Having been a stylist for over 12 years, I'm asked the same questions a lot. Mainly, "What should I wear to a wedding?" along with, "Where do I find the best jeans?" and most regularly, "Which shoes do I wear with (insert trouser style here)?". It has long been a tricky task to know what shoes to style with certain outfits, and whilst you can usually sling on a pair of heels with most trousers or jeans, flat shoes require more thought. Considering that most of us don't want to be tottering around in mega-high heels, it's helpful to know ahead of time which flats to throw on as you run out on your commute in the morning.
A lot of this is down to personal style, but there are some trousers and flat shoe pairings that, well, just look better than others. Although I do appreciate an unlikely duo (like Anne-Laure Mais in tracksuit bottoms with mesh ballet pumps), I'll always rely on the classics. And considering you most likely already own a lot of these trouser styles—from linen and wide-leg to baggy jeans—and flats—including loafers and chunky sandals—you shouldn't have an issue re-creating these five effortless duos.
The Best Flat Shoes to Wear With Trousers
1. Barrel-Leg Trousers + Clogs
Style Notes: If you're struggling to style the barrel-leg trend, try pairing it with a casual shoe to ease yourself in. For example, Birkenstock's Boston clog. There's something about this duo that manages to feel put-together yet effortless.
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White breaks up the shades of green nicely.
These will also look so good with trainers.
These hero slide-ons aren't going anywhere.
The perfect wardrobe addition.
2. Baggy Jeans + Rhinestone Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Ballet flats (in any form) are sticking around this season, but I'm spotting rhinestone-embellished pairs more than ever right now. Adding that certain je ne sais quoi to baggy jeans, it's an unlikely pairing the likes of minimalist Lois Sterling (above) can't stop wearing.
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I also love the matching textured trousers.
Shop the matching Beige Textured Suiting Mid Waist Trousers (£235).
COS jeans are always such a good fit.
These beauties are selling fast.
Well done, Other Stories.
3. Linen Trousers + Chunky Sandals
Style Notes: Linen-trouser weather has arrived, and I couldn't be happier. I really enjoy the juxtaposed look of these soft, lightweight trousers worn with heavy, chunky sandals. Jessica Skye has switched from "dad" sandals to an ankle-strap pair (above), and luckily, so many brands from Loro Piana to Vagabond have iterations right now.
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Yes to light-jacket weather.
Extra points for the stretch waist.
Love these in soft suede.
Such a chic shape.
4. Straight-Leg Trousers + Loafers
Style Notes: Whilst loafers give miniskirts a preppy feel, sometimes they can be trickier to team with trousers. Often, it's easier to wear them with straight pairs (Caroline Lin has nailed it in the above look) that show off the whole shoe rather than just having a chunky toe popping out the bottom. You could even go for a slight crop and wear them with socks to still achieve a hint of preppy.
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Mix different neutrals shades for a chic tonal look.
These also come in four other colours.
I'm still a little bit obsessed with these.
Everyone needs a great trench coat.
5. Track Pants + Mesh Flats
Style Notes: Tracksuit bottoms are back, and everyone from Adidas to Loewe has stylish iterations. We know that mesh flats are key this season, and though it might not seem that the pairing would work, it just does. I like how Anne-Laure Mais (above) has added a tailored edge to the look with a waistcoat and classic Chanel bag.
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A plain white tee is perfect for layering under waistcoats.
These are firmly on my wish list.
I'd also wear these with light-wash jeans.
A forever buy.
