New York City used to house the best model off-duty style. Now, if you ask me, Los Angeles does. These days, whether they live in L.A. or are just visiting, models tend to mellow out in the California hub, leading to a laid-back street style that's easier to copy and more indicative of their genuine tastes. In New York, we see more special runway looks or rare, archival pieces, which, don't get me wrong, I appreciate as much as the next fashion person, but it's not exactly casual.
Kaia Gerber and Kendall Jenner's latest looks in L.A. are all the proof I feel I need to prove this point. Both were recently spotted out and about in the city sporting similar outfits featuring two things: black trousers and ballet flats. No, what they were wearing wasn't shocking or necessarily awe-worthy, but it was real. They're the kind of outfits I'd want to wear to run similar errands, which is why I bookmarked both for future reference.
On Kaia Gerber: Repetto Cendrillon Ballerina Flats ($380)
Gerber should be paid by Repetto given how often she wears her black ballet flats by the French footwear brand. She styled them effortlessly with a black sweater and trousers, adding glasses and a black tote bag to the mix. Everything about her look screams model off-duty to me, bringing forth memories from her mom, Cindy Crawford's modeling days, when simpler was better in terms of styling after shows and to fittings or castings.
On Kendall Jenner: The Row top, sweater, trousers, and Marlo Bag ($4300)
Jenner styled her black trousers and ballet flats similarly, trading in Gerber's heavier knit for a gray sweater-vest and layered tee, both by The Row from the brand's Summer 2025 collection. Closing out the daytime combo, she added black sunglasses and The Row's sold-out Marlo Bag, a great Margaux alternative for anyone who wants something a touch lesser known.
Clearly, there's one cool, model-approved shoe choice to wear with black trousers, and no, it's not sneakers. Shop a variety of chic ballet flats and pants to go with below.
Shop black trousers and ballet flats:
-
FYI: These Are the Anti-Sandal Shoes NYC Girls Are Wearing With Miniskirts When They Go OutSummer shoes they are not.
-
If You Wear This Jean-and-Flat-Shoe Combination While Traveling, I'll Know You Have Cool StyleA go-to chic travel outfit is a must this season.
-
From Head to Toe, This Is the Exact Summer Maxi-Dress Outfit L.A. Girls Are WearingThe new summer uniform is here.
-
Caught on Camera: Every Fashion Girl Is Wearing This Unexpected Shoe Brand With Jeans, Dresses, and SkirtsKaia, Selena, and Sydney are fans.
-
Even White Poplin Skirts Can't Compete With the Pretty Skirt Trend I've Seen in NYC, Milan, and ParisHands down, it's the most elegant buy of the summer.
-
Found: The Pretty Dress Trend Every Chic MOB, MOH, and Wedding Guest Is Wearing This SummerFollow Sofia Richie Grainge's lead.
-
If I See You Swap Your Classic Black Pumps for This Specific Color Trend, I'll Know You Have Expensive TasteIt works for the summer and the fall.
-
32 Affordable Ashley Olsen Coded Picks That I Have My Eye on for SummerEffortless, luxe, and incredibly chic.
