Granny jeans and kitten heels might sound like the contents of your glamorous grandmother's retirement wardrobe, but bear with me. Together, they make one of the chicest outfit formulas of the season.

Granny jeans are essentially the older relative of the classic mom jean. Usually high-waisted, straight through the leg and slightly relaxed without being oversized, they tend to finish around the ankle and favour clean, traditional details over rips, embellishment or dramatic shapes. Think crisp denim, neat pleats, and turned-up cuffs. In other words, jeans your impeccably dressed grandmother might wear for lunch somewhere.

Kitten heels, meanwhile, are defined by their slender, typically curved heel, which usually measures between one and two inches. I knew my frontal lobe had fully developed when I realised I had replaced the sky-high stilettos in my wardrobe with delicate, slip-on kitten heels. At the same time, I felt deep regret for allowing my grandmother to donate her collection of vintage Laura Ashley slingbacks to the charity shop before I had matured enough to realise they were practically gold dust. We live and learn.

Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Pointed pumps, jelly sandals and even flip-flops have since been given the kitten-heel treatment, cementing the silhouette as one of the chicest and most wearable shoe trends of the moment.

Perhaps that is precisely why they work so well with granny jeans. Denim is easily the most wearable item in your wardrobe, and paired with a kitten heel adds just enough elegance to stop the outfit feeling too basic. Together, they boast a distinctly city-grandma energy: less linen on the coast, more sharp tailoring, vintage jewellery and knowing exactly where to find the best coffee in town.

From pointed slingbacks and white shirts to heeled sandals worn with a simple vest, here’s how to style granny jeans and kitten heels without looking as though you have accidentally raided your nan’s wardrobe.

Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

Enter your new going out outfit formula. Black granny jeans are an easy entry point if blue denim feels a little too weekend-coded for a special occasion. Choose a straight, ankle-skimming pair and add slingback kitten heels, which are secured by a slim strap around the back of the foot. A pointed patent kitten heel works well for evening, while suede or leather keeps things softer during the day. Finish with a fitted cardigan, a simple vest or an oversized white shirt, plus a small shoulder bag.

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Socks and heels may still sound like something your grandmother would insist on for warmth, but the trend isn't called grannycore for nothing. Wear classic blue granny jeans with sheer ankle socks and closed-toe kitten heels, allowing just an inch or two of fabric to show. Fine ribbed socks work too, particularly with loafers or Mary Jane-style heels. Keep the rest of the outfit simple with a white T-shirt, neat knit or cropped jacket.

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

High-waisted granny jeans and pointed-toe kitten heels are particularly useful when you want denim to look a little sharper. The key is to make sure the hem does not swallow the shoe; cropped or neatly cuffed jeans will show off the pointed toe properly. Add a tucked-in blouse, slim belt or fitted T-shirt to keep the waist visible. This is also a good opportunity to try a brighter shoe, whether that means red, metallic silver or an animal print that does most of the talking.

Moritz Scholz/Getty Images

White jeans are a fail-safe summer combo when paired with open-toe kitten heels, such as a low heeled sandal or peep-toe mule. A striped shirt, brown suede jacket or black vest will break up the white, while a woven bag keeps things relaxed. Cream denim also works beautifully here and is slightly more forgiving when iced coffee, tomato pasta or public transport enters the equation.

Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

Mules are backless shoes designed to be slipped on, which makes them ideal for anyone who likes the elegance of a heel but has limited patience for straps and buckles. Read: blister prone.

Wear mule kitten heels with granny jeans that finish above the ankle, otherwise the hem may catch beneath your foot as you walk. A square-toe pair feels a little more modern, while pointed satin mules lean dressier.