Granny Flats & Ballet Flats
Ballet flats and jeans- the only coupling you need this Valentine’s Day involves the perfect pair of shoe meets trouser.
The ballet flat- a shoe I previously would have browsed straight past whilst shopping online- was my go-to shoe last September. I liked feeling light-footed, I liked how easy they were to slip on, I liked that walking felt breezy and easy. Since winter came and the temperature dropped, this skimpy shoe has not been seen on my feet recently. However, the ballet flat will re-emerge from my wardrobe in numerous colours from spring-time, and will definitely be paired with jeans.
The contrast between ballet flats and jeans is key to what makes this pairing a complimentary combo- the two items together is haphazardly chic and undone. Historically, jeans were invented in 1873 for workers as a form of sturdy trouser that could withstand hard labour, thus portraying a boyish and relaxed look. Yet ballet flats (inspired by the footwear of prima ballerinas) exhibits femininity and elegance in it's highest form.
TASTELESS pushes a ‘Yin and Yang’ philosophy when it comes to style and dressing. Whether it be the balance of low and high-end, of ‘done’ and ‘undone’ , androgynous and feminine etc. etc., this contrast when dressing is what concocts a balanced, yet haphazardly chic ensemble. This notion is showcased by the ballet flat and jean combination- sleek yet unkept, girlish yet masculine, refined yet casual.
One brand of ballet flats to note is Salvatore Ferragamo. Founded by Italian shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo and headquartered in Florence, the ‘Ferragamo Flat’ was featured on The Real Real as a comeback. Even if bought second-hand, it is never a bad idea to invest in quality-made Italian flats due to the craftsmanship of the leather, the durability … and because they are the perfect pairing for jeans.
Salvatore Ferragamo patent leather flats can be bought on Vestiare for £69
Kate Moss in the 00s pairing bootcut jeans with black ballet flats
Kate Moss showcasing ballet flats and bootcut jeans- Moss looks breezy walking down a London pavement-with no chunky trainer or alternative shoe to weigh her down
Salvatore Ferragamo black leather ballet flats with a mini heel retailed on The Real Real for £49.91
This pair of Ferragamo ballet flats (with a mini heel so not technically flats) are so cool, I love the stitching detail, the silver buckle and logo and the slight pointed shape !
My own pair of silver ballet flats that I bought second-hand for circa £15, I wore to death between September- October when the weather was cooler. They were perfect for prancing down pavements, hopping on and off trains and taxis, shopping, running errands, dinners (etc. etc) at the end of the summer.
My own silver ballet flats that I wore with bootcut jeans and a faded metallic silver belt (not pictured)
Marc Jacobs 2023 campaign- pairing light blue ballet flats with a pair of loose jeans
These incredible metallic black patent ballet flats by Lanvin can be bought second-hand on Vestiare for £26
Loose, wider leg jeans also pair perfectly with ballet flats adding further to the laidback feel that both this shoe and trouser bring together.
Phoebe Philo- the ex-creative director of Chloé and Céline- photographed in loose black trousers with satin ballet flats peeping out.
Phoebe Philo floating down the runway after her collection in gold ballet pumps- the ballet flats are girlish, but the androgyny of the jean/trouser balance out her outfit to make it super chic.
Lanvin cloth ballet flats retailed second-hand on Vestiare for £40.52
To differ from the suede, the patented and the leather- cloth or satin ballet flats with a softer look can be worn with jeans also, as seen in the Marc Jacobs 2023 campaign and on fashion designer Phoebe Philo.
Carel Paris patent buckled leather flats retailed on FARFETCH for £362
Ballet flats come in numerous colours, materials and forms. These red patent ballet flats with straps are ridiculously cool. These hot pink and black striped flats with a bow linked below are absurdly coquettish and would contrast wonderfully with an informal pair of washed jeans. Right now, ballet flats + jeans are TASTELESS
PRADA ballet flats retailed vintage on Vestiare for £64- such a steal!!!
