No, Not Ballet Flats or Trainers—Fashion People Are Pairing Their Leggings With This Flat-Shoe Trend Instead

As the seasons shift from spring to summer 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. Even reading that back, I can almost hear your collective recoil. For many, this combination probably conjures a very specific visual (think high-shine, primary coloured spandex straight out of the VHS era, grounded rather aggressively with a garishly practical, chunky double-strapped clog). It's a look straight out of an ‘80s time capsule, a forgotten relic best left alone. But here's the thing: the problem was never the combination, just the execution.

With plenty of easy, off-duty appeal, the sandals-and-leggings formula is actually one of the chicest, most durable styling hacks around. Leggings, of course, remain unmatched in the comfort department; and a well-placed sandal (especially if it's a fashion-forward thong or timeless strappy style) does all the heavy lifting to keep things feeling seasonally appropriate, so clammy feet be gone. As versatile as it is comfy, this pairing happens to work well with everything from billowing blouses to “trendy” raglan tops, which is why, year after year, it remains a personal favourite.

From off duty celebs like Kendall Jenner to the chicest fashion people on my social media feed, this transitional period has been full of sandals 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 the sheer amount of options, I’ve uncovered 5 sandals and leggings outfits worth saving for a summer's day, and of course, you can shop them too

5 Leggings and Sandals Outfits Perfect for Spring And Summer

1. Cropped Trenchcoat + Tank Top + Jelly Sandals

Style Notes: Pairing a classic, polished trench coat with a capri and thong sandal Nnennae Chem's look is an easy to replicate sandal and legging outfit I always come back to. Simple, elegant and with a cool-girl edge in the form of a rubber flip flop, the neutral tones feel perfect for the season ahead.

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2. Tank Top + Flared Leggings + Suede Bag

Style Notes: With the stamp of approval from It-girl Kendall Jenner, flared leggings work perfectly with sandals. Balancing the leggings slim silhouette, this look is undeniably elevated thanks to the matching set finished with a brown suede tote bag.

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3. Leather Jacket + Capri Leggings + Clutch Bag

Style Notes: Black will always be a 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 legging and slightly wedged sandals outfit. It has that 'IYKYK' ease we're all searching for. Teamed with a grey sleeveless top, leather jacket, and (faux) furry cow print bag, it's a look I'm set on recreating pronto.

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4. Red Jacket + Wedge Heels + Belt Buckle Bag

Style Notes: Red bomber jackets have been everywhere, and a easy way to style them up is by pairing them with leggings and sandals. This is dopamine dressing at its finest, and pairing the ensemble in this way lets the jacket do all the heavy lifting.

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5. V-neck Top + Leggings + Print Sandals

Style Notes: Athleisure, with an It-girl twist, Summer Warren's blush-hued look is perfect for the transitional pilates princess. Soft, tonal yet full of personality, the legging and sandals are the hero of this look. For warmth shrug on a matching shade bolero cardigan or simple spring jacket, bonus points if you add her matching Goyard Canvas bag.

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