As much as jeans are a staple of my wardrobe, they're just not what I reach for when I want to look polished. That being said, I've come to realise that, with the right shoe pairing, even the slouchiest of denim can feel entirely elevated. Proving my point, Miley Cyrus and Laura Harrier were out this week in indisputably elegant jeans outfits, made all the more chic by the black leather ballet flats they both happened to reach for.
Both selecting glossy leather ballerinas in the deep shade, Cyrus wore her flats with high-rise, slouchy jeans, a black cardigan, a large black handbag and dark sunglasses. While the pared-back colour palette certainly contributed towards her outfit's elegance, in my eyes, it was her smart flat-shoe choice that set it apart, bringing a sophisticated edge to her outfit that strappy sandals or trainers could honestly never match.
Taking a similar approach to her denim styling, Laura Harrier stepped out for a dog walk this week in a pair of high-rise, straight-leg jeans, made all the more chic by her black leather ballet flats pairing.
Perhaps for its association with French-girl style, a ballet flats-and-jeans combination will, in my opinion, always look chic. Comfortable, classy and perfect for daily wear, read on to discover my edit of the best jeans and ballet flats below.
SHOP JEANS AND BALLET FLATS:
These come in UK sizes 4—30.
Black ballet flats are without a doubt the most versatile shoes in my wardrobe.
The belt loop detail at the back of the jeans mean that you can adjust these for a better fit.
These also come in seven other colours.
Agolde's jeans are fashion person's favourites.
Style with white socks to give your look a preppy edge.
Style with rounded-toe flats or wear with heeled sandals.
These also come in red, leopard print and brown suede.
These also come in four other shades.
The Row's leather ballet flats are a fashion person's favourites.
Every great wardrobe starts with a pair of straight-leg jeans.
The suede ballet flats trend is taking off this season.
-
My Friends Love Reformation—I Sent Them 31 Gorgeous Picks I'm Eyeing Right NowOne of each, please.
-
Penny Loafers Are Fine, But Expert Dressers Know This Flat-Shoe Trend Makes for Elite-Level OutfitsEspecially with jeans and trousers.
-
Looking Chic in Cropped Jeans This Winter Means Wearing This Boot Style and ColorElizabeth Olsen would know.
-
Making Basic Jeans and Black Boots Look Elegant Is Easy—Just Add This Coat Color TrendHint: It's neither red, navy, nor leopard print.
-
The 2026 Version of Skinny Jeans Is Here, and I Tried It On—This Is Why It's a Game ChangerThere's nothing dated about it.
-
My Mom Only Shops Affordable Fashion—I Sent Her These 27 Chic, Rich-LookingReplica Store FindsEverything is under $150.
-
H&M Just Dropped a $40 Version of The Row's Winter Flats I Keep Seeing on Chic New YorkersA sellout is imminent.
-
Sarah Snook's New Bag Is So Shiv Roy If She Moved to L.A. and Started a SubstackI'm having Succession withdrawals.
