Forget Classic Ballet Flats—L.A. Girls Know This Controversial Shoe Makes Boring Basics 10x Cooler

By Swedan MargenDecember 9, 2025

While basics are, in fact, a closet necessity, no matter what season, they can be boring—just being honest. But there’s a styling trick that can make them look cooler, especially a plain outfit like a white tank top and khaki pants, which is the exact outfit formula that Jodie Turner-Smith recently wore on a day of running errands in L.A. While the outfit was otherise “boring,” she wore one controversial shoe trend, in particular, that caught my eye and made her plain outfit look much cooler: She wore the barefoot shoe trend via Vibram FiveFinger flats.

These shoes have been a hot topic within the fashion crowd, with most people wearing them with the wrong shoe theory in mind. Turner-Smith opting to wear the shoes with such a casual, laid-back outfit was an easy way to make her basics look less bland. I, for one, have been a fan since before they became a trend among the fashion crowd, as they’re actually good for your feet. That said, I’m glad they had such a big moment over the past year on Instagram and even the runway (Coperni’s FW 25 collection, for example).

If Turner-Smith’s easy styling trick inspired you, keep scrolling to recreate her look and shop similar items.