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.
-
2025's Favorite Flats? Say Boat Shoes, Loafers, or Slippers and You'll Be WrongKeep guessing.
-
Jennifer Lawrence Just Deemed This Flat-Shoe Trend Elegant Enough to Wear to a Fancy NYC Fashion PartyTrust her—she knows what she's doing.
-
So You Have an Eye on Everything Designer But Not the Budget—31 Luxe-Looking Finds That Scratch the ItchEverything is under $150.
-
Don't Buy New Jeans Without Reading My Review of J.Lo's New Favorite PairHere are my thoughts.
-
Meghan Markle Just Revealed Her Go-To Skinny Jeans, so They're *Gonna* Sell OutThey're still in stock (for now).
-
Can't Choose Between Sneakers and Ballet Flats? Now, You Don't Have ToThanks to brands like Puma and Nike.
-
J.Lo! Hailey! Sienna! Sorry, Skinny Jeans, But Celebrities Are Keen to Thwart Your ReturnNo spandex, no problem.
-
This Stylish New Yorker Has Has Impeccable Taste—35 Chic Spring Picks That Have Her AttentionThe dresses alone are gems.
