Jamie Chung’s California Cool: A Masterclass in High-Low Footwear Styling

There is a specific kind of polish to June in Los Angeles—a balance between the relaxed coastal atmosphere and the structured demands of city life.

In 2013, Jamie Chung became a blueprint for this “California Cool” aesthetic, navigating Melrose Avenue in a series of looks that prioritized texture and thoughtful footwear.

Looking back, her ability to pair high-street staples with architectural shoes remains a relevant study in tonal dressing. It wasn’t about reinventing the wheel, but rather about how a singular pop of color or a specific heel height could shift the entire mood of an outfit.

High-Low on Melrose: Jamie Chung’s Coye Nokes “Hana” Sandals and Denim Cutoffs

Jamie Chung was spotted shopping in tattered denim cutoffs and a casual blazer on Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, June 7, 2013 (Credit: Ryan / WENN)

In early June, Chung was photographed on Melrose Avenue wearing a look that defined the era’s approach to “high-low” dressing.

By pairing a structured blazer and crisp white tank with distressed denim cutoffs, she created a clean backdrop for the standout element: the Coye Nokes “Hana” sandal.

Launched in 2008, Coye Nokes built her brand around a specific gap in the market—shoes that could move from a professional setting to after-hours without sacrificing design. With a background in private wealth management and formal training at London Business School and Central Saint Martins, she focused on structured, “architectural” silhouettes and Italian manufacturing.

Jamie Chung flaunts her fashion-forward pink and nude heels during a shopping spree (Credit: Ryan / WENN)

The “Hana” sandal reflects that approach. Its mixed-media construction—pink suede, natural leather, and metallic slingback straps—uses color-blocking and material contrast to add interest without overwhelming the outfit.

The four-inch heel provides height while maintaining stability, making it more practical than many trend-driven platforms of the time.

Jamie Chung steps out in style with her mixed-media sandals from Coye Nokes featuring pink suede and natural leather, perfect for a chic day out (Credit: Ryan / WENN)

As of 2026, the brand is no longer active, and styles like this have shifted into the resale market. That context makes this look less about trend and more about a specific early-2010s design movement: independent labels prioritizing construction, materials, and versatility over logo-driven appeal.

Jamie Chung accessorizes with a striking bright pink clutch, adding a pop of color to her stylish ensemble (Credit: Ryan / WENN)

Metallic Glow: Rose-Gold Sandals With David Kahn’s Moody Floral Jeans

Jamie Chung refines daytime polish in Beverly Hills, pairing rose-gold metallic sandals with moody floral David Kahn “Nikki” ankle jeans and a breezy white sleeveless top, while neon accents and aviator sunglasses add a sunlit California finish on June 13, 2013 (Credit: Ryan / WENN)

Midway through the month, the palette shifted toward something more atmospheric for a meeting in Beverly Hills. The focus moved to the “Nikki” ankle jean by David Kahn, which featured a darker, more painterly floral print than the bright botanicals typical of the season.

To prevent the darker denim from feeling too heavy for a California afternoon, Chung paired it with a sleeveless white top and metallic rose-gold sandals.

Close-up of Jamie Chung’s David Kahn “Nikki” ankle jeans featuring a dark, moody floral print (Credit: Jamie Chung’s Instagram)

This choice of footwear serves as a neutral with a “glow,” bridging the gap between the neon green of her accessories and the somber tones of the floral print. It is a lesson in using metallics as a grounding element rather than a distraction.

Showcasing David Kahn’s “Nikki Ankle” jeans adorned with a winter floral print, priced at $178

Romantic Meets Rugged: Suede Ankle Boots With White Lace Shorts

Jamie Chung exudes casual chic in her effortlessly cool ensemble of a knotted blue shirt, white lace shorts, and stylish ankle boots, perfect for a sunny day out (Credit: Ryan / WENN)

As the end of the month approached, Chung demonstrated the ankle boot’s longevity in a warm-weather wardrobe. Shopping at LF and All Saints, she paired a knotted blue chambray shirt with delicate white lace shorts.

While a white sneaker would have been the predictable choice for a summery look, the choice of a structured ankle boot adds the necessary ruggedness to the feminine lace.

This silhouette—knotted at the midriff with a slight weight at the foot—remains a staple of festival-adjacent street style, emphasizing longevity over fleeting trends.

Jamie Chung epitomizes casual chic in a knotted blue shirt paired with white lace shorts (Credit: Ryan / WENN)

Tropical Street Style: Gray Suede Booties and Lovers + Friends Floral Shorts

Jamie Chung shows how to wear floral shorts with a breezy white top and a denim jacket

For a midday outing at the Palihouse Courtyard Brasserie in West Hollywood, the actress experimented with high-contrast patterns. The look centered on symmetrical-patterned floral shorts from Lovers + Friends, balanced by a cropped Levi’s denim jacket.

Jamie Chung steps out in West Hollywood with effortless summer polish, pairing a cropped denim jacket and airy white top with vibrant floral shorts, while her gray suede ankle boots add a softly structured, transitional edge to the breezy look on June 20, 2013 (Credit: Ryan / WENN)

The standout transition here is the gray suede bootie. By avoiding a traditional sandal, the outfit gains an urban, slightly more industrial edge that feels appropriate for a business lunch.

It’s a reminder that suede, often reserved for cooler months, offers a soft-focus texture that complements vibrant prints without competing for attention.

The Lovers + Friends “Woodstock” shorts in Tropical White channel a playful summer mood, with a vibrant botanical print and easy, high-waisted silhouette, styled here with a sleeveless blush blouse and stacked bangles, while soft brown suede ankle boots ground the look with a subtle, festival-ready edge

More Jamie Chung Shoe and Summer Style Inspiration

If Jamie Chung’s chic ensemble has inspired you to embrace floral shorts this season, you’ll be delighted to explore more fashion-forward looks on Your Next Shoes. For instance, Ashley Greene was spotted pairing floral shorts with Tory Burch gladiator sandals, showcasing a perfect blend of comfort and style.

Additionally, our guide to classy midriff-baring outfits offers insights into pairing crop tops with bottoms, including shorts, for a balanced, trendy look.