Jeans and flats in autumn is about as groundbreaking as florals in spring. Yet a quick scroll through the IG accounts of some of my favourite Gen Z content creators alerted me to a niche jeans-and-ballet-flats combination I hadn’t noticed before today: grey jeans and ballet flats.
Now, I, a self-proclaimed jeans connoisseur, do have a pair of grey jeans, and I’ve always found them to be the perfect styling sounding board. Their all-but-neutral colouring offers the same chic elevation as traditional blue and black colourways, yet feels far fresher and a touch cooler. In knowing this, I’m questioning why I never thought to pair them with one of my favourite shoe styles, ballet flats, before.
When it comes to grey jeans and ballet flats, the key really lies in the colouring and silhouette of the denim. After a refined polish? Opt for loose fit, darker-wash jeans and simple black ballet flats. Or, if you’re looking to add something different to a day-to-day look, grey jeans and studded ballet flats look so good with a beige waistcoat.
Don't take my word for it, though; the data speaks for itself. With searches for “grey jeans” up +90% and “ballet flats” up +150% on Google, they’re two of the most in-demand buys right now. So, to make your life a little easier, and to keep you ahead of the trends, I’ve rounded up the best grey jeans and ballet flats below.
From trending H&M jeans to the viral COS ballet flats, you’re sure to find a combo that works for you. Scroll to see my edit.
Shop the Grey-Jeans-and-Ballet-Flats Trend:
If you're after a pair of straight-leg jeans, H&M has a plethora of colours available.
The pretty bow detail and draped leather finish give such an elevated touch.
Fashion people love Zara jeans for a reason. These are selling out fast, and I don't imagine they’ll be around for much longer!
I have on good authority that these are some of the comfiest high-street ballet flats around right now, no breaking-in required.
If you’re after a high-waisted, dark-wash iteration, look no further.
Shoes are the easiest way to add some visual interest, and leopard print is still one of the trendiest prints of the season.
All the Scandi girls love Samsøe Samsøe jeans.
These would slot seamlessly into a capsule wardrobe.
With a high-waisted fit and barrel-leg silhouette, these feel timeless yet modern.
Available in brown, oxblood and diamanté-mesh colourways, these Reiss ballet flats are excellent quality.
Everyone's been raving about the chic cut of these A&F jeans for some time on my socials.
I love the gathering detail on the leather for something a little different.
Agolde offers some of the highest-quality, comfiest denim I’ve ever tried.
This quilted pair looks almost identical to Chanel’s iconic flats.
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