Sure, Black Ballet Flats Are Fine, But Women Over 40 Love This Colored Alt With Jeans Instead
Follow Mandy Moore's lead and pick the less predictable shoe option this summer.
Jeans and ballet flats are one of the most reliable outfit pairings. It transcends trend cycles, seasons, and personal styles. That said, as friends and readers of mine know, achieving an effortlessly cool aesthetic in 2026 relies on unexpected styling techniques (think straw bags with tailored pants). This raises the question: How can you make this classic duo feel fresh and unpredictable? The short answer is to take a cue from Mandy Moore.
This week, while heading to lunch in L.A., Moore was spotted in a casual denim outfit. She styled light-wash cargo jeans with a green crewneck sweatshirt. For accessories, she opted for tortoise-shell sunglasses and ballet flats, notably in a gorgeous red.
While black ballet flats would have looked classic and stylish, her choice to complete the look with red ones felt unexpected yet intentional and therefore pulled her outfit together. The bold flash of cherry red provided character and depth, making her jeans and sweatshirt feel more elevated and expensive-looking.
With that, keep scrolling to shop the chic combination for yourself.
Shop Jeans and Red Ballet Flats
If you size up one, these will look and feel like vintage Levi's.
I love the patent leather.
Wide-leg jeans pair perfectly with ballet flats.
So comfortable.
Everyone is talking about The Gray jeans because of their relaxed yet flattering fit.
Take these from the summer to the fall.
Yes, they're worth it.
This red is so pretty.
Dark-wash jeans are still trending.
The comfort of a slipper with the look of a ballet flat.
