As I’ve mentioned before, once the snow starts, I’ll likely go back to tucking skinny jeans into a pair of Sorels. But until then, I’ve been reallllly happy with this new combination: long, loose-fitting jeans and platform booties.
Cuffed, Loose Jeans + Platform Chelsea Boots = My Go-To Fall & Winter Outfit Combo
There’s something very nonchalant-cool-girl about this combo and frankly, I’m 99.9% sure I had an outfit almost exactly like this in college (low-rise denim, of course, but the vibe was the same).
jacket (s) | sweater (s) | jeans (26) | boots | backpack
And while I know low-rise is supposedly coming back (and likely will, eventually, I’m just not convinced that THIS is the year), I much prefer easing into denim trends over time, anyway. Also, that high-rise is so dang flattering, and keeps this outfit from feeling like a ’90s period costume.

See how these jeans just ease through the hips? And how the looser silhouette won’t encase, encircle, nor engirdle my poor legs, newly emerged from their sweatpant-clad state?
jacket (s) | sweater (s) | jeans (26) | boots | backpack
The jeans are actually J.Crew high-rise boyfriend jeans. And before you get too excited and think, “WOW! S is on a rare budget-friendly denim kick!” Um, no. Annoyingly, I managed to fall in love with the one pair of J.Crew jeans that are over $200.
But truth be told, these jeans do compare to their pricey counterparts. They’re 100% cotton, but soft. The denim drapes nicely, and the waistband defines the waist without squeezing. The bum is also pretty good for a relaxed fit jean.
jacket (s) | sweater (s) | jeans (26) | boots | backpack
The only potential issue with these J.Crew boyfriend jeans is their inseam: 31″. If you are very tall (I’m not), they may not be full-length. In that case, I also recommend Citizen’s Wide-Leg Jean (34″ inseam). They’re also very soft (and you can see them on me, here, in my loose-fit jeans try-on article).
jacket (s) | sweater (s) | jeans (26) | boots | backpack
Chunky Platform Boots Are Key
The real key to this outfit combo, however, is a pair of chunky, platform boots. Not only have I used a pair of black chunky, platform boots to modernize my skinny jeans, but it turns out that this style of boot is *just* the thing under cropped denim as well.
And now?
Thanks to the extra height from the rugged boot bottom, they actually function more like a heeled boot, meaning that I can happily wear the exact same pair of full-length jeans with everyday, flat boots AND heels.

jacket (s) | sweater (s) | jeans (26) | boots | backpack
Lastly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my beloved TUMI backpack (it’s all about the shoe compartment for me…makes travel and workouts so much easier) and my new SAM sherpa jacket. It is (and I don’t say this lightly) one of the WARMEST jackets I’ve ever owned. So incredibly well-made, and so unbelievably cozy. It also has a drawstring bottom, so I can cinch it up to show off the waist.

jacket (s) | sweater (s) | jeans (26) | boots | backpack
Shop My Top Chunky, Platform Boots Recommendations
Shop My Top Long, Loose Jeans Recommendations
Cheers to everyday uniforms, worn on repeat. I seriously don’t know what I’d do without them.
xo,
S
photo credits: Redfield Photography