What Color Shoes Look Best With White Denim? Your Ultimate Guide

Wearing white denim can be a fashion minefield. We all know the supposed long-standing 'no white after Labor Day' fashion rule, and that denim trends can come and go faster than we had to learn loose denim styling tips to prepare for skinny jeans not coming back. But, on top of all that, we also need to consider which shoes look best. Fortunately, Women is here to help make that decision a little easier.

To lessen the white denim load, costume designer/wardrobe stylist Chloée O'Hayon-Crosby is exclusively revealing what color shoes we should be wearing when we step out in style. "White denim is a blank canvas, so accessories really set the tone," she explains, noting how important it is to consider the texture and contrast created by our shoes, too. "The key is balance: white denim gives you freedom, but the accessories should guide the eye and elevate the look," she says. Of course, your footwear should always be dictated first by what you feel comfortable in and what's practical for the hours ahead. But once you've decided that, there are a few ways to upgrade your denim look from the feet up.

Sneakers have become more socially acceptable in pretty much any situation, and a clean, crisp, white pair will complement your white denim garments. As Chloée O'Hayon-Crosby exclusively tells Women.com, pairing your white clothing with matching shoes will stop you from looking dated. "[It's] chic and modern — great for minimalists or monochromatic looks," she says. White shoes can be particularly useful for upgrading your outfit via the sandwich method of styling, too, as they'll pair well with a white denim jacket or top.

Not only are nude and tan shoes notorious for complementing a range of outfits because they're neutral shades, but they can also create the illusion of longer legs. "[They're] effortless and elongating, especially with cropped styles," Chloée O'Hayon-Crosby says. Just ask Jennifer Lopez, as her looks showing off her killer legs have included nude shoes. "Neutrals keep [your look] refined," O'Hayon-Crosby adds, which is ideal when you're wearing white denim clothing. Heels will create a more dressed-up look, while nude flats are better suited for daytime.

Because white can be seen as understated, pairing a white denim garment with a bold color shoe will instantly make your outfit spicier and punchier. Chloée O'Hayon-Crosby recommends bold hues (like red, cobalt, and emerald) to make a statement. "[It's] a fun pop that makes the outfit feel intentional and fashion-forward ... bold hues inject personality," she tells us exclusively. Opting for heels over flats will also make your ensemble appear dressier, but, as O'Hayon-Crosby notes, "It's all about the message you want to send."

White denim garments have the potential to transform from cute day outfits to chic nighttime ensembles, and metallic sandals are one of the easiest ways to stay versatile. "[Metallic hues] add a luxe, polished touch and transition easily from day to night," Chloée O'Hayon-Crosby tells Women, adding, "Metallics glam it up." Of course, you'll get the same effect with heels, but you may find they're too much for daytime. As a bonus, metallic footwear has been declared a major 2025 shoe trend for putting our best foot forward.