Right now, the only pant-and-shoe combos I’ve been wearing are jeans with sneakers or boots, or trousers with sneakers or boots. Call me boring, but it’s simply the most practical pairing for this time of year when the temperature is still a little bit temperamental. The mornings are chilly while the afternoons are warm, but simply this fact is enough to deter me from straying from my safe shoes of choice. That doesn't mean, however, that I haven’t been thinking about my summer shoes; in fact, Zoe Saldaña just stepped out in the jeans-and-footwear duo I’m dreaming about. 

Saldaña is a master at warm-weather dressing, as she lives in sunny California. This means that whenever I am in need of some inspiration for the season ahead (ahem, spring and summer), I know I can confidently turn to her for some ideas, which actually just happened. The actress was recently spotted grabbing lunch in Montecito, California, wearing the most summer-y outfit that was simple but chic — a dressing approach Saldaña is known for. 

The actress wore a white, puff-sleeve blouse that was the epitome of summer with its lightweight cotton fabric and lace appliqués at the neckline that added an ethereal vibe to a warm-weather staple. But the #summervibes didn’t stop there: Saldaña paired her dreamy blouse with light-wash, straight-leg jeans and black, block-heel sandals that introduce the ‘It’pants-and-shoe combo of next six months. Trust me. 

Levi’s Wedgie High-Waist Straight-Leg Jeans

Jeffrey Campbell Adapt Slingback Sandal

Jeans and sneakers are a classic summertime pairing. It’s comfy and cute, but if you want something slightly more dressed up, Saldaña’s combo takes the cake. The light-wash jeans keep the summer outfit casual enough for all-day wearing, while the block-heel sandals add a dressy element. Not to mention, her footwear of choice is also comfy; the sturdy block base is far more stable than a stiletto one, offering support that you can walk on all day without risking getting stuck in a sidewalk grate, while the ankle strap offers additional security, keeping the shoes securely on your feet, step after step.

Ready to get a head start on the summer pants-and-shoe pairing you’ll be living in all spring and summer? Shop more straight-leg jeans and block-heel sandals below.

Get the Look:

Rag & Bone Harlow Relaxed Straight-Leg Jeans
Shop now: $255; nordstrom.com

Mother the Rascal Frayed Ankle Slim Jeans
Shop now: $248; nordstrom.com

Lucky Brand Sweet Straight Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
Shop now: $99; nordstrom.com

Steve Madden Ella Ankle-Strap Sandal
Shop now: $90; nordstrom.com

Vionic Chardonnay Block-Heel Sandal
Shop now: $140; nordstrom.com

Bernardo Footwear Jalena Ankle-Strap Sandal
Shop now: $175; nordstrom.com