Almost out of nowhere, one of fashion’s most divisive items has started making its way back onto the style scene. Once dismissed as “dated” and “unflattering,” skinny jeans had been relegated to the back of wardrobes as baggy and straight-leg styles thrived instead. But now, slowly but surely, skinny jeans are creeping back onto our radars, and there’s one particular shoe pairing that fashion people have been wearing theirs with all winter.
In the early ’00s one would wear skinny jeans with either platform heels, ballet flats or ankle boots. Interestingly, this season fashion people are pairing their slim-fitting jeans with elegant ballet flats once more, and looking surprisingly chic in the process.
Both nostalgic and modern, this “dated” pairing combines the elegant energy of streamlined skinny jeans with the delicate shape of ballet flats to create a particularly polished silhouette.
Nodding towards a sense of Y2K nostalgia whilst tapping into today’s preference for minimalism and a polished aesthetic, it’s really no surprise that the trend has come back around this season. Styling well with oversized layers—think chunky knits, boxy blazers or oversized coats—to balance out the slim proportion of the skinny jeans and neatly fitting flats, the new-season combination has an elegant energy that stylish dressers can’t resist.
Reflecting the cyclical nature of fashion, these two old favourites have been reimagined for the modern wardrobe this winter offering a captivating blend of nostalgia and contemporary style that few other outfit combinations can achieve.
Read on to discover our edit of the best skinny jeans and ballet flats below.
SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST SKINNY JEANS AND BALLET FLATS HERE:
These come in UK sizes 4—26.
Vagabond Shoemakers
Jolin Flats
These also come in a patent leather finish
Paige
Hoxton Ankle Skinny Jean
Style with ballet flats or wear these tucked in to knee-high boots.
Marks & Spencer
Suede Flat Mary Jane Ballet Pumps
Style with skinny jeans or wear with a flowing dress.
Zara
Coated Slim Fit High-Waist Jeans
These are already on their way to selling out.
Reformation
Prudence Ballet Flat
The leopard print trend isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.
Marks & Spencer
Magic Shaping High Waisted Skinny Jeans
These come in petite, regular and long lengths.
These elegant flats look more expensive than they are.
Mother Denim
High Waisted Looker Ankle
These crop just above the ankle, meaning they pair particularly well with ballet flats.
Maison Margiela
Tabi Split-Toe Textured Leather Ballet Flats
Maison Margiela’s Tabi flats are a fashion person’s favourites.