After spending most of winter in black baggy jeans, your first instinct might be to shed the darkness in favour of bright colours and pastels. And while I love all of those, I'm here to tell you that a dark pair of baggy jeans can be a powerful wardrobe staple all year round. And yes, that includes spring 2026!
Versatile, practical and reliable, the power of black baggy jeans is something we shouldn't just keep to colder days. They're arguably one of the most transformative pieces of clothing in your wardrobe – appropriate for most occasions and go well with basically anything. But to make them work for spring, there are certain things that need to be considered. Primarily, your choice of footwear.
Although the most basic go-to for black baggy jeans is a black pair of shoes that continues the line of the trousers, spring is a season of newness and unexpected opportunities. That's why my best advice comes in the form of pairings that you might not usually consider. From breaking old-fashioned rules of wearing black with certain colours like brown or navy to introducing delicate pieces in fun colours that balance out the sober attitude of a black pair of jeans, there are some easy ways to reimagine the black baggy jeans you wore all throughout winter as your new spring staple.
These nine styles of classic shoe silhouettes – and a few shocking colours – will make your trusted black baggy jeans feel totally new for the warmer season.
With brown loafers
Controversial or totally chic? Well, why not both! A pair of ruched loafers in soft chocolate suede is one of those shoes that will be remembered as a staple of the 2020s – and we're not ready to say goodbye to them. They will take a pair of black mom jeans from casual to preppy in one step, especially when paired with an oversized shirt in baby pink, green or blue.
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With burgundy cowboy boots
Just like black jeans have the ability to adapt to different seasons, cowboy boots have become one of those unexpected staples – even if you've never ridden a horse. This spring, a deep shade of burgundy should be your hero choice, especially one in a mid heel that has some sturdiness. A wide-leg trouser will fall perfectly, revealing the point and the soft leather underneath. As for the rest of the look, a simple T-shirt and a cropped raincoat will do the trick.
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With navy heeled ballerinas
A heeled ballerina combines the strength of step and a strong attitude of a heel with the innocence of its lower counterpart. Breaking yet another archaic fashion rule, you should opt for a patent pair in navy, which will add just enough sparkle to black denim without taking over. A cropped pair with some fraying at the hem will introduce a sense of rebellion, allowing you to express both sides of your personal style. With a white knitted polo shirt, this will be a not-so-quiet take on quiet luxury that we're totally sold on.
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With white heeled sandals
Ready for a glam night out? Well, a pair of delicate white sandals with a thin, mid heel will surely put you in the mood, especially when worn with some trendy straight-leg turn-up jeans. In black denim, baggy and loose shapes can feel a bit cumbersome, so a pair of strappy sandals in a light colour provides the perfect counterpoint for spring. Add a simple silk cami, a black leather jacket, and an embellished evening bag, and you're good to go.
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With black chunky boots
Spring style is all about being ready for the unpredictable nature of life – and weather. And while we all have a fantasy of lounging on a bench in the park with the sun gracefully warming our faces, the British reality is different. Spring is also about rain, cold and wind – and this look is exactly what you need on those days. A zip-up boot silhouette that references an iconic design from The Row is still as on-trend as it was when it first appeared. To make it appropriate for spring, pair with some low-waisted exaggerated flare and a cropped shirt or a tank top layered under a cardigan. Bad girl gone good!
With yellow Mary Jane flats
With the season of Mary Jane flats in full swing, why not consider some of the pieces that add to the story? Textured materials like woven leather or raffia are offering a new take on the school uniform classic, and then in yellow? Well, you've got me totally sold! Pair textured Mary Jane flats with a pair of wide-leg jeans for a slight vintage vibe translated for 2026. A striped top and an oversized blazer will finish the whole look effortlessly, making you look like an off-duty model walking through the streets of Paris.
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With red ballet trainers
If you never grew out of the urge to find the perfect pair of ruby slippers, this look is for you – a mix of old and new, modern and heritage. A pair of Onitsuka Tiger ballet trainers in metallic red will play fabulously with some high-waisted cropped wide black jeans. Whether you choose to layer a spring dress over them or just slip on a flowy shirt, this is the sort of look that will add some glamour to the process of running around town without taking away the comfort.
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With pink kitten slingbacks
Sweet, but not too sweet. This is the brief for nailing the mix pastels without falling into the trap of looking like Nicole Kidman in The Stepford Wives. A great way to undercut the sugar in pastels is by introducing your trusted pair of black, baggy jean shorts. Thanks to the chill attitude of denim mixed with the classic silhouette of granny shorts, they add the necessary edge to a pair of satin pink slingbacks. Instead of looking like you're going to someone's wedding, you'll end up looking like Carrie Bradshaw in Season 3 of Sex & The City.
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With metallic lace-up sandals
Sometimes, building a spring look is as easy as bringing together pieces from your winter and summer wardrobes. This literal meeting in the middle is best on display in this outfit – a metallic summer gladiator sandal works perfectly with a cropped barrel jean in a deep shade of black. This approach is key in making a beach shoe work for the city streets. To maintain the spring vibe, finalise the outfit with a fine knit top and a light, cropped trench.
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