Alexa and Kendall Just Wore the Trouser-and-Ballet-Flat Combo of 2023

The last time ballet flats were really and truly in fashion it was de riguer to wear them the skinniest of skin-tight jeans. This time around, things are looking very different—the complete opposite, in fact. Instead of drainpipe denim with pumps, we're looking at wide-leg trousers as being the partner of choice for fashion's best-dressed.
Only on the weekend did Alexa Chung make that point (pointe?) incredibly clear when she stepped out for dinner in Knightsbridge, London wearing a pair of slouchy black tailored pants with a leather coat, fuzzy scarf and diamanté Prada bag alongside simple black ballet pumps. She was, of course, sensible enough to know that a pair of ballet flats in mid-December is a risky move, and added some red socks to keep warm. While the sock-and-flats pairing may still be experimental enough divide a crowd, I think we can all agree that combing these simple flats with a more casual trouser silhouette is a welcome revision ahead of 2023. The SS23 trend line-up features a lot of ballet pumps, and there are many ways to wear them, swishy long skirts and scrunched-down hoisiery being most common on the runways.
So perhaps it's no great surprise to see that the formula has already taken off across the pond too. Earlier in the month, Kendall Jenner was spotted wearing a pair of loose-fitting black trousers with the elastic band-strapped flats from The Row—a pair that will undoubtedly become one of the It buys of the New Year from the trajectory we're already witnessing. They offered the perfect off-duty elegance to a simple baggy jumper-and-slacks outfit that I'm certain many will copy once the weather warms up a little.
Keep scrolling to see how Alexa and Kendall are wearing their ballet flats with wide-leg trousers, and
On Kendall Jenner: The Row Elastic Leather Flats (£690)
On Alexa Chung: Prada bag
Shop Ballet Flats and Wide-Leg Trousers
You could say that Miu Miu kickstarted the ballet flat comeback.
Dress them up, dress them down.
Up next, what's good in the Christmas sales.

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. She joined in 2015 when she launched the UK sister site following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine as fashion news and features editor. With experience in print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 18 years of experience as a journalist, editor and content strategist. Her opinion has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com and she is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.
-
Hot Take: This Trending Dress Color Is Prettier Than Pink, Red, and White
Sorry, I said it.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
10 Spring Outfit Ideas That Will Make Anyone Look Like a Fashion Person
Bring on the compliments.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Jennifer Lawrence Just Wore the Leopard-Print Alaïa Flats Even Retro Sneakers Can't Compete With
They're just too chic.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Re: Your Ballet Flats—Here Are the Chicest Ways to Wear Them This Summer
Because we know you're wondering.
By Michelle Scanga
-
It's Here: 2025's Most (Unexpectedly) Elegant Flat-Shoe Trend
It works with everything.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Style Rut? I Have Something for That—33 Stellar Spring Picks From Nordstrom, Zara, and Madewell
I see chic outfits in your future.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
I Just Ran to My Computer to Track Down Jennifer Lawrence's Trendy Flats
That didn't take long…
By Allyson Payer
-
Try Any of These 5 Spring Shoe Trends, and You Won't Be Able to Stop Staring at Your Feet
I'm obsessed.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes