Don't get me wrong—I love a buzzy trend and a fresh-from-the-runway silhouette, but if we're talking about the garments that I reach for every day, the ones that I think of as the pillars of my best outfits, they're all tried and true pieces. Capsule wardrobe staples, if you will.
There's certainly something to be said for getting the basics right. Do that, and it's guaranteed that a chic outfit will follow. Take, for example, Katie Holmes' recent look. Perfecting her foundations, Holmes selected jeans that cropped just above her ankle and reached for a simple yet chic pair of black ballet flats that, although not groundbreaking, when paired with her perfectly cropped denim, made for an easy, throw-on ensemble I couldn't look past.
Simple yet powerful when paired together, cropped jeans and ballet flats deliver a timeless energy that manages to transcend seasonal trends—meaning that it's a combination that fashion people always have and always will reach for if they're channelling effortless elegance.
The proof is in the pudding: with an easy, elegant base, the rest of Holmes' outfit quickly slotted into place. Layering a camel trench coat over a patterned blouse and accessorising with a black leather bag and dark sunglasses, Holmes' ensemble felt chic and wearable while her cropped jeans and ballet flats pairing showed just enough skin to keep it looking lightweight, fresh and entirely spring-ready.
While Katie Holmes is often one of the first to get a new trend off its feet, her latest look just demonstrates that relying on time-tested outfit formulas will always yield results.
Simple, effective and indisputably chic, read on to discover our edit of the best cropped jeans and ballet flats below.
SHOP CROPPED JEANS AND BALLET FLATS:
Style with ballet flats or pair with glossy loafers for a smarter finish.
Honestly, I can't believe these haven't sold out yet.
These come in UK sizes 6—24, as well as three different lengths.
The Row's elasticed ballet flats are a favourite within fashion crowds.
These also come in 11 other shades.
Add a subtle was of colour to your shoe rotation.
I always come back to Mother Denim for their chic, high-quality designs.
These also come in a classic black leather design.
-
These 31 Effortless Summer Basics Make Getting Ready So Much EasierLow lift. High reward.
-
Kylie Jenner Just Declared This "Dated" Denim Trend Is Still In—But Only Styled *This* WayTake note.
-
Jessica Alba Just Wore the Once-Outdated Sneaker Trend That Actually Pairs Perfectly With Baggy PantsTime to dust off these shoes.
-
Everyone, Stop—Reformation's Huge Sale Is Here, and You Need to See These 49 Pretty FindsScore 30% off so many amazing items.
-
Enjoy Your End-of-Summer Ice Cream Trips in These 26 Chic Pieces From J.Crew, Nordstrom, and ZaraKeep cool without sacrificing style.
-
Cue the Makeover Montage: My Bestie Wants a Closet Refresh, so I Sent This List of 11 Must-Have BasicsLace-trimmed skirts and mesh ballet flats ahead.
-
FYI: Every Fashion Person Is Buying This Pretty Shoe Color Instead of Black Right NowCount us in.
-
Basic Jeans Aren't Out, But This Denim Trend Feels Way More 2025It's not white, dark wash, or chocolate brown.
