Forget the jeans—personally, I think these trousers (along with these shoes) appear much more stylish.

      With autumn approaching in just a few days, I've begun my yearly ritual of sorting through my summer favorites and transitioning to cool-weather must-haves. Focused on embodying that polished and put-together vibe I seek every September, I am being particularly discerning about what I include in my autumn wardrobe. So far, I've discovered little reason to stray from one specific trouser-and-shoe pairing that, in my opinion, exudes more chicness than the others. Inspired by none other than Hailey Bieber, the model and timeless style icon, I noticed she opted for an effortlessly stylish combination: slightly cropped black trousers paired with sleek slip-on mules instead of denim.

      The ankle-length cut adds a '90s vibe to the ensemble, a sentiment that Hailey accentuated with her minimalist footwear choice. In my view, it’s far more stylish than any denim style and sleeker than even the most streamlined sneakers, while remaining light and easy enough to carry us through those warm early autumn days. She completed her outfit with a form-fitting V-neck knit in a lovely pale blue shade, creating a refined, understated autumn look that I plan to replicate throughout the season. If you didn’t already recognize my influence, scroll down to see my selection of the best cropped trousers and flat mules to recreate the look below.

      **Shop Cropped Trousers and Flat Mules:**

      **Reformation**

      Palmer Cropped Knit Pant

      Pair these with slip-on flats to achieve Hailey's style. They come in black and eight other colors.

      **LESET**

      Rio Cropped Stretch-Ponte Flared Pants

      The elasticized finish guarantees a comfortable fit.

      **COS**

      Cropped Flared Trousers

      These are currently fully stocked, but I doubt they'll stay that way for long.

      **& Other Stories**

      Cropped Kick Flare Trousers

      You can dress these up with loafers or go casual with simple ballerinas. Act fast—these are likely to sell out quickly!

      **Ancient Greek Sandals**

      The Slipper Black

      These are great in black, but they also come in three stylish animal prints, including deer and cow.

      **Massimo Dutti**

      Mock Croc Leather Mules

      The mock croc texture gives these a luxurious feel.

      **The Set**

      Backless Slip-On Mules

      Honestly, these look pricier than they actually are.

      **Toteme**

      Wool-Cashmere Lounge Slippers

      Yes, even slippers can be elevated.