How to Style Crop Jeans The Shoes and Tops That Make Them Work

Crop jeans are back in their happy place for Spring/Summer/Autumn and I actually think they're one of the easiest pieces to make look really stylish when you understand what that last hemline is asking for.

Because with crop jeans, you're not just styling the jeans.

You're styling the space between the hem and your shoe.

And that little bit of ankle showing can completely change the feeling of the outfit.

So let's make it easy.

1. START WITH THE LAST HEMLINE

You already know I'm a little obsessed with my last hemline rule.

When your jeans finish above the ankle, your shoe becomes much more visible.

That means you want to think about the contrast between the denim, the skin you're showing and the shoe underneath.

For Spring/Summer, this is where your lighter sandals, thongs, sneakers and woven shoes can really come into their own.

If you're wearing a darker crop jean, a lighter shoe can create that lovely visual break at the bottom or you can go for a colour.

2. DON'T FORGET THE FEMININE FRICTION

Denim naturally brings a little bit of a masculine and casual energy to an outfit.

Which is exactly why I love putting something feminine against it.

Think: Lace. Crochet. Pretty blouses. Soft fabrics. Delicate jewellery.

A beautiful lace or crochet top with crop jeans can create that little bit of friction that makes the outfit feel considered rather than simply casual.

3. CROP JEANS LOVE A PRETTY SHOE

Because your ankle is exposed, this is the perfect opportunity to let your shoes have a little moment.

And yes…

You can absolutely wear thongs with crop jeans.

But here's my little trick: Don't make the rest of the outfit look like you're heading to the beach. Put a little more effort into the outfit above the ankle. A beautiful blouse. A great jacket. Interesting jewellery. A gorgeous bag.

Then add the very casual shoe.

That's friction.

And it's often what makes the outfit look modern rather than predictable.

4. TRY CROP JEANS WITH YOUR BLAZER

This is one of my favourite ways to make denim feel a little more grown-up.

A crop jean + blazer gives you that beautiful mix of casual and polished.

And because the ankle is exposed, the outfit doesn't become too heavy.

You could add a pretty blouse underneath, a simple tee or even something with a little texture.Then finish with your shoe of choice.

The formula is doing the work for you:

Casual denim + polished tailoring + exposed ankle + interesting shoe. Easy.
 

YOUR CROP JEAN FORMULA

So, if you're standing in front of your wardrobe wondering what to do with your crop jeans this Spring/Summer, start here:

CROP JEANS. A LITTLE FEMININE FRICTION. THE RIGHT LAST-HEMLINE SHOE. ONE INTERESTING DETAIL

And suddenly your crop jeans aren't just something you throw on with a T-shirt.

They're part of an outfit.

And that's the difference between wearing clothes and styling an outfit.
 

Go and have a play, try something you wouldn't normally put together.

And if you get a few: "OOOOH… what are you wearing?"

Well…

You know you're onto something.