Whilst black trousers are a wardrobe pillar akin to a great pair of jeans or a fresh white T-shirt, making them look and feel exciting isn't always easy.
So simple and sleek, the qualities that make them so appealing can occasionally backfire, holding your look back with a boring quality that, without the right styling, can be hard to shake. In my experience, the difference between a black-trouser outfit that feels dynamic vs. one that falls flat lies in the shoe trends you choose to wear with it.
Trainers can sometimes veer too casual, but tall heels feel impractical for daily styling. In Daisy Edgar-Jones's latest outfit, I've found the styling middle ground that makes these ordinary trousers feel chic every time. Stepping out for a walk in New York, the actor wore her black trousers with a preppy pair of leather Mary Jane flats, elevating her look whilst retaining the effortless energy her style has become synonymous with.
Choosing a low-slung pair that hugged her at the hips before skimming the legs, Edgar-Jones's trousers fell past her ankle, blending into the rich leather Mary Janes that cushioned her step. Completing her outfit with a beige sleeveless top, she then reached for Mango's contrasting knit top (£50), to keep her colour palette pared-back and elegant and easy to emulate.
The flat shoes ensure a comfortable stride whilst the black trousers—already a mainstay in so many capsule wardrobes—add a soft structure to the ensemble that works so well with the smart flats. A styling fail-safe that fashion people reach for across the year, this in-between period when the spring blends into summer is the perfect time of year to step into the not-too-hot, not-too-cold combination.
Read on to discover our edit of the best black trousers and Mary Janes below.
SHOP BLACK TROUSERS AND MARY JANES:
These also come in a fresh cream shade.
Style these with fresh white socks or wear these on their own.
These look so much more expensive than they actually are.
Style these with straight leg trousers or pair with a flowing skirt.
The low-rise cut makes this easy to style with boxy, oversized tops.
These also come in half sizes, so you can find your perfect fit.
These feature a barrel leg cut that gives the garment a polished edge.
The Row's ballet flats are a fashion person's favourites.
Trust me, these won't stay in stock for long.
The square-toe design gives these a sleek, polished finish.
These come in short, regular and long lengths, so you can find your perfect fit.
These also come in ten other shades.
I love these in classic black, but they also come in cream and orange.
The patent leather shoe trend is taking off this season.
-
I Finally Got My Hands on the Pants Every Cool New Yorker Wears Instead of JeansHere's my full review.
-
I'm Breaking Up With Black Trousers and Spending Fall in This Rich Pant Color Trend InsteadFashion people in Milan are too.
-
Yes, Ballet Flats Look Good With Skirts, But They Look Even Better as Part of This Parisian-Approved ComboVery '90s.
-
Step Away From the Leggings—This Is the Low-Key Pant Trend You'll See Everywhere This FallJennifer Lawrence knows best.
-
Cozy Cashmere! Sleek Suede! Dark Denim! 32 Affordable Fall Pieces You'd Find in a Wealthy Person's ClosetOh, did I mention they're under $250?
-
I Thought I Hated Ballet Flats Until I Found This Elegant (and Blister-Proof) PairNow, I need it in every color.
-
Ignore the Haters—I Still Love These Versatile and Comfy Pants and Bet You Do TooSee how fashion people from NYC to Paris to London wear them for fall.
-
Not Classic Ballet Flats, Not Loafers—Everyone With Cool Style Will Be Wearing These Shoes With Black Trousers in Fall 2025As seen on Katie Holmes.
