Now that the weather has finally brightened up, I’ve found myself reaching for my ballet flats more than any other shoe. They’re the kind of comfortable, easy staple that slots naturally into almost every outfit, but lately, I’ve been on the lookout for some fresh styling ideas that break away from my usual straight-leg or baggy jeans formula.
This week, inspiration struck when I saw Laura Harrier stepping out in a look that felt both elevated, entirely wearable and that also championed my favourite shoe trend. A long-time fan of jeans and wide-leg trousers, Harrier swapped them out in favour of one of the chicest styles of the season, cropped trousers, pairing them perfectly with some classic black, bow-adorned ballet flats.
An elegant take on spring styling, the cropped trousers, which finish just above the ankle, offer a clever way to show a subtle flash of skin, making your outfit feel light and breezy without having to reach for shorts or capris. The shorter hemline naturally draws attention to your shoes, which is exactly why understated ballet flats feel like such a perfect partner.
While I’ve spotted this pairing on stylish women from London to Los Angeles, there’s something about it that feels distinctly French. Perhaps it’s the use of timeless wardrobe staples—a refined trouser silhouette and a timeless flat—or the nonchalant elegance the combination exudes. With both pieces rooted in French fashion history, it’s a duo that captures that effortless, insouciant energy French women seem to master so well.
Low effort but high-impact, this comfortable combination is one of the easiest looks to style right now. With cropped trousers appearing across high street and designer labels, and ballet flats now a core offering from so many of my go-to brands, this easy outfit is one I'll be relying on a lot this season.
Ready to try the easy outfit formula for yourself? Shop our edit of the best cropped trousers and ballet flats below.
SHOP CROPPED TROUSERS AND BALLET FLATS:
This comes in five different leg lengths so you can find your perfect fit.
The soft square toe finish gives these a polished energy.
I always come back to COS for their chic tailored trousers.
Be quick—these won't stay in stock for long.
These come in UK sizes 4—28.
Reformation's Bethany Ballet Flats are a fashion person's favourites.
Style with ballet flats or dress these up with a pointed-toe heel.
Style with cropped trousers or pair with straight leg jeans.
While I love these in black, they also come in navy.
These also come in a pretty ecru shade.
-
I Couldn't Help But Notice That L.A.'s Coolest Dressers Always Wear This Shoe Trend With Black TrousersIf you guessed ballet flats, you'd be wrong.
-
Fashion People in Their 20s and 50s Wear This Flat-Shoe Trend With Skirts to Look ChicHint: It's not loafers.
-
Is It Just Me, or Is Every Cool Girl Suddenly Pairing Ballet Flats With This Anti-Denim Pant Trend?You probably already own it.
-
This Is *the* Ballet-Flats Color Fashion People Will Buy for the Remainder of 2025As seen on Bella Hadid's Instagram.
-
Margaret Qualley Just Wore Flats on the Red Carpet With the World's Strictest Dress CodeAnd pulled it off with aplomb.
-
9 Outfit Trends That Look Just as Cool Now as They Did in the '90sOur obsession with the decade continues.
-
This Stylish French Woman Paired Summer's Controversial Shoe and Shorts Trends, and the Outfit Is So ChicSee how to re-create the unexpected look.
-
Everyone in Fashion Is Wearing Flip-Flops With This Elevated Pant TrendTake note.
