July 12, 2021 at 06:02AM

As someone who avoided wearing trousers for the best part of 20 years, I’ve always found it increasingly difficult to style them—particularly where shoes are concerned. Often, I’ll compile my looks from head to toe, starting with a statement top, the accompanying bottom half and then the footwear. However, I tend to find myself slipping on every shoe style I own (trust me—there are a few), unconvinced that any of them suit my strides.

Some prove too chunky, while others make me feel frumpy. Either way, it’s not a very enjoyable experience. As such, I set about to find out which shoe styles should be worn with which types of trousers once and for all. After lengthy try-on sessions and lots of IG scrolling, I think I’ve cracked the perfect footwear-and-trouser formulas. Below, you’ll find four key trouser silhouettes, each boasting three shoe options that work specifically with them.

Keep scrolling to see my edit of stylish shoes to wear with trousers.

Culottes are one of the most versatile trouser shapes to style shoes with, as the higher hemline allows for a myriad of footwear options. This season’s strappy sandals look best with them, as the cropped length of the trousers shows off the intricate straps in their entirety. Case in point: Tamu McPherson’s outfit. Minimal mules also work, particularly if you want to elongate your legs. As far as flat shoes go, look to loafers to add a polished spin. 

Jeans make up the vast majority of our off-duty outfits, with straight-leg styles still proving to be increasingly popular. As far as shoes go, we’re of the opinion denim looks best paired with sleek court shoes. For summer days, a pair of espadrilles will always serve you well, as the tapered leg of the jeans will offset the chunky wedges. Using this same logic, thick-soled sneakers also look the part with straight-leg jeans.

Wide-leg trousers are a summertime staple, but when it comes to footwear, they’re notoriously tricky to style. Lately, we’ve spotted influencers giving them an off-duty overhaul with white trainers and a simple tee. That said, they also look good with open-toed shoes—often, closed-toed heels can look frumpy with billowing fabric around them. Then, of course, they also look the 2021 part worn with chunky sandals.

Tailored trousers that sit just above the ankle always look sophisticated, as evidenced on Emili Sindlev. Make the most of the flesh on show by opting for sultry ankle-tie heels—or a pair of backless flats. If you’re more of a boot person, stick to snug-fitting styles that’ll further enhance the narrow silhouette the trouser creates.

This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Next Up: Autumn 2021 Trends: The Only Fashion Looks You Need to Know

Author Maxine Eggenberger | Whowhatwear
Selected by CWC