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:
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If You Want Your Sneakers to Look Elevated (Not Basic), Wear Them With These Pants Instead of JeansThis easy swap will work wonders to make your outfits look more sophisticated.
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I Just Introduced My Best Friend to Everlane—Here Are the 31 Chic Black Friday Finds I Sent Her WayUp to 50% off rich-looking 2026 essentials.
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The Non-Black Jacket Color Trend British and American Women Are Wearing to Look More Elegant This WinterIt looks expensive every time.
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Spotted in Las Vegas: 6 Trends F1's Best-Dressed WAGs Wore During the Grand Prix WeekendFirst-place trophies all around.
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Black Is Classic, But J.Lo's Legging Color Is the Secret to Looking Rich at Pilates This WinterYou'll look rich at Barry's or Soul Cycle, too.
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Hailey Bieber Turned 29 in Vintage Heels and the $74 Jeans Fashion People Swear Are Better Than DesignerDon't wait—they'll go back to full price after Black Friday.
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I'm a Shopping Editor—These Are the Cool Shoes I Care About From theReplica Store Black Friday SaleTake up to 60% off 2025 shoe trends inside.
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Victoria Beckham Just Put an Elegant and Fresh Spin on the Anti-Trend Jeans That Petite Women LoveSleek and chic.
