With Dresses and Jeans, Alexa Keeps Coming Back to This French-Girl Shoe Trend
Our take
The cyclical nature of fashion is undeniable, and the resurgence of the ballet flat as *the* French-girl shoe speaks volumes about our current aesthetic priorities. It’s a fascinating return, particularly when considered alongside trends like the rise of Bermuda shorts seen at Copenhagen Fashion Week [At Copenhagen Fashion Week, Bold Bermuda Shorts Are Stealing the Street Style Spotlight] and the enduring appeal of classic denim, like Emily Ratajkowski's on-trend jeans [Emily Ratajkowski's Dark-Wash Jeans Are On-Trend and Under $70]. These seemingly disparate elements coalesce around a core sensibility: understated elegance, a rejection of overt trend-chasing, and a focus on timeless silhouettes. The ballet flat, in its simplicity and versatility, perfectly embodies this mood. It’s not about making a statement; it’s about quietly exuding a sense of effortless style, a quality highly prized by the modern woman. The article's observation about each fashion capital having a signature shoe feels particularly astute; it highlights how style is intrinsically linked to a place and a particular way of life.
The ballet flat’s return isn't simply a nostalgic revival; it represents a shift away from the chunky, athletic-inspired footwear that dominated recent years. While those styles certainly had their place, the current climate favors a more refined, feminine aesthetic. We’re seeing a broader move toward softer silhouettes, a focus on quality fabrics, and a general embrace of quiet luxury. Even the rise of a hybrid shoe, “not quite a ballet flat, not quite a trainer” [Not Quite a Ballet Flat, Not Quite a Trainer—This "Controversial" Shoe Is All I Want to Wear This Autumn], underscores this desire for a blend of comfort and sophistication. The ballet flat, in its purest form, is the ultimate expression of that ideal. It’s a shoe that can be dressed up or down, worn with everything from dresses to jeans, and always looks chic. This adaptability contributes significantly to its enduring appeal. It's a foundational piece, a building block for a thoughtfully curated wardrobe.
Beyond the immediate fashion implications, this trend reveals a deeper cultural shift. The "French-girl" aesthetic itself has become a shorthand for a certain type of effortless chic – a cultivated nonchalance that prioritizes authenticity and personal style over fleeting trends. The ballet flat is a key component of this image, representing a rejection of ostentation and a celebration of understated elegance. It's about investing in pieces that will last, both in terms of quality and style, and building a wardrobe around a core of timeless essentials. This aligns perfectly with a growing consumer desire for conscious consumption and a move away from fast fashion. The emphasis is on building a wardrobe that reflects a personal narrative, rather than chasing the latest Instagram craze.
Ultimately, the ballet flat’s resurgence isn’t just about a shoe; it's about a mood, a lifestyle, and a broader cultural shift towards quiet luxury and mindful consumption. It’s a testament to the enduring power of classic design and the appeal of understated elegance. The question now is: will this trend continue to evolve, or will it solidify itself as a permanent fixture in the modern woman’s wardrobe? Perhaps the next iteration will involve a reimagining of materials or subtle design details, but the core essence of the ballet flat – its simplicity, versatility, and effortless chic – seems poised to remain a style staple for years to come.
I've long had a theory that most fashion capitals have a shoe that feels inseparable from its style identity. For London, it's the loafer. For L.A., it's the flip-flop. And for France, it's undoubtedly the ballet flat. No matter what outfit it's worked into or which city I spot it in, a ballet flat look will always carry a French-girl energy in my eyes.
As one of my go-to references for relaxed, French-leaning styling, I'm always eager to see how Alexa Chung will style the ubiquitous shoe. This week, her favourite soft ballet flats made a double appearance, first worn with straight-leg jeans and a T-shirt, and later with the prettiest ankle-length dress.
First spotted in denim, Alexa paired her fitted straight-leg jeans with a simple boxy T-shirt. Had she finished the look with trainers or chunky sandals, the outfit would have felt decidedly casual. Instead, her supple ballet flats lent an understated elegance that elevated the ensemble in a way few other flat shoes could.
Then, within the same weekend, she reached for the very same pair again, this time wearing them with an ankle-grazing dress in the prettiest shade of butter yellow. Where stiffer leather or patent ballet flats can skew prim or preppy, Alexa's soft leather pair brought a relaxed quality that felt decidedly French.
If they're good enough for Alexa to wear on repeat, they're certainly good enough for me. Scroll on to shop the soft ballet flats I'm coveting right now.
Shop Soft Ballet Flats:
Style these with jeans and satin maxi dresses to get Alexa's looks.
Style these with white socks to give your outfit a preppy feel.
Whilst I love these in the black, they also come in a fresh shade of cream.
These also come in half sizes, so you can find your perfect fit.
Fitflop's footbed technology makes these a supremely comfortable flat.
These also come in chocolate brown.
The high-vamp flat shoe trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down.
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