Lately, my mornings have started on a note of frustration. As I rifle through my wardrobe, searching for an outfit that just works, I find myself disappointed. A few months ago, things felt easier. Boots and denim were my daily uniform and everything seemed to fall into place. Now, as I embrace lighter footwear, my outfits feel… incomplete.
At first, I assumed I needed a new pair of shoes to solve the problem. But after a fruitless hunt, I realised I was looking in the wrong place. Instead of switching up my footwear, I needed to rethink my trousers. So, I stepped away from my go-to wide-leg silhouettes and straight-leg jeans and turned my attention to a sleek, often-overlooked staple: cropped black trousers.
This moment of inspiration wasn’t entirely my own. It struck when I saw Hailey Bieber had stepped out in the chicest pointed-toe heels outfit. Complete with a pair of perfectly cropped trousers, her look had an effortless ease to it—polished, relaxed, simple and striking. With a little ankle showing, it felt light and spring-ready without relying on floaty dresses or skirts.
And the styling potential? Endless. Bieber’s look—complete with a classic trench and striped top—had a French feel to it that I can't ignore. But beyond the Parisian aesthetic, cropped black trousers are a smart wardrobe addition that makes styling spring shoes so much easier. With ballet flats, they feel pretty and polished; with low-profile trainers, they channel a laid-back ease. And with a pair of heeled mules? An article-worthy outfit.
As I’ve learned, sometimes the key to unlocking a fresh outfit formula isn’t about buying more—it’s about shifting focus. And for now, my attention is firmly on the power of the cropped trousers.
Read on to discover my favourite styles below.
SHOP BLACK CROPPED TROUSERS:
This comes in UK sizes 6—24, as well as short, regular and long lengths.
Style these with pointed toe flats or wear with a kitten heel.
Honestly, these look much more expensive than they actually are.
The cropped design makes these perfect for early spring styling.
I always come back to COS for their comfortable, well tailored trousers.
Style this with mary janes for a French-inspired finish.
Wear this with a boxy bomber jacket for a very 2025 silhouette.
These also come in a deep navy shade.
While I love these in black, they also come in a playful zebra print style.
Sézane's cropped trousers are some of my favourites on the market.
-
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.
-
The Easy-Yet-Elevated Outfit Formula Fashion People Will Be Wearing Straight Into FallHere are seven takes on the chic look.
-
All the Cool Girls Are Suddenly Wearing This "Dated" Basic With JeansIncluding Hailey Bieber.
-
I'm an NYC Shopping Editor—I Can't Stop Thinking About These 31 Rich-Looking Fall Finds FromReplica Store, Zara, and H&MDid I mention they're under $250?
-
If Looking Cool and Trendy Is Your Goal, Copy Hailey Bieber's White-T-Shirt OutfitAlways expect the unexpected with her.
-
I Live in Murray Hill—Here Are the 8 Places I Like to Shop for a Fashionable Fall ClosetStylish sweaters and suedes ahead.
-
I Swear That Dressing Like Hailey Bieber at Pilates Makes My Form Infinitely BetterFive looks I can't stop re-creating.
-
The 6 Shoe Trends Well-Dressed People Are Wearing With Pants and Jeans (Instead of Sneakers)Flat and heels to pair with pants and jeans.
