Forget Classic Ballet Flats—Women in L.A. Know These Controversial Shoes Make Boring Basics 10 Times Cooler

While basics are, in fact, a closet necessity in any season, they can be boring. I'm just being honest. But there's a styling trick that can make them look cooler. Jodie Turner-Smith recently wore a white tank top and khaki pants on a day of running errands in L.A, and she paired the pieces with a particularly controversial shoe trend that caught my eye and made her plain outfit look much cooler: the barefoot-shoe trend via Vibram FiveFingers flats.

These shoes have been a hot topic within the fashion crowd, and most people are 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 because they're actually good for your feet. That said, I'm glad they've had such a big moment over the past year on Instagram and even the runway (Coperni's F/W 25 collection, for example).

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

(Image credit: Backgrid)

On Jodie Turner-Smith: Burberry Beige Wool Cargo Trousers ($1550)