H&M Just Dropped a $40 Version of the Flat Shoe Trend That Every Celeb Is Already Wearing For Fall
Our take
The cyclical nature of fashion is rarely as pronounced as the shift from towering heels to the decidedly grounded jazz shoe. This season’s rapid embrace of the derby-style flat, as highlighted by H&M’s accessible offering, signals a deeper trend than just footwear preference. It reflects a broader desire for understated elegance and a move away from the maximalism that dominated recent years. We've already seen this leaning towards quiet comfort reflected in our own conversations around failproof fall staples [I Hate Making Returns, So This Is My Failproof Fall 2026 Shopping List], where comfortable flats are a key component of a considered wardrobe. The alignment of celebrities and fashion insiders on this particular shoe reinforces its staying power – it’s not a fleeting micro-trend, but a genuine recalibration of style priorities. The quick response from retailers like H&M, offering a $40 version, demonstrates the speed with which these shifts are being recognized and catered to, further solidifying the jazz shoe’s place in the fall landscape.
The appeal of the jazz shoe lies in its inherent versatility and timelessness. It’s a shoe that can be dressed up or down, pairing equally well with a tailored suit or a flowing midi dress. This contrasts sharply with the often-restrictive and overtly statement-making shoes that have been popular in recent seasons. Consider, too, the broader emphasis on texture this fall [Texture Is Fall’s Fashion Hero — & These Stunning Pieces Elevate Every Outfit], and how the clean lines of a jazz shoe provide a perfect counterpoint to richer fabrics and intricate details. It allows the clothing itself to take center stage, a testament to a more refined and less ostentatious approach to personal style. This isn't about shouting your wealth or trend awareness; it’s about quietly conveying a sense of cultivated taste and effortless sophistication. The shoe's inherent connection to classic menswear also subtly nods towards a blurring of gender lines in fashion, a trend we’ve observed gaining momentum.
The accessibility of the H&M version is particularly significant. While luxury brands have undoubtedly been showcasing their own iterations of the jazz shoe, the democratization of the trend through a more affordable option ensures its widespread adoption. This isn't to diminish the value of high-end craftsmanship, but rather to acknowledge that style should be inclusive and adaptable to a range of budgets. The fact that a fast-fashion retailer can so effectively capture the essence of a trend speaks volumes about its pervasiveness and its resonance with the current cultural mood. It suggests that the desire for quiet luxury and understated elegance is no longer confined to a select few, but has become a mainstream aspiration. The enduring appeal of a classic piece, like the timeless jacket [Hold the Biker—This Timeless Jacket Looks Far Chicer When Styled Like This], is echoed in the jazz shoe’s own potential for longevity.
Ultimately, the rise of the jazz shoe is more than just a footwear fad; it's a reflection of a broader cultural shift toward mindful consumption, understated elegance, and a rejection of fleeting trends. It represents a move away from the performative aspects of fashion and towards a more authentic expression of personal style. The question now is whether this shift towards grounded, classic silhouettes will continue to shape the fashion landscape, or if it will eventually give way to another wave of maximalism and statement pieces. Will we see a continued prioritization of comfort and versatility, or will the pendulum swing back towards bolder, more attention-grabbing designs?
If 2025 was the year of the high-vamp pump, 2026 is the year of the jazz shoe, a lace-up derby-style flat that celebs and fashion people alike are aligned on. Like many of the trends taking over this year, Michael Rider's Celine is to thank, after the designer released a slew of jazz shoes in his Resort 2026 debut for the French house. They came in red, black, and, most notably, white, and have since become one of the year's most-worn footwear trends. Gracie Abrams, for instance, wears them regularly. But not everyone is wearing the Celine pair (likely because they can't stop selling out). Other brands quickly followed the brand's lead. That, or the pairs they'd always been designing suddenly received an uptick in attention.
Charlize Theron wore a square-toe Bottega Veneta style to record an episode of SubwayTakes with Kareem Rahma back in April. Naomi Watts and Lily Collins, too, have donned the style, the former for a stroll around Lower Manhattan, and the latter, at the French Open. During Wimbledon earlier this summer, the flat shoe was the talk of the tournament, with attendees ditching their usual white pumps for the comfier, more casual alternative.
On Gracie Abrams: Celine Ballet Lace-Up Shoes ($980); Chanel Maxi Flap Bag ($8500)
On Charlize Theron: Bottega Veneta dress, coat, and Leather Brogues ($1250)
Similar styles at a range of price points followed suit, making jazz shoes accessible to any and all interested parties. One pair, in particular, is garnering buzz of its own, thanks to its expensive look and $40 price tag. I'm referring to H&M's new Lace-Up Ballet Flats, which are sold out in most sizes on H&M's website, but are far more readily available at Nordstrom. (Hint: Anytime something's sold out at H&M, check Nordstrom. It's low-key the ultimate shopping hack.) They're white, with a subtle square toe shape and a short set of laces. Pair them with jeans, trousers, skirts, or dresses this fall, and you're guaranteed to look like a fashion person.
Don't wait to shop them, though. H&M has a tendency to sell out of its viral products, so if you want a pair, you'll have to act fast. Keep scrolling to snag them in your size.
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