No, Not Ballet Flats or Trainers: Fashion People Are Pairing Their Leggings With This Flat-Shoe Trend Instead
Sure, ballet flats and trainers are chic, but the coolest way to wear your leggings this spring/summer is with this unexpected sandal.
As spring gets fully underway and the temperature increases with each passing day, I find myself returning to an outfit formula I’ve long considered a fail-safe: sandals and leggings. For some, this combination might conjure a very specific visual (think high-shine, primary-colour spandex straight out of an '80s workout video, grounded rather aggressively with a garishly practical, chunky, double-strap clog). But here's the thing: the problem was never the combination, just the execution.
With plenty of easy, off-duty appeal, the sandal-and-leggings formula is actually one of the chicest and most versatile for spring weather. Leggings, of course, remain unmatched in the comfort department, and a well-placed sandal (especially if it's a fashion-forward thong heel or timeless strappy style) does all the heavy lifting to keep things feeling seasonally appropriate. As adaptable as it is comfy, this pairing works well with everything from billowing blouses to laid-back raglan tops, which is why it remains a personal favourite.
From celeb off-duty looks (see Kendall Jenner) to the chicest fashion people on my social media feeds, this transitional period has been full of sandal-and-leggings outfits. Whether topped with a leather jacket or a loose trench coat, they’ve been providing enviable outfit inspo all season long. Having filtered through all the options, I’ve uncovered five outfits with sandals and leggings worth saving for a sunny day, and of course, you can shop them here too.
5 Leggings-and-Sandal Outfits Perfect for Spring/Summer
1. Cropped Trench Coat + Tank Top + Jelly Sandals
Style Notes: Pairing a cropped trench coat with capri pants and thong sandals like Nnennae Chem's is an easy-to-replicate outfit I always come back to. Simple, elegant and with a cool-girl edge in the form of a jelly flip-flop, the tones are neutral but fresh; perfect for the season ahead.
Shop the Look:
A cotton-linen blend that will keep you cool all summer.
A true wardrobe basic.
I wear these capri leggings at least once a week.
Last summer's best-selling sandal is back in a five colourways.
If you're yearning for a new-season update to your handbag collection, this eggshell shoulder bag is a great option.
2. Tank Top + Flared Leggings + Suede Bag
Style Notes: Flared leggings work perfectly with simple flip-flops (and have Kendall's stamp of approval). The oversized brown suede tote bag elevates the look and balances the leggings' slim silhouette.
Shop the Look:
You won't just wear this to your workout classes.
I recently tried these leggings on, and I can promise they're as comfortable and versatile as they look.
The Row's City Flip Flop is the quiet-luxury-lover's sandal of choice.
Shop Kendall's exact suede bag.
Everyone needs a pair of simple black sunnies.
3. Leather Jacket + Capri Leggings + Clutch Bag
Style Notes: Black will always be classic, but an easy way to keep your leggings and sandals feeling fresh is by experimenting with colour; just look at Amaka Hamelijnck's brown leggings, which she wears with a slightly wedged sandal. Teamed with a grey sleeveless top, leather jacket and faux-fur cow-print bag, it's a look I'm set on re-creating pronto.
Shop the Look:
This bomber-style leather jacket is the perfect blend of old and new, and would look really cool layered over a blouse and skirt this season.
I own this top, and I wore it almost every day last summer. If you have a bigger chest, I suggest sizing up for a more comfortable fit.
The delicate lace trim is a nice touch.
If I won the lottery, there would be signs.
The slight wedge means you can dress these sandals up and down with ease.
4. Red Jacket + Wedge Heels + Belt Buckle Bag
Style Notes: Red bomber jackets have been everywhere lately, and an easy way to style them up is with leggings and sandals. This is easy yet effective dopamine dressing at its finest, and pairing the ensemble in this way lets the jacket do all the work.
Shop the Look:
We're still all about funnel-neck jackets.
The front pleats give these such a nice shape.
The Y2K wedge has been re-imagined in these leather sandals with thick straps. They'd look elevated with barrel-leg jeans and a blouse.
Known for its super-chic footwear, St Agni's also has an excellent handbag offering. Case in point: this chic belt-buckle shoulder bag.
Trust me: you'll pull out these black oval sunglasses year after year.
5. V-Neck Top + Leggings + Printed Sandals
Style Notes: This is athleisure with an It-girl twist. Summer Warren's blush-hued look is perfect for the Pilates princess navigating transitional weather. Soft, tonal yet full of personality, the leggings and sandals take joint first place in this look. For warmth, shrug on a matching bolero cardigan or simple spring jacket.
Shop the Look:
You can pair this V-neck tank with basically everything.
Such a pretty shade of pink.
The dalmatian print is so adorable.
So many of my favourite fashion people own (and love) the Goyard Saint Louis canvas bag.
Large and exaggerated bug-eye sunglasses will give every watm-weather look an elevated edge.
