Almost out of nowhere, one of fashion's most divisive items has started making its way back onto the scene.
Once dismissed as "dated" and "unflattering," skinny jeans had been relegated to the backs of wardrobes for years 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 are wearing them with. In the early '00s, we'd wear our skinny jeans with either platform heels, ballet flats or ankle boots, and interestingly, it's ballet flats that have returned alongside slim-fitting jeans, looking surprisingly chic in the process.
Somehow both nostalgic and modern, this "dated" pairing combines the elegance of streamlined skinny jeans with the delicate shape of ballet flats to create a particularly polished silhouette. Nodding towards Y2K nostalgia whilst tapping into today's preference for minimalism and a sleek 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 roomy coats—to balance out the slim proportions of the jeans and neatly fitting flats, the combo has a certain appeal that stylish dressers can't resist.
Jessica Alba wears skinny jeans and ballet flats on the red carpet in 2006.
Reflecting the cyclical nature of fashion, these old favourites have been reimagined for the modern wardrobe this winter. Read on to discover our edit of the best skinny jeans and ballet flats.
SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST SKINNY JEANS AND BALLET FLATS:
These come in UK sizes 4 26.
These also come in a patent-leather finish.
Style with ballet flats or wear these tucked into knee-high boots.
Tick off multiple trends at one with this chocolate-brown suede pair.
These have a coated finish—very '00s vibes.
The leopard-print trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down.
These come in petite, regular and long lengths.
These simple and elegant flats look more expensive than they are.
Cropping just above the ankle, these will pair particularly well with ballet flats.
Maison Margiela's Tabi flats are a fashion person's favourites.
-
Fashion People Just Gave Me 15 Fresh Ways to Wear Jeans Next MonthSave and style on repeat this fall.
-
The Denim Trends Celebrities Are Ditching, and What They're Wearing Instead for 2025Talk about a glow-up!
-
Forget Flats—Everyone With Good Taste Is Wearing These Boots With Jeans and a JacketPut these on your shopping list.
-
My Mom Is in Her 50s and Asked Me for Fashion Advice—8 ChicReplica Store Outfits I Put Together for Her Under $425Outdated prints and "ugly" shoes included.
-
This Is the Luxe Fall Shoe Trend Every Fashion Person Is Already Wearing on RepeatCount these inspo pics as proof.
-
I'm Seeing This Quietly Chic Flat-Shoe Style Paired With Outfits Everywhere This FallThere are endless ways to wear it.
-
Breaking: Julia Roberts Wore This Clashing Bag Color With Black Flats, and the World Didn't EndI'm totally copying this.
-
No, Really—This Denim Color Is Easier to Style Than Blue *and* Black JeansAnd everyone with taste is wearing it with loafers for fall.
