Flats and Trousers Are an Infallibly Cool Pairing—and Celebrities Agree
3 min readTo put it lightly, flats have had a major renaissance lately. Once relegated to our childhood days—or reserved for the 5’8”-and-up set—many of us are now regularly swapping heels for ballet flats to complement office and going-out ensembles, or wearing once homebound slides (we’re looking at you, Birkenstocks) to add a nonchalant edge to everyday outfits. Whether casual or polished, the best flats have the power to add just the right amount of panache to a pretty midi dress or your staple jeans—and they work just as brilliantly with a great pair of trousers.
There’s something so effortless about a trendy square-toed flat styled with a crisp drawstring pant or evening-ready satin trouser, as evidenced by celebrities like Katie Holmes and Hailey Bieber. Or, as Jennifer Lawrence confirms, pairing a minimalist slide with colorful lounge pants is a surefire way to look straight out of a Scandi-inspired fashion spread. Together, some of our favorite street style stars have effectively created the ultimate playbook for nailing the chic flats-and-trousers combo, which, lucky for you, we’ve assembled below.
Keep scrolling for seven fresh, A-list-approved ways to style the pairing this summer and beyond, from versatile formulas perfect for the desk to date night and everything in between.
City Slicker
A pair of bow-adorned, square-toed ballet flats feels equal parts timeless, elegant, and modern. Ever the queen of refined yet laid-back street style, Katie Holmes wore hers with a white button-down, rich khaki trench coat, and black drawstring pants for a sleek tonal fall look.
The 9-to-9 Fit
Leave it to Alexa Chung to make a corporate-coded look feel anything but stuffy. A slightly oversized beige blazer, ankle-skimming trousers, and glossy pointed-toe flats strike that coveted balance between undeniably cool and classic.
All-Black
Arguably the edgiest (and buzziest) spin on the black flat is the square-toed, high-vamp glove silhouette. Hailey Bieber used hers as the base of a svelte monochrome ensemble, featuring satin pants, a textured high-neck top, and a slim leather tote.
Silk and Denim
Though mesh flats have faded somewhat into the background in recent years, stars like Margot Robbie and Gigi Hadid are once again proving they deserve a spot in your warm-weather lineup. They instantly add texture and dimension to sharp tailoring or an easy trio of pull-on trousers, a fitted white tee, and a denim overshirt. Meanwhile, a sparkling baguette necklace brings just the right amount of bling.
The Sleek Stomper
Yes, ugly shoes are having a moment, including slipper-like styles and simple clogs. Follow Jennifer Lawrence’s lead by pairing yours with floaty creamy-yellow pants, a relaxed-fit crewneck tee, and an airy button-down layered on top. Bonus points if you match your shoes to a slouchy suede shoulder bag, which clinches the perfectly undone aesthetic.
Girl Next Door
A classic round-toe bow flat offers a dainty contrast to laid-back favorites like airy black linen trousers, a vintage-inspired graphic tee, and a cropped denim jacket. A soft baseball cap adds a sporty touch, too.
Trusty Loafers and Pleated Trousers
Olivia Wilde always offers great inspiration for mixing and matching wardrobe basics. Case in point: her black penny loafers paired with pleated white trousers and a black tee. Ray-Ban Wayfarers and a subtle graphic tote finish the look, making it ready for wherever the day takes you.
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