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We know that fashion is cyclical, and so spring's favourite denim style isn't one we haven't seen before. Yet, we're still collectively pondering what shoes to wear with turn-up jeans. Yep, since personally investing in a pair of bargain M&S fold-ups, I've spent hours scrolling Pinterest and Instagram for styling inspo.
My conclusion when it comes to shoes? That we've got options, whether that be preppy ballet flats, on-trend pony hair loafers or ankle boots to elevate them for evening.
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A quick bit of backstory: our penchant for turn-up jeans actually started as a practical fix. In the 1950s, jeans were made with extra-long seams (tall girls, rejoice) and designed to be rolled. That was so they'd fit all bodies — proving once again that functional fashion always wins.
We then saw a second wave in the '80s, another in the '90s, and a couple more since 2020, the fashion set regularly reminding us that fold-up denim is a staple of off-duty dressing. And fold-over fever has spread to the runway too, with intense cuffs spotted in the Spring 2026 Ready-To-Wear collections of Khaite and Givenchy, to name but a few.
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While both designers have shared some great ideas when it comes to dressing for the office or an evening out, you might still be left questioning how to style turn-up jeans for casual days. So, whether you're working with straight-leg jeans or wide-leg trousers finished with a fold, here's what one fashion writer suggests we wear beneath them this season.
What shoes to wear with turn-up jeans this spring:
Personally, I'm in favour of clashing relaxed-style denim with a streamlined ballet pump, the contrasting proportions preventing your look from becoming too ‘bottom-heavy’ or messy. It's a staple of French-girl style, and it seems the preferred styling of Kendall Jenner, too.
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If you're in the process of building your spring capsule wardrobe, a classic pair of black leather pumps should work with everything from wide-leg trousers to summer dresses and, if alternating between denim styles, barrel jeans too. Although for the more maximalist-inclined, opt for a pop of butter yellow, or for a softer texture contrast in the form of suede pumps.
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While it took me a while to jump on the chunky loafer train, they're now the first thing I call on when trying to smarten up a ‘fit — whether that be turn-up jeans paired with a classic v-neck knit or a striped poplin shirt. But this is an outfit formula I can see myself calling on all the way through to the start of summer; I’ll simply ditch the ankle socks I layer underneath as the temperature soars.
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I was a Birkenstock stan long before they became a regular guest at European fashion weeks — find me a comfier option to throw on when running errands.
You could go full Scandi, pairing light-wash denim with the (now viral) Naples mules, but I'm also in favour of a braided pair that'll see me through the warmer months. I'm also thinking they'll look chic paired with linen bermuda shorts for the office, too.
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My first port of call when working out how to style what's already in my wardrobe? Street style — specifically that of Sadie Sink and Elle Fanning, who both opted for a pointed toe with their turn-up jeans that occasionally peep out the front.
But while there's a time and place for a kitten heel, they're not necessarily the most practical footwear for girls with packed schedules. Instead, I'm browsing pointed ballet flats — and considering my trademark is finishing every ensemble with a pop of red, these braided Boden pumps are strong contenders.
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If taking your turn-up jeans out for the evening, a suede loafer might not fit the dress code. Instead, I'm advocating for the ankle boot, adding a little height and consequently elevating your entire outfit. And while you might think my preference for a suede sock boot might be short-lived, feeding into 2026's biggest trend to date, I'd argue they're a timeless style you'll call on in most seasons.
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Double lace suede trainers have been on our wishlist for a while — credit to New Balance X Miu Miu for instigating that — but the fact they'll also work with our chosen turn-up jeans gives us another reason to invest. Again, opt for a more streamlined style to stop your outfit from looking too bottom-heavy. Or lean into dopamine-dressing and opt for a colourful pair of sneakerinas, like adidas' Tokyo Mary Janes.
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Save when you shop with these Marks & Spencer discount codes, COS promo codes and ASOS coupons at checkout.
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