I tried capri pants with nearly every shoe in my closet, from Sambas and loafers to wedges and heeled sandals. Some combinations surprised me, and a couple instantly transported me back to 2004. While I’m fully embracing parts of the Millennial revival, I wasn’t looking to recreate my entire wardrobe from back then. I wanted capris to feel modern.

I fully expected to love them with wedges and platform sandals because those are still some of my most-worn shoes. But while I love them with wide-leg jeans and pants, they just didn’t work with capris. They made the outfits feel a little too costume-y, like I was trying to recreate a trend instead of wear it in a current way. The combinations I liked best ended up being much simpler than I expected.

Here are the shoes that made capris feel the most current.

Flat sandals ended up being my favorite category overall. They’re simple, comfortable, and felt the most natural with the cropped length of the pants.

flip flops | capris (m, also at Nordstrom) | bralette (L) | similar cardigan | bag

I own these flip flops in multiple colors because they’re simple, comfortable, and seem to work with just about everything in my closet, including capris. The minimal design keeps the outfit feeling current and doesn’t compete with the cropped length. (Plus, the memory foam footbed makes them ridiculously comfortable.)

similar sandals | capris (m, also at Nordstrom) | silk top (s) | bag

There’s something about the studs and ankle straps that instantly dresses up an outfit, even when the sandals are completely flat. They add just enough interest without competing with the capris. They’re basically jewelry for your feet.

Also, this Ruti top is SO good. It’s 100% machine-washable silk, and the fit is fantastic. I love the neckline and the way the hem creates shape instead of just hanging straight down. It looks great tucked in too. (Also available in cream.)

crocs | capris (m, also at Nordstrom) | linen shirt (s) | bag

We recently did a group post on how good the Crocs Miami sandals are, and they ended up being one of my favorite pairings with capris. Like the flip flops, they keep the outfit feeling simple and modern, but the heel strap makes them feel a little more secure for all-day wear. Also, this Spanx linen shirt was love at first wear. It’s soft, lightweight, and much less stiff than most linen tops I’ve tried.

similar mules | capris (m, also at Nordstrom) | similar shirt (xs) | bag

These mules do have a heel, but they never feel overly dressy to me. I think the neutral suede and simple shape are what make them work. They add a little polish without feeling fussy.

The shirt I’m wearing is 100% Tencel® lyocell, and so is the one I linked…SO soft and breathable. And can we talk about this bag for a second? The suede is beautiful, and the shape feels really timeless. It’s one of those bags that makes an outfit feel a little more pulled together, even when you’re just wearing a button-down and capris.

You guys know I love a heel, but the styles that worked best with capris were the simpler, more minimalist ones. These ended up being two of my favorite looks.

sandals | capris (m, also at Nordstrom) | cami | similar blazer | bag

I recently found these sandals at Nordstrom Rack and now want them in every color. The heel is kind of the best of both worlds…it’s wide enough to be comfortable and stable, but visually it reads much sleeker than a typical block heel. They give me the height I want without feeling heavy or clunky. The oversized blazer and simple gold accessories made this one of my favorite night-out looks from the bunch.

(Also, this cami from Hanro has been a staple in my closet for years. I tucked it under a bit here to show a sliver of skin and break up all the black, but it looks just as good untucked.)

similar sandals | capris (m, also at Nordstrom) | shirt (s) | similar bag

My all-time favorite shoes to wear with pretty much everything are simple black ankle-strap sandals. They somehow work with jeans, dresses, skirts, and yes, capri pants. If I can’t decide what shoes to wear, these are usually my answer.

(And this Spanx top is part of their AirEssentials® collection, so it’s ridiculously soft and lightweight. I love the orange, but it also comes in black, navy, cream, light tan, and baby blue.)

loafers | capris (m, also at Nordstrom) | similar button down | bag | sunglasses

These loafers are ridiculously comfortable. They’re super lightweight, have a cushioned footbed, and built-in arch support. I can wear them all day without thinking about my feet, which is about the highest compliment I can give a shoe. I like the lighter color here, but they come in six other colors too. They have the same easy feel as a sneaker, just a little more polished.

And speaking of sneakers, the best ones to wear with capris are, in my opinion, the sleek, low-profile ones. They just felt more current than chunkier styles and worked better with the shorter length of the pants.

sneakers | capris (m, also at Nordstrom) | tank (s) | similar blazer | bag (also at Nordstrom)

I love the leg-lengthening effect of a neutral sneaker, especially when paired with other neutral pieces. This feels like the perfect summer airport outfit to me: comfortable, practical, and still put together. These sneakers are mesh, so they’re incredibly lightweight and breathable, which makes them a great option even on hot summer days.

Sambas | capris (m, also at Nordstrom) | tank (m) | similar bag

I know Sambas are everywhere right now, and they work surprisingly well with capris too. I like the sporty vibe paired with the feminine lace details of the top. It keeps the outfit from looking too cutesy. This was actually one of the outfits I first tried with platform slides, and it immediately felt dated. The Sambas were a much better choice.

sneakers | capris (m, also at Nordstrom) | t-shirt (xs) | bag

I bought these sneakers on a whim last year and they’ve ended up being one of my most-worn pairs. The pink and yellow are soft enough to work like a neutral, but still add a fun pop of color to outfits. The mesh fabric also makes them incredibly lightweight and comfortable in the summer.

(This MOTHER tee style is my go-to graphic tee because the fit is so good. The design I’m wearing is sold out, but they regularly release new versions.)

If you’ve been curious about trying capris again but weren’t quite sure how to style them, hopefully this gave you a few ideas. The biggest surprise for me was how much the shoes mattered. Once I found the right pairings, capris stopped feeling like a throwback and started feeling like something I’d actually wear again.

XOXO,

Scotti