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Not Black, Not White—This Elegant Shoe Colour Always Looks Chicest With Navy Trousers

By Swedan Margen

Not Black, Not White—This Elegant Shoe Colour Always Looks Chicest With Navy Trousers

There’s a time and place for classic black and dependable white shoes, but I’d argue that early autumn isn’t it. With the season shift comes a renewed appetite for richer, more decadent tones. It’s the perfect moment to bring back those wardrobe heroes that have been tucked away through summer, and for me, the first stop is navy trousers.

More interesting than your go-to black pair, but admittedly trickier to style, navy trousers have had me pondering their perfect autumn shoe partner. Then, this week, Kaia Gerber provided the answer I didn’t know I’d been waiting for. Spotted in ankle-grazing navy trousers, she paired them not with black, not with white, but with a rich burgundy shoe—a combination so chic I couldn’t believe I’d overlooked it.

Kaia Gerber walks down the street wearing navy trousers and burgundy ballet flats with a white short sleeve blouse and a brown knit over her shoulders.

Burgundy and navy riff off each other beautifully, creating a robust, autumnal palette that feels polished without being overpowering. Where black might weigh navy down and white can jar against its depth, burgundy balances—it deepens the look, elevating navy while maintaining a sense of ease.

Gerber completed her outfit with a short-sleeved white blouse, dark sunglasses, and a brown knit draped over her shoulders.

Read on to discover my edit of navy trousers and burgundy shoes below.

Shop Navy Trousers and Burgundy Shoes:

Ballet Pumps

Style these with navy trousers or pair with your favourite jeans.

High-Waisted Tailored Trousers

H&M

High-Waisted Tailored Trousers

These classic high-waisted trousers also come in seven other shades.

Pointy Leather Flats – Burgundy – Women – Arket Gb

Arket

Pointy Leather Flats

The pointed-toe finish gives these such an elevated edge.

Barrel-Leg Trousers – Dark Blue – Women – Arket Gb

Arket

Barrel-Leg Trousers

The barrel leg trouser trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down.

Nappa Leather Ballet Flats in Oxblood

Reiss

Nappa Leather Ballet Flats

Pair these with fresh white socks for a preppy finish.

Rampling Trouser: Seersucker, Navy Blue

With Nothing Underneath

Rampling Trouser

With Nothing Underneath's trousers are a fashion person's favourites.

Luna Leather Ballet Flats

Le Monde Beryl

Luna Leather Ballet Flats

Every great wardrobe starts with a sleek pair of ballet flats.

Wide Leg Trousers

Marks & Spencer

Wide Leg Trousers

These come in five different leg lengths, so you can find your perfect fit.

Leather Ballet Flats With Eyelets - Women | Mango United Kingdom

Mango

Leather Ballet Flats With Eyelets

These come up small, so we recommend sizing up.

Low-Rise Wide-Leg Trousers - Women | Mango United Kingdom

Mango

Low-Rise Wide-Leg Trousers

The low-rise cut gives these a thoroughly modern finish.

Pebble Embellished Leather Ballet Flats

Loewe

Pebble Embellished Leather Ballet Flats

These also come in black and brown.

Holi Pants - Navy

The Frankie Shop

Holi Pants

Fashion people always come back to The Frankie Shop for their excellent tailoring.

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