In my time styling bootcut jeans, I’ve always defaulted to a heeled shoe pairing. It doesn’t need to be a stiletto by any means, but something with a little lift has always been my go-to. I like the way it balances the subtle flare of the jeans and helps to elongate the silhouette. Having given ballet flats and strappy sandals a chance, though, I always felt as though they looked a little too flat. Now, I’ve realised I may have been looking in the wrong places.

Confirming that flat shoes can, in fact, work beautifully with bootcut jeans, I spotted Gigi Hadid stepping out in New York wearing a pair of mid-wash blue jeans with the smartest pair of black leather loafers. Choosing a bootcut style that cropped neatly around the midpoint of her loafers, Gigi created an elongated silhouette, while the classic leather shoes brought a level of polish to her look that I think few other flats could quite match.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Paired with a red T-shirt and a knit draped over her shoulders, Gigi crafted a chic, easy-to-wear ensemble that makes this season’s favourite denim trend feel all the more wearable.

Inspired by one of the chicest denim looks I’ve spotted this season, read on to shop the bootcut jeans and loafers I recommend below.

Shop Bootcut Jeans and Loafers:

ZARA Trf Low-Rise Bootcut Jeans

Style these low-rise jeans with loafers to get Gigi's look.

Marks & Spencer Leather Loafers

Every great autumn wardrobe starts with a pair of leather loafers.

Marks & Spencer Eva Bootcut Jeans

These come in four different leg lengths, so you can find your perfect fit.

Massimo Dutti Embossed Leather Loafers

The embossed finish gives these loafers such an elevated feel.

Mango High Waist Flare Jeans

Whilst I love this in the mid-blue wash, they also come in four other shades.

Marks & Spencer Leather Ruched Loafers

These also come in half sizes, so you can find your perfect fit.

Reformation Blair High Rise Baby Bootcut Jeans

Style these with heels to make your legs go on and on.

Arrange Leather Loafer

These soft leather loafers are comfortable enough for daily styling.

H&M Bootcut Regular Jeans

Mark my words: Fashion people will be wearing bootcut jeans all autumn.

Rejina Pyo Ruched Loafer Leather Black

Style these with jeans or dress them up with tailored trousers.