
If you want to make leggings look genuinely chic, my best advice is to skip ballet flats and return to the leggings outfit formula that never fails. For that effortless, I just threw this on kind of off-duty look, black high-waisted leggings are at their best when paired with sleek black trainers.
Whilst ballet flats—chic as they are—can visually shorten the leg, black trainers elongate your silhouette. Their cushioned soles add a little extra height, whilst the tonal colour palette creates one uninterrupted line, making the overall look feel longer, leaner and more polished.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Adidas)
Taking the outfit formula out for a spin, I spotted Kendall in the timeless pairing just this week. Beginning with the perfect base, Kendall selected a pair of black, high-waisted leggings, styling them with tall black socks and a pair of Adidas’s Adizero Dropset Pro Training Shoes (£130).
Kendall completed her outfit with an oversized pair of sunglasses, whilst wired headphones framed her face and a sleek black leather bag swung from her shoulder, compounding on the cool energy.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Adidas)
Whilst her trainers are already available to shop, her navy top and streamlined leggings have yet to be released—and I doubt they’ll stay in stock for long once they launch.
So, rather than trying to dress leggings up as something they’re not, embrace their sporty roots and style with a classic pair of black trainers. Into it? Read on to shop the leggings and trainers I’d recommend below.
Shop Leggings and Black Trainers:
Adidas
ADIZERO Dropset Pro Training Shoes
Shop the exact trainers Kendall loves.
Adidas
Essentials Leggings
Every great wardrobe starts with a pair of black leggings.
NIKE
T90 Shox Magia Qs Nubuck Sneakers
These are detailed with the quilted lines and asymmetric lacing of the original indoor-pitch design from the early 2000s.
DRIES VAN NOTEN
Leather Sneakers
The low profile trainer trend isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.
ON
+ Zendaya Cloudnova Moon Rubber-Trimmed Mesh Sneakers
The ballet-inspired detailing gives these a distinct 2026 feel.
Prada
Collapse Re-Nylon and Suede Sneakers
These also come in navy and ivory.
Salomon’s trainers are a fashion person’s favourites.
Marks & Spencer
High Waisted Leggings
Style these with black trainers or dress them up with ballet flats.
Champion
Women’s Seamless Leggings
These also come in a warm shade of grey.
Lululemon
Align High-Rise Pant
These come in three different leg lengths, so you can find your perfect fit.
Sweaty Betty
All Day 7/8 Leggings
These 7/8 finish gives these an even more casual energy.
Goodmove
Go Balance Wrap Waist Yoga Leggings
Style these to yoga, before dressing them up with ballet flats for brunch.
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