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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Katie Holmes's Tip for Looking Rich? Lose the Flip-Flops and Wear These Classic Flats (in *This* Color) InsteadA shoe trend to take from summer to fall.
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Bring On the Transitional Weather—29 Perfectly Chic Pieces FromReplica Store to Wear Straight Through FallEffortless dressing right this way.
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7 Celeb Outfits That Prove You Can Look Stylish Even When It's SwelteringIf you're in a summer wardrobe rut, this is the inspiration you need.
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This Shoe Color Trend Is Chicer Than Black, Burgundy, and BrownKaia Gerber agrees.
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The Pretty Dress Trend L.A. It Girls Are Bringing Into Fall (and the "Basic" Style They Already Forgot About)It's finally time to part ways with boring linen dresses.
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Experienced Shoppers Are Styling Cowboy Boots With This Specific Denim Trend to Make Them Look Less CostumeyTake a page out of Kendall Jenner's style book.
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Apple Martin Wore the Skirt Trend That Screams "East-End Elite" in the HamptonsMy ideal vacation outfit.
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When I See Someone Wearing This Non-Jean, Non-Shorts Trend With Sneakers, I Know They're a Fashion PersonAllow me to explain.
