It's Confirmed: These 5 Flat Shoes Always Look Good With Trousers

Having been a stylist for over 12 years, I'm constantly asked, "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 XYZ?"It has long been a tricky task to know what shoes to style with certain outfits, and while 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

Francesca Saffari wearing wide leg trousers an Ganni flats

(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

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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2. Baggy Jeans + Rhinestone Ballet Flats

Lois Sterling wearing jeans and ballet flats

(Image credit: @_loissterling)

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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3. Wide-Leg, Linen Trousers + Chunky Sandals

Jessica Skye wearing linen trousers and chunky sandals

(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)

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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4. Straight-Leg Trousers + Loafers

Caroline Lin wearing straight leg trousers and loafers

(Image credit: @thecarolinelin)

Style Notes: While 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 preppiness.

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5. Track Pants + Mesh Flats

Anne-Laure Mais wearing tracksuit bottoms and mesh flats

(Image credit: @annelauremais)

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 a classic Chanel bag.

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This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.

Freelance Fashion Editor

Harriet Davey is a freelance fashion editor who has been part of Who What Wear's extended team since 2017. She previously worked in print at Look magazine and has since worked across print, digital and social for many other titles, including British Vogue, Stylist, Grazia, Refinery29 and Marie Claire. Also a stylist, Harriet has had the pleasure of producing cover shoots and editorials along with commercial shoots for brands including Boux Avenue, Watches of Switzerland, Benefit Cosmetics and Revolution. To add to this, Harriet also works in live TV styling for ITV’s This Morning.Back to Who What Wear. With hundreds of published stories on site, Harriet knows what the WWW reader wants. Keeping up to date with the latest It buys and runway trends, she can guarantee to keep you one step ahead of the most stylish people.When not writing or styling, Harriet loves to go shopping (yes, more fashion). If she’s not in a local Hackney bar or restaurant, you can find her forever searching for her next holiday destination.