There’s a reason we keep circling back to mom jeans every single season. Comfortable? Absolutely. Flattering? Hello peachy bum. This ‘90’s icon is the ultimate balancing act between style and ease. But here’s the trick to mom jeans in 2025 — lean into the nostalgia, but not too hard. Think darker or crisp denim instead of acid wash or elasticated waists. But, most importantly opt for modern or trending footwear and it-girl approved outerwear. That way, you’ll channel effortless cool, not retro costume party cliché.

Now that autumn is steadily creeping in, mom jeans are the piece you need to bridge chilly mornings and sunny afternoons. They’re the ideal base for layering, and when styled right, they look straight out of a Paris fashion week round-up — not a cringy family photo from 1989. We’ve pulled together 7 fresh shoe combos, all inspired by the street style set, so you can keep your beloved mom jeans on rotation and still feel bang on trend for autumn/winter 2025.

Classic ballet flatslondon, england september 15: a guest wears brown bag, leather jacket, denim outside 16arlington during london fashion week september 2024 on september 15, 2024 in london, england. (photo by christian vierig/getty images)pinterest

Christian Vierig

Is there anything a pair of ballet flats don’t go with? Try pairing black pumps with classic light blue mom jeans to lift the dark edge of the shoe. Match with an oversized bomber jacket for ultimate cool girl energy. Finish off with shades and a slicked-back pony.

Everyone’s clicking on…Boat shoes, but make it Miu Miuparis, france june 19: a guest wears gold earrings, white blue and red striped t shirt, light blue high waisted denim jean pants, black bucket leather bag, red socks, brown loafer suede shoes, outside lemaire, during the paris fashion week menswear spring/summer 2025 on june 19, 2024 in paris, france. (photo by edward berthelot/getty images)pinterest

Edward Berthelot

Who knew old man yacht shoes would become the it-girls go to? (Emma Chamberlain called it in 2023, and the trend is still going strong). Lean into the nautical aesthetic with a striped tee, and add a pop of colour with a bright sock to keep the look feeling youthful. A smart black handbag ensures the overall outfit is tied together.

Statement loafersmon jeans and shoespinterest

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Loafers + mom jeans = a match made in heaven. We love this wearer’s multi-coloured statement pair, but you can down a more subtle route. Think those brown M&S ones that keep selling out no matter how many times they are re-stocked. In our book, any loafer goes — then add a bright, patterned coat and pile on the accessories for a maximalist dream.

White pointed pumpsmom jeans and shoespinterest

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Light blue mom jeans with white heels can feel very ’80s. Instead, opt for faded black denim for a more modern edge. Add white pointed slingbacks, a slightly unbuttoned white shirt (off the shoulder, if you please), and layered gold jewellery for the cleanest yet chicest date-night outfit.

Platform chunky boots paris, france june 21: a guest wears orange sunglasses, gold earrings, a white halter neck tank top, gold chain pendant necklaces, a pale pink wool pullover, a black shiny leather shoulder bag from givenchy, a black crossbody camera, a black shiny leather belt, blue faded denim large mom jeans pants, black shiny leather loafers, during the bluemarble show, during paris fashion week menswear spring summer 2023, on june 21, 2022 in paris, france. (photo by edward berthelot/getty images )pinterest

Edward Berthelot

Chunky platforms are the cheat code to making your legs look twice as long, especially with mom jeans and their high-waist silhouette. Throw on a racer-back vest, a soft pastel-coloured cardigan draped over your shoulders (trust us you will need it), and a black belt to match the boots. The simplest style equation for errand days or spontaneous trips out.

Everyday trainersparis, france february 09: alexandra pereira wears brown sunglasses, gold earrings, a neon orange turtleneck wool pullover, a beige oversized long winter coat, a brown shiny leather birkin handbag from hermes, diamonds ring, an orange / blue / yellow / white print pattern silk scarf from hermes, blue faded denim large mom jeans pants, white and green leather sneakers from new balance, during a street style fashion photo session, on february 09, 2022 in paris, france. (photo by edward berthelot/getty images)pinterest

Edward Berthelot

Trainers and mom jeans can go very wrong, very fast. So stick to minimal, clean sneakers with a flat sole (nothing too retro), oversized but well-cut outerwear, and staple knitwear to pull it all together. Add interest to your ‘fit with quirky bag charms.

Mules ruleberlin, germany july 01: bella emar wears levi’s blue denim jeans, white cos t shirt, brown massimo dutti jacket, black hm heels, mango sunglasses during the berlin fashion week ss25 on july 01, 2024 in berlin, germany. (photo by christian vierig/getty images)pinterest

Christian Vierig

Ease into autumn by keeping out your leather mules for a few weeks more. Mix and match textures (and seasons) by adding a suede jacket, and summer woven bag. The unexpected mix gives your outfit instant depth, and you get to hang onto summer for just that teeny bit longer.

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