These might be the most controversial shoes, ever.
It’s the year of unconventional shoes. Simone Rocha just released jewel-covered Crocs that immediately sold out, Tory Burch has several “pierced” shoes, and there are now a pair of “hairy” Toms thanks to Christian Cowan. But still, none are as controversial as Maison Margiela’s Tabi shoes; you know, the ones that have a split, hoof-like toe.
It’s a style you either love or hate, and it appears that young Hollywood is part of the former group, with Zendaya, Dua Lipa, and Olivia Rodrigo all slipping into the split-toe shoes. And while I’ve been somewhat on the fence about the style for years, Anya Taylor-Joy just styled the shoes so perfectly, she might have actually made me want a pair.
When the actress stepped out in New York yesterday, she looked effortlessly cool, pairing her Tabi loafers with a simple white tee, short leather jacket, and timeless straight-leg, raw-hem jeans. It was a look that made me realize, if you’re going to rock “ugly” shoes, your best bet is to keep the rest of the outfit pretty classic — well that and the fact straight-leg jeans look good with everything.
Levi's Ribcage Straight-Ankle Jeans
Buy on Amazon $80 $49
Maison Margiela Tabi Ballerina Flats
Buy on Ssense.com $790
I know baggy jeans were the style of 2023 — you can still wear them (I do) — but 2024 has been leaning a little more tailored when it comes to denim. While Taylor-Joy just wore the iconic style, she’s far from alone: Pamela Anderson, Jennifer Lawrence, and Zoe Saldaña have all made the case that the straight silhouette is back in a major way. And for good reason: It’s comfier than a skinny, more refined than a wide leg, looks good on everyone, and, yes, goes with everything.
When paired with Tabis, these jeans were put to the ultimate test, proving that they’re the safest way to do a less traditional shoe, though the style also looks great with a skinny pump or a simple pair of white sneakers. But straight-leg jeans don’t just let you have fun with your footwear, you can also style them with just about anything on top. Keep it casual with a plain tank or tee or dress the jeans up in a way that still feels cool by pairing them with an open blazer á la Cindy Crawford.
Taylor-Joy paired the most controversial shoes with the least-offensive jeans, and it convinced me I need…well, probably just the latter. Shop more styles inspired by her look, below.
Get the Look:
Rag and Bone Harlow Relaxed Straight-Leg Jeans
Shop now: $255; nordstrom.com
Gap High Rise ‘90s Straight Jeans
Shop now: $63 (Originally $80); gap.com
Maison Margiela Tabi Mary Jane Pumps
Shop now: $1,090; nordstrom.com
Mother the Tomcat Flood High-Waist Straight-Leg Jeans
Shop now: $258; nordstrom.com
Everlane the Original Cheeky Jean
Shop now: $98; everlane.com
Maison Margiela Tabi Heels
Shop now: $990; ssense.com
J.Crew Classic Straight Jeans
Shop now: $110 (Originally $148); jcrew.com
Agolde ‘90s Pinch-Waist Straight-Leg Jeans
Shop now: $228; nordstrom.com
Reformation Val ‘90s Mid-Rise Straight Jeans
Shop now: $168; thereformation.com
Abercrombie and Fitch Ultra High-Rise Straight Jeans
Shop now: $90; abercrombie.com