While black trousers are a wardrobe pillar akin to a great pair of jeans or a fresh white tee, making them look and feel exciting isn’t always easy. So simple, so sleek, the qualities that make them so appealing can occasionally backfire, holding your look back with a boring quality that, without the right styling, can be hard to shake. In my experience, the difference between a black trouser outfit that feels dynamic versus one that falls flat lies in the shoes.
Simple trainers veer too casual, and honestly, a little overdone, while tall heels feel impractical for daily styling. In Daisy Edgar-Jones’ latest outfit, I’ve found the styling middle ground that makes these ordinary trousers feel chic every time.
Stepping out for a walk in New York, the actor styled her black trousers with a preppy pair of leather Mary Janes, elevating her look while retaining the effortless energy her style has become synonymous with.
(Image credit: Backgrid)
Choosing a low-slung pair that hugged her at the hips before skimming the legs, Edgar-Jones’ trousers cropped past her ankle, blending into the rich leather Mary Janes that cushioned her step. Completing her outfit with a beige sleeveless top, Edgar-Jones reached for Mango’s Contrasting Knit Top (£50), to keep her colour palette pared-back and elegant—and so easy to emulate.
The flat shoes ensure a comfortable stride while the black trousers—already a mainstay in so many capsule wardrobes—add a soft structure to the ensemble that works so well with the smart flats. A styling failsafe that fashion people reach for across the year, this in-between period when the spring’s warm breeze bleeds into summer’s glaring sun is the perfect time of year to step into the not-too-hot, not-too-cold combination.
Read on to discover our edit of the best black trousers and Mary Janes below.
SHOP BLACK TROUSERS AND MARY JANES:
Zara
Wide-Leg Darted Trousers
These also come in a fresh cream shade.
Arket
Leather Mary Jane Flats
Style these with fresh white socks or wear these on their own.
These look so much more expensive than they actually are.
Le Monde Béryl
Ballet Mary Jane
Style these with straight leg trousers or pair with a flowing skirt.
Reformation
Vida Low Rise Pant
The low-rise cut makes this easy to style with boxy, oversized tops.
Arthur Sleep
The Mary Jane in Black Calf Leather
These also come in half sizes, so you can find your perfect fit.
Arket
Barrel-Leg Trousers
These feature a barrel leg cut that gives the garment a polished edge.
The Row
Ava Shoe in Leather
The Row’s ballet flats are a fashion person’s favourites.
Toteme
Straight Suit Trousers
Trust me, these won’t stay in stock for long.
Vagabond Shoemakers
Delia
The square-toe design gives these a sleek, polished finish.
Marks & Spencer
Pure Cotton Poplin Straight Leg Trousers
These come in short, regular and long lengths, so you can find your perfect fit.
Reformation
Bethany Ballet Flat
These also come in ten other shades.
COS
Relaxed Cotton Wide-Leg Trousers
While I love these in a classic black hue, they also come in cream and orange.
Aeyde
Uma Patent-Leather Mary Jane Ballet Flats
Explore More: