With its oceanfront setting and year-round sunshine, Los Angeles living embodies a laid-back energy that naturally translates into a cool, casual dress code. Whilst I tend to turn to New Yorkers and, of course, my fellow Londoners for outfit inspiration during the colder months, come summer my attention shifts west.
The Angelenos’s relaxed approach to dressing offers endless ideas for effortless, summer styling and, this morning, I came across a simple shoe trend I can't believe I've overlooked until now. Spotted stepping out for the evening, L.A. resident Hailey Bieber wore a classic pair of black trousers, styled with a crisp white tee and a black leather jacket. So far, so straightforward. But it was her shoe choice that stopped me in my scroll.
Swapping out the ballet flats and Mary Janes currently dominating the trend cycle and would have been a natural choice for styling with the smart pants, Bieber opted instead for a strappy pair of black kitten-heel flip-flops. A subtle yet impactful update, the short heel adds just enough lift to elevate the outfit without sacrificing the comfort that defines West Coast dressing.
Equal parts polished and nonchalant, these minimalist heels toe the line between smart and casual, making them an interesting match with tailored black trousers. With their effortlessly relaxed feel, they bring a fresh perspective to a polished wardrobe staple, allowing it to extend into your wider wardrobe with ease.
Scroll on to shop our edit of the best kitten-heel flip-flops and classic black trousers.
SHOP KITTEN-HEEL FLIP-FLOPS AND BLACK TROUSERS:
COS' simple black trousers are a fashion person's favourites.
Honestly, I can't see these staying in stock for long.
From May—September, I practically live in linen trousers.
Whilst I love these in the classic black, they also come in chocolate brown and beige.
No one does elevated basics like The Row.
Style these with black trousers à la Bieber, or wear them with a billowy cotton skirt.
These also come in five other colourways.
The small kitten heel adds a little extra height without sacrificing any comfort.
These come in UK sizes 4–24.
Even as we enter the warmest season, the chocolate-brown colour trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down.
-
Tracee Ellis Ross Just Proved Stylish People Prefer Big Pants Over Tight Denim, PeriodCelebrity-approved.
-
French Women Have Decided These 3 Shoe Trends Are Officially Chicer Than Flat SandalsI'm following suit.
-
Hailey Bieber Just Said This Classic Print Looks So 2025 When Paired With This Unconventional Shoe ColorUnexpected, yet so chic.
-
Hailey Bieber Wore Vintage Tom Ford Gucci Sandals With the Summer Pant Trend I See Sticking Around Through FallAny pants that look this good shouldn't be packed up just because the season changes.
-
Spotted in East Village: Zoë Kravitz Just Paired $30K+ Worth of Jewelry With Every Fashion Person's Favorite Anti-JeansSorry, denim—your turn is up.
-
Jessica Alba Just Wore the Once-Outdated Sneaker Trend That Actually Pairs Perfectly With Baggy PantsTime to dust off these shoes.
-
Forget Mules—*These* Are the Classic Anti-Flats L.A. It Girls Wear for Dinner at Giorgio BaldiGood food, great footwear.
-
FYI: Every Fashion Person Is Buying This Pretty Shoe Color Instead of Black Right NowCount us in.
