4 Failsafe Trouser

By Joy Montgomery

Why is it always so hard to decide which shoes to pair with trousers? There seems to be no logic to it. Perhaps it’s because of the proliferation of wide-leg trousers, a trend that is particularly tricky to accessorise (do you balance out the volume with a chunky-heeled boot or embrace the puddle hem with a petite ballet pump?), or maybe it’s the mathematical improbability of nailing the trouser-hem-to-top-of-shoe ratio. Should it conceal the shoe completely or hover at the ankle? Brush the laces or sit one inch from the ground? The limit does not exist.

By Joy Montgomery

But worry not, because we’ve put our heads together to assemble four failsafe shoe-and-trouser pairings that you can recreate this September. While there are no hard and fast rules, there are some styling tricks that will make getting ready in the morning a little easier. For example, the “wrong shoe theory” is always a good starting point – a concept pioneered by stylist Allison Bornstein that encourages you to choose the most unlikely footwear possible to pair with your outfit. We’re thinking a cargo trouser and a strappy heeled sandal, a sporty tracksuit bottom with a mesh ballet pump or a smart tailored trouser with a casual sneaker.

Length-wise, we also tend to find that trousers tend to look their best when either full-length – i.e. fully covering the shoe and almost touching the floor – or intentionally cropped. Anything in-between can look awkward or like it doesn’t fit properly. While the slouchy full-length trouser has been trending over the last year or two, we’ve noticed cropped, Capri-pant styles start to reemerge this season. These shorter lengths tend to pair best with more delicate shoes, such as pointed kitten heels or slimline ballet flats: think Audrey Hepburn c.1955.

So if you’re looking for a little styling inspo this September, scroll down to see and shop our favourite trouser-and-shoe pairings.

Arket Oversized Wool Blend Twill Blazer

Arket

Arket Heavyweight T-Shirt

Arket

Simkhai Sanaz Pleated Crepe Wide-Leg Pants

Net-a-Porter

Mango Leather Penny Loafers

Mango

With Nothing Underneath Boyfriend Poplin Top

Free People

Completedworks Cubic Zirconia & Recycled Sterling Silver Earrings

Matches

Le Monde Beryl Luna mesh slippers

Matches

Adidas Adicolor Classics Oversized SST Tracksuit Bottoms

Adidas

Ralph Lauren Cashmere Crewneck Cardigan

Ralph Lauren

Acne Studios Leather Biker Jacket

Net-a-Porter

Prada Brushed Leather Slingback Pumps With Floral Appliques

Prada

Rouje Smith Trousers

Rouje

Cos Crew Neck Merino Wool Top

Cos

Arket Curved Shoulder Bag

Arket

Jimmy Choo Indiya Mule 70 Latte Nappa Leather Mules With Crystal Hearts

Jimmy Choo

Cos Wide-Leg Cargo Trousers

Cos

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