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 pairings.
The Best Flat Shoes to Wear With Trousers This Spring
1. Tailored Trousers + Buckled Flats
Style Notes: For me, the ultimate shoe to have (flat or heeled) poking out from underneath a pair of wide-leg, tailored trousers, is a pointed toe. There's something about this duo that manages to elevate even the simplest of looks. I love how Francesca Saffari has worn Ganni's coveted buckled flats with sleek pinstripe trousers here.
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These will also look so good with trainers.
These hero Ganni flats aren't going anywhere.
The perfect spring wardrobe addition.
Brown and sage work so well together.
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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COS jeans are always such a good fit.
These beauties are selling fast.
I also love the matching textured trousers.
Shop the matching Beige Textured Suiting Mid Waist Trousers (£235).
Well done, Mango.
3. Wide-Leg, 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 A.Emery to Vagabond have iterations right now.
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Extra points for the stretch waist.
These will be a favourite for summer.
Yes to light-jacket weather.
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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These come in four different lengths.
I'm still a little bit obsessed with these.
Mix different neutrals shades for a chic tonal look.
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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These are firmly on my wish list.
I'd also wear these with light-wash jeans.
A forever buy.
A plain white tee is perfect for layering under waistcoats.
