traveling and walking around new cities. The straight-leg jeans are not only flattering but also offer freedom of movement, ensuring that you can go about your daily activities with ease.

Additionally, this look is incredibly versatile and can be easily dressed up or down depending on the occasion. You can add a simple t-shirt or a relaxed sweater for a laid-back vibe, or dress it up with a blouse and a blazer for a more polished look. Complete the outfit with accessories like a crossbody bag or a baseball cap to add a personal touch.

With a Blazer & Loafers

Styling a classic blazer and loafers is a great way to achieve a polished and trendy look. A blazer is a versatile wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down and one that’s not going away anytime soon—you can wear it with a blouse for a dressier look, or something casual like a graphic tee for a cool girl vibe.

To create a trendy and stylish ensemble, opt for a blazer with a slightly oversized fit. Pair it with a graphic tee, distressed jeans, and black loafers. This outfit is perfect for a casual day out or a lunch date with friends. The black blazer adds structure to the look, while the loafers keep it effortlessly cool.

To elevate the overall style, consider adding a statement handbag. Opt for a bold color or unique design that complements the black blazer and loafers. This will instantly add a stylish touch to the outfit and showcase your personal style.

With a Form-Fitting Top

To style straight-leg jeans with a form-fitting top and achieve a balanced proportion, follow these simple steps. Firstly, opt for a bodysuit or a form-fitting top that complements your body shape. This will highlight your curves and create a sleek silhouette. Next, choose a pair of straight-leg jeans that sit comfortably on your waist. The straight leg design of the jeans helps to elongate your legs and balance out the form-fitting top.

To add some dimension to your outfit, consider adding a statement belt to cinch your waist and add a pop of color. If you prefer a more relaxed look, you can leave the top untucked or do a half-tuck.

To complete the outfit, choose appropriate footwear. Heeled or flat sandals for warmer months or ankle boots for cooler months can elevate the look and add some height if desired. Alternatively, for a more casual and comfortable look, opt for sneakers or flats.

Remember, the key to styling straight-leg jeans with a form-fitting top is to ensure that both pieces fit well and flatter your body shape. Experiment with different colors, textures, and accessories to add your personal style to the outfit.

With a Statement Jacket

One of my favorite ways to elevate my entire outfit is to add a statement jacket. This is such a fun way to add a pop of color or texture. A bold printed blazer, long plaid coat, a bold bomber, or a vibrant leather jacket can instantly transform your look from simple to amazing.

It takes any simple outfit and makes it more chic. It’s my go-to look for when I want to feel more pulled together!

You can wear any combination of clothes beneath your jacket, though I typically opt for something simple and classic.

Key Tips for Wearing Straight Leg Jeans

So, in review, I realized as I was writing this that there were a few tips that I mentioned over and over again, so if you’re reading this on the fly, remember these things when styling your straight leg jeans.

• Tuck or front tuck your top: this defines your waist and gives shape to your body to avoid looking frumpy, or wear a bodysuit that is form-fitting
• Wear shoes that elongate your legs: whether you’re short or tall, you can choose footwear that gives your legs the illusion of being longer! Strappy heels, pumps and loafers all do a good job of this! Pointed toe flats also do this.
• Show some ankle: showing some skin or wearing boots that fit your ankle tightly will give your legs definition. Especially great if you’re wearing non-fitted ankle booties (like my second picture), as it breaks up the width of the boot’s opening and your jeans.
• Get the right length: You may need to have your jeans tailored to fit your body. Aim for just above the ankle or just grazing the top of your foot. Also, opt for high waisted jeans to get more length!

I hope that these outfit ideas helps give you some different ideas of how to style straight leg jeans confidently, or inspire you to try this pair of jeans if you still haven’t yet! They’re incredibly versatile and comfortable and must-have for every woman’s wardrobe.

BTW, how to style a blazer 4 ways, and 4 ways to wear overalls.