How Alessandra Ambrosio Made Flat Sandals Work With Wide-Leg Jeans—A Ground-Up Masterclass

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In the world of off-duty supermodel style, the “boho-chic” era of the early 2010s remains a goldmine for one specific reason: the art of the ground-up silhouette.

When Alessandra Ambrosio stepped out in Santa Monica, she didn’t just throw on a pair of flats; she provided a masterclass in proportional anchoring.

Alessandra Ambrosio expertly paired a Tolani scarf with a Gypsy 05 Orian silk top and Rag & Bone Bell jeans for a bohemian-chic lookAlessandra Ambrosio expertly paired a Tolani scarf with a Gypsy 05 Orian silk top and Rag & Bone Bell jeans for a bohemian-chic look

While her Rag & Bone bell-bottom jeans could easily overwhelm a petite frame or a flat sole, the 5 feet 8½ inches (174 cm) tall Ambrosio opted for a “barely-there” leather sandal.

This specific choice is the secret to wearing wide-leg denim without bulk—using a minimalist footbed to let the jeans’ volume take center stage while maintaining a streamlined, walkable profile. It’s a lesson in intentional grounding that feels as relevant for today’s “Quiet Luxury” movement as it did in 2011.

Alessandra Ambrosio letting barely-there flat sandals ground her flowing bell-bottom silhouette and reinforce the outfit’s effortless, walkable balanceAlessandra Ambrosio letting barely-there flat sandals ground her flowing bell-bottom silhouette and reinforce the outfit’s effortless, walkable balance

For more examples of Alessandra Ambrosio making flat sandals look intentional, explore her off-duty rotations—from casual thong flats on a daytime outing to minimalist slide sandals, plus a boho-leaning pair of Cocobelle Milano thong gladiator flats.

For designer takes, see how she keeps things grounded in Gucci Tess horsebit thong sandals and adds edge with Valentino Rockstud flat sandals, then round it out with another polished, walkable option in classic T-strap flats—proof that her best looks are consistently built from the ground up.

Alessandra Ambrosio in Los Angeles on April 13, 2011, pairing a Gypsy 05 Orian silk top with Rag & Bone bell jeans, flat sandals, and a 35cm Hermès Birkin in Etoupe with Palladium hardware for an off-duty look grounded in ease and balanceAlessandra Ambrosio in Los Angeles on April 13, 2011, pairing a Gypsy 05 Orian silk top with Rag & Bone bell jeans, flat sandals, and a 35cm Hermès Birkin in Etoupe with Palladium hardware for an off-duty look grounded in ease and balance (Credit: WENN)

The printed scarf around Alessandra’s neck is a Tolani digital scarf in Safari, crafted from lightweight 100% linen. This easy, breathable choice reinforces the look’s relaxed spring sensibility without overpowering the rest of the outfit.

Tolani Digital Scarf in Safari, crafted from lightweight 100% linen and finished with soft watercolor hues and subtle animal-inspired patterning for an effortless spring-ready accentTolani Digital Scarf in Safari, crafted from lightweight 100% linen and finished with soft watercolor hues and subtle animal-inspired patterning for an effortless spring-ready accent

From Off-Duty Ease to Red-Carpet Precision

Whether she’s grounding a spa-day outfit with walkable flats or elevating couture with sculptural heels, Alessandra Ambrosio’s style remains consistent in one essential way: every look is built from the ground up. Her footwear choices—practical or polished—quietly shape the outcome, proving that even the most effortless moments are the result of thoughtful balance.

👠 Explore Alessandra Ambrosio’s Shoe & Fashion Moments: