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, look better than others. Although I do appreciate an unlikely duo, 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.
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.
Shop the Look:
Reformation
Wiley Knit Top
Brown and sage work so well together.
LOEWE
Small Puzzle Edge Leather Bag
The perfect spring wardrobe addition.
Gap
365 High Rise Pleated Trousers
These will also look so good with trainers.
GANNI
Wide Welt Buckle Ballerina Flats Naplack
These hero Ganni flats aren’t going anywhere.
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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Gap
Linen-Cotton Belted Blazer
I love a crisp white blazer.
Agolde jeans are always such a good fit.
Steve Madden
Vinetta Mary Jane Flat
These beauties are selling fast.
DRAGON DIFFUSION
Santa Croce Big Woven Leather Tote
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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Poppy Lissiman
Kenli Sunglasses in Black
Wilfred
Little Cropped Jacket
Yes to light-jacket weather.
DISSH
Laiken White Wide Leg Linen Pant
Extra points for the stretch waist.
A.EMERY
Jalen Slim Sandal
These will be a favorite for summer.
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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M&S Collection
Straight Leg Trousers
These come in four different lengths.
I’m still a little bit obsessed with these.
Jigsaw
Hopsack Tailored Waistcoat in Cream
Mix different neutrals shades for a chic tonal look.
mango
Cotton Trench Coat With Shirt Collar
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.
Shop the Look:
Everlane
The Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee
A plain white tee is perfect for layering under waistcoats.
Bottega Veneta
Mini Sardine
LOEWE
Anagram Embroidered Jersey Track Pants in Navy
These are firmly on my wish list.
By Anthropologie
Mesh Ballet Flats
I’d also wear these with light-wash jeans.
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.