If the increased visibility of Carolyn Bassette-Kennedy’s iconic off-duty wardrobe has you feeling nostalgic, then the cigarette trouser trend should certainly satiate your desires for a piece underscored with the strain of minimalism so prolific in the ‘90s. Clean cut and as streamlined as a Vogue Slim, this silhouette is embedded with the sensual effortlessness of leading designers from the decade, including Calvin Klein, Helmut Lang and Tom Ford for Gucci, making it a worthy investment for those suffering from wide-leg trouser fatigue.
Already adopted by the most influential members of the contemporary Replica Handbags set, like Hailey Bieber, Elsa Hosk and Alex Consani in Demna’s debut campaign for the Italian maison, this style is unparalleled in the way it elevates any basic it’s paired with. Whilst the same could be said for straighter cuts of denim (stovepipe jeans) and Savile Row-inspired staples (tailored trousers), this body-conscious shape feels both considered and contemporary despite originating decades ago. You only need to look at the countless cigarette trouser outfits circulating at the moment for evidence of this quality.
Paired with sleek long-sleeved tops, crisp white t-shirts and lightweight jackets embellished with ornate details, cigarette trousers inject any ensemble with a slicker touch. This extends down to the shoes to wear with cigarette trousers, with many a sophisticated dresser proving that everything from polished trainers to premium ankle boots can complement this style.
As a fashion writer, it’s often the case that I’ll build my own outfits from the ground up, meaning that I’ll consider the footwear option I’ll be trotting around in all day as the starting point for the look. So, when it comes to deciding the chic flats or elegant heels I’ll be pairing them with, I really am spoiled for choice, making styling an exceptionally seamless undertaking. (Despite the style itself appearing far more elaborate.) Refined, flattering and oh-so sculptural, uncover the best shoes to wear with cigarette trousers below.
The 5 Chicest Shoes to Wear With Cigarette Trousers
1. Kitten-Heel Boots
Style Notes: Search any well-edited wardrobe and you're bound to find a pair of kitten-heel boots lurking at the bottom. A staple by every definition of the word, this style accentuates the longline shape and slightly-cropped hemline by creating a razor-sharp silhouette that's hard to disregard.
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First debuted on the Scandinavian brand's autumn/winter 2025 runway, this style features a pinched heel and elegant square-toe shape.
With elastic woven through the fabric, these are heels that will move with you whilst on the go.
Belt accents are taking over accessories, from Prada's beloved Bonnie bag to these Zara stiletto heel ankle boots.
2. Heeled Mules
Style Notes: A perennial essential for prolific tastemakers from the late 20th Century—Gwyneth Paltrow, Winona Ryder, and Jennifer Aniston amongst them—heeled mules are a coquettish-esque shoe choice that offsets the architectural essence innate to cigarette trousers.
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Bottega Veneta's mules have quickly become a signature of Daniel Lee's time at the helm, but with a unique sole imprint, they'll certainly always leave a mark.
Whilst there are so many animal print trends to contend with in 2026, mock croc is definitely one ot have on your radar.
Glossy red is a surefire way to get the pulse racing.
3. Court Shoes
Style Notes: When in doubt, call upon the classics. Without any superfluous design elements like sheer overlays or lace trims, cigarette trousers are the epitome of an anything-but-boring-basic. Lean into this timeless quality with a shoe that matches, like a decisively pared-back court shoe.
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This chocolate brown pair is quite captivating.
Looking to invest? Look no further than this Gucci style.
It's hard to overlook high-street behemoth M&S when it comes to these wardrobe staples.
4. Slim Sole Trainers
Style Notes: Assembling an impactful outfit is all about balance. Nailing proportions is essential, so ignore your gut instinct to team cigarette trousers with something considerably chunky and gravitate towards more graceful options. This applies to any shoe trend, but it's especially pertinent for trainers. Thankfully, there are countless low-profile trainers on offer, from the viral Dries Van Noten iteration to Miu Miu's cult-favourite 530.
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Every editor I know has this style on their wishlist.
The shoe that's been leading the pack for three seasons in a row.
Make like Harry Styles and invest in this style.
5. Flip-Flops
Style Notes: Make like the Olsen Twins, Johnathan Bailey and Kendall Jenner and embrace the merits of a balmy sandal all year round. Whilst the flip-flop-and-trouser outfit formula has been a staple since the early 2000s, it's incredibly fitting for this comeback trend.
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Bring a sprightly touch to any look with a pair of open-toe shoes.
The white stitching is proof of the attention to detail paid by minimalistic brands.
Once again, a covetable mock croc style to sink your teeth into.
6. Slingback Heels
Style Notes: A sartorial underdog if I ever saw one, slingback heels have suffered quite the reputation overhaul in recent years. (A quality attributed to Mrs Prada, of course.) Now, the slip-on style is worn with everything from leggings to micro shorts and, of course, cigarette trousers.
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A shoe certified to turn heads.
The reign of suede shows no sign of slowing down.
Not black, not white, but a neutral shade that will hold up season after season.
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