Don't get me wrong—I love a buzzy trend and a fresh-from-the-runway silhouette, but if we're talking about the garments that I reach for every day, the ones that I think of as the pillars of my best outfits, they're all tried and true pieces. Capsule wardrobe staples, if you will.
There's certainly something to be said for getting the basics right. Do that, and it's guaranteed that a chic outfit will follow. Take, for example, Katie Holmes' recent look. Perfecting her foundations, Holmes selected jeans that cropped just above her ankle and reached for a simple yet chic pair of black ballet flats that, although not groundbreaking, when paired with her perfectly cropped denim, made for an easy, throw-on ensemble I couldn't look past.
Simple yet powerful when paired together, cropped jeans and ballet flats deliver a timeless energy that manages to transcend seasonal trends—meaning that it's a combination that fashion people always have and always will reach for if they're channelling effortless elegance.
The proof is in the pudding: with an easy, elegant base, the rest of Holmes' outfit quickly slotted into place. Layering a camel trench coat over a patterned blouse and accessorising with a black leather bag and dark sunglasses, Holmes' ensemble felt chic and wearable while her cropped jeans and ballet flats pairing showed just enough skin to keep it looking lightweight, fresh and entirely spring-ready.
While Katie Holmes is often one of the first to get a new trend off its feet, her latest look just demonstrates that relying on time-tested outfit formulas will always yield results.
Simple, effective and indisputably chic, read on to discover our edit of the best cropped jeans and ballet flats below.
SHOP CROPPED JEANS AND BALLET FLATS:
Style with ballet flats or pair with glossy loafers for a smarter finish.
Honestly, I can't believe these haven't sold out yet.
These come in UK sizes 6—24, as well as three different lengths.
The Row's elasticed ballet flats are a favourite within fashion crowds.
These also come in 11 other shades.
Add a subtle was of colour to your shoe rotation.
I always come back to Mother Denim for their chic, high-quality designs.
These also come in a classic black leather design.
-
Scarf Belts Won't Look Dated *If* You Wear Them With This Skinny-ish Denim TrendProof is inside.
-
If I See You Wearing One of These 6 Specific Shoe Colors, I Know You're a Fashion PersonIYKYK.
-
If You Want to Signal That You Have a Cool Job, Wear This Controversial Shoe Trend With Your TrousersIrina Shayk is embracing winter's trendiest shoes.
-
These Designer Jeans Make Me Feel Like a Grown-Up With Excellent Credit and Even Better TasteI'm just another fashion insider who's obsessed with them.
-
This Sweater Color Trend and This Jeans Color Trend Are the Key to Expensive-Looking Winter OutfitsTakes notes on this elegant Maude Apatow outfit.
-
Spotted in Tribeca and Beverly Hills: The Very 2025 Ways Gen Z It Girls Are Wearing Ballet FlatsFrom 2005 to 2025.
-
I Escaped to Boston for a Weekend—3 Chic J.Crew Outfits Perfect for New England FallEffortless style.
-
Still Need The Perfect Winter Denim? Look No Further—These Levi’s Might Be Sold Out By Black FridayShop bestselling jeans, sweaters, jackets, and more.
