It's True: This Divisive Trouser and Flat-Shoe Pairing Has Become a Fashion Person's Spring Go-To
Capris are a little divisive, but it turns out that pairing them with flat shoes is every fashion person's go-to outfit right now.
Over the last couple of years, both capri pants and ballet flats have had a renaissance, but who knew that two relatively unexpected trends would end up pairing so well together? Whilst capri leggings are usually categorised as working best with trainers—and ballet flats a fitting shoe for jeans, tailored trousers and skirts—it was a touch surprising seeing them together, but now it's hard to picture a better duo. The fashion set agrees. The most trend-forward creators have been obsessed with this specific mix, as well as celebrities, like Elsa Hosk. It's a sensible choice, but one that doesn't cost you style points. Ballet flats are sculpted and more modern-looking than ever. They're comfortable but trendy, and the same can very much be said about capris.
I always get a small thrill from seeing updated takes on trends as they resurface. Fashion is cyclical, after all. Capris and ballet flats take my mind to the pedal pushers of the 1950s and '60s. These were emblematic of classic style, and the same holds true in 2026. Nowadays, celebs and fashion creators are bringing the duo up to the present with funnel-neck jackets and suede bombers, casual T-shirts and short-sleeve button-up tops. The shorter lengths and open vamp also make this pairing a lovely option for spring. If you're a fan of both (or even just one or the other), the following outfits will give you no shortage of ideas for bringing them together in your spring wardrobe.
Capri Pants and Ballet Flats Outfits to Copy:
1. Suede Jacket + Capris + Mesh Flats
Style Notes: Mesh flats and a suede jacket are the epitome of spring dressing. Chocolate brown (which has firmly moved from trend to classic colour) is a great choice for outerwear when the rest of your wardrobe starts feeling lighter and brighter. I love that Nnenna has opted for an entirely neutral ensemble, including her accessories.
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2. Relaxed T-Shirt + Capris + High-Vamp Flats
Style Notes: Casual but chic will forever be my favorite combination, and capris and ballet flats are faultless for achieving this aesthetic. Just take inspiration from Anne-Laure's laidback look that still encompasses the trendy high-vamp shoe in ballet flat form and cute patterned capris. With a relaxed T-shirt and tote, this is truly set to be my go-to spring uniform.
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3. Short Trench + Capris + Patent Flats
Style Notes: The funnel-neck trench is everywhere this spring, and I'm personally a huge fan. With a shorter jacket version, like Ingrid is wearing, it's the perfect outerwear style to pair with your ballet flats and capris. Flats with a patent finish and matching accessories instantly add polish.
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4. Button Short-Sleeve + Capris + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: The trio of wearing ballet flats (the square toe kind that truly look like the dancing shoe), a button-down short-sleeve top and capri pants creates an instant nod to the original looks from decades ago. Layla modernised her outfit with ruched shoulder bag, and in doing so, created a chic uniform for springtime. It's an easy look to layer as well—just add a jacket or jumper if needed.
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5. Cardigan + Capris + Mule Flats
Style Notes: To bring spring into your wardrobe, lighter cardigans, capri leggings and minimal mule flats can do so much of the heavy lifting. Hannah's look is perfect for cooler evenings and with a waisted knit and sleek, square-toe flats, you can make capri leggings feel exceptionally stylish.
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Melissa Epifano Varley is a writer and editor who covers fashion, home, and beauty. She has over seven years of experience and has written for Forbes, InStyle, People, The Zoe Report, and Byrdie. She has also served as the editor-in-chief of Real Homes and lifestyle editor at The Spruce and ran her own wide-fit footwear line for over three years. She graduated a year early from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Science in journalism. Melissa has won the PPA Next Gen Award and currently covers fashion, trend, and shopping content for Who What Wear. She’s passionate about helping readers discover their own sense of style in their wardrobes and homes—whether that’s through products, trends, or concepts that they deeply resonate with and makes them feel their best. She’s originally from the U.S. but is now based in Bath where she spends her free time reading books, creatively writing, and taking part in more esoteric endeavours like reiki and tarot.