There’s been a bit of commotion about cropped jeans over the past few years, but the general consensus in 2026 is that they’re back. If you’re still skeptical about their return, the fact that Dakota Johnson just wore a pair might help validate my previous statement. As Johnson expertly displayed while out in Beverly Hills recently, the key is to go with a pair that's not too skinny (straight-leg like Johnson's or flared is ideal) and not too cropped. Just above the ankle will do. And if you really want to ensure that your outfit won't look dated in the least while wearing cropped jeans, I highly suggest pairing them with the shoe trend Johnson chose: full-foot ballet flats.

While pretty much all forms of ballet flats are popular at the moment, minimalist styles with a high vamp continue to be the coolest option in 2026. They make whatever outfit they're included in look of the moment, and I instantly coin anyone who wears them as a fashion person. We all know this is true of Johnson, so it makes perfect sense she'd wear a pair of the viral Phoebe Philo Gathered Flats with her comeback cropped jeans. Scroll on to see the outfit for yourself and to shop the cool, definitely not dated combination.

Dakota Johnson's Cropped Jeans Outfit

On Dakota Johnson: Phoebe Philo Gathered Flats ($1100)

Get the Look

Shop More Cropped Jeans

Shop More Full-Foot Ballet Flats

There’s one shoe trend, in particular, that has caught the attention of many fashion people at once. This trend is chic, elegant, and oh-so-pretty. Fashion people loved it for summertime and seem to can’t let go of it for fall. The contrast of this shoe trend against fall-friendly pants and a trench coat, I predict, will be one that numerous people will love to copy. The trend in question? Satin flats.

While I’m a huge fan of leather flats like most of the fashion-inclined, satin flats offer a delicate touch to an outfit that leather or suede just can’t. Satin flats were quite popular around this time last year, with the likes of Elsa Hosk and Hailey Bieber spotted in them. Now, outfits on Instagram feature the trend in transitional-season outfits, which inspired me to shop a few satin flats before they reach the mainstream again and sell out. If you’re on the hunt for a new shoe trend to make your outfits look more elegant this fall, keep scrolling to shop the chicest satin flats I discovered.

How Fashion Girls Are Wearing Satin Flats

Shop Satin Flats

Few combinations are more classic than straight-leg jeans and ballet flats. But anyone with good style will tell you that to keep their wardrobe looking current each season, they incorporate of-the-moment trends, often pairing them with the aforementioned classic pieces. It seems that Julia Roberts can count herself among them given her choice to wear a retro-striped polo shirt.

Roberts was recently spotted on the streets of New York City, blending in (as much as one of the world's most recognizable actresses can) with the well-dressed residents of Manhattan. She wore the classic combination of straight-leg blue jeans and ballet flats (the minimalist, glove-like style of ballet flats that's so popular right now). The retro-striped polo shirt she wore on top is poised to be an even bigger trend than it already is by fall.

The fashion crowd has fully embraced retro-striped tees and polos in 2026, and countless cool brands are on board. Roberts opted for a knitwear-style iteration by TWP, which added a distinctive 2026 look to her basics and undoubtedly made her outfit stand out among the sea of plain-tee-jeans-ballet-flats outfits. Scroll on to see how effective the shirt trend is for yourself, and shop my curation of cool retro-striped polo shirts to wear now and this fall.

The Trend on Julia Roberts

On Julia Roberts: TWP SS Polo Sweater With Stripes ($625); Alex Mill The Perfect Weekday Tote ($175)

Get the Look

Shop More Retro-Striped Polo Shirts

Mesh ballet flats were so last year. Says who, you ask? Chic dressers vacationing in Saint-Tropez this summer. Laura Harrier, in particular, proved this by swapping her ballet flats for an elevated alternative: mesh mules.

While visiting the French Riviera last week, Harrier was seen out with her boyfriend wearing a stylish summer look consisting of a white halter mini dress with a fringed hem and black mesh mules. She accessorized the look with black retro sunglasses and a black mesh tote.

On Laura Harrier: Alaïa shoes

Though flat mules aren't a new silhouette, styles in mesh, leather, and suede have recently been trending. Their backless design makes them easy to slip on and off while maintaining an effortlessly chic aesthetic, which is why Harrier likely opted for them. But it's not just Harrier who is donning them. Other It girls are choosing them as well: Hailey Bieber wore a patent leather pair for meetings in L.A., and Gisele Bündchen selected boat mules—a backless variation of the boat-shoe trend—for the airport.

All that to say, if flat mesh mules feel like your style, keep scrolling to shop a myriad of elegant pairs. The best part is that you'll get your money's worth because you can wear them now with dresses and skirts and then in the fall with jeans and trousers.

Shop Mesh Mules:

The most logical way to bridge summer and fall starts with a specific shoe style. If you guessed mules, I'm happy to say that you're correct. It's simply the ideal sandal-and-flat-shoe hybrid to bridge the gap, and it works equally well for both seasons. It's also the perfect airport shoe, as it's comfortable and keeps your feet covered and can easily be slipped on or off if needed. If you want to take things a step further and talk about the specific mule trend to wear to the airport this fall (and now, of course), look no further than Gisele Bündchen, who was recently spotted at the airport in Rio de Janeiro.

The trend Bündchen wore is boat mules, a backless take on the boat-shoe trend (aka, deck shoes) that gained widespread popularity in recent seasons. Bündchen's shoes were a suede pair by Miu Miu, which, as you may recall, is primarily responsible for the resurgence of the boat-shoe trend, after it made its way down the brand's S/S 24 runway. And yes, Miu Miu is also responsible for making the mule version cool, as multiple brands have jumped on the bandwagon since. And as you'll see, the trend looks perfect with jeans, which is what Bündchen paired hers with, along with a button-down shirt over a white tank.

With that, scroll on to see Bündchen's chic airport look for yourself and to shop an array of boat mules to wear to the airport (or anywhere else) now and this fall.

Gisele Bündchen's Airport Outfit

On Gisele Bündchen: Chanel bag; Miu Miu mules

Get the Look

Shop More Boat Mules

I've noticed an uptick in jeans-and-ballet-flat outfits, whether it's IRL riding the subway or just scrolling IG. Maybe it has something to do with fall inching closer and closer, or we've grown tired of the same old summer 'fits and are once again returning to a classic. Truthfully, there's nothing chicer than a pair of good jeans and comfortable flats. But just because it's a classic doesn't mean it has to be boring.

Taking notes from the style sets in London and Stockholm, three denim styles stand out the most. Hint: They don't include skinny jeans (though they are on the comeback) or bootcut (sorry, my fellow Gen Zers; I know you love a little flare). What I will say is that each one has the makings of a closet staple: versatile, timeless, and reliable. I call on editor-loved brands like Agolde, Levi's, Kahite, and so much more.

I've included the top ballet-flat trends of summer (shout-out jelly sandals and mesh flats) and some chic color trends like baby blues and light pinks. Oh, and of course some suede styles that will be perfect for autumn. Okay, so without further ado, scroll on to shop the best jeans to wear with ballet flats.

The Best Jeans to Wear With Ballet Flats in 2026

'90s Stovepipe

The '90s trend isn't fading anytime soon, so if you've been skeptical, you might as well embrace it. The best place to start? A pair of ' 90s-inspired stovepipe jeans. While yes, this slim-to-straight silhouette is reminiscent of Jennifer Aniston's wardrobe in Friends, this style has become a 2026 staple.

Cuffed Dark-Rinse

I love dark-rinse jeans, so I didn't need convincing on that. But the cuff? That's another story. What truly sold me on this folded style was its sophisticated charm. Doesn't @fakerstrom look so elegant in this VRG GRL double-denim look? Not to mention how cute the cuffed hem looks draped over a pair of flats.

Relaxed and Baggy

Maybe it's barrel, maybe it's mid-rise—the only thing that matters is if it's loose, relaxed, and oversize. This laissez-faire silhouette makes styling easy. A white T-shirt and a touch of leopard, and you're good to go.

Shop More Editor-Approved Jeans

Shop More Chic Ballet Flats

Apologies to anyone tired of hearing about low-rise pants, but as long as celebrities keep wearing them, we'll keep talking about them. And Karlie Kloss is just one of many chic low-rise-pant wearers among us. Last weekend, Kloss was spotted en route to the World Cup final, and her outfit for the occasion would actually be perfect for a wide variety of occasions, including but certainly not specific to sporting events.

Kloss's easy three-piece outfit consisted of a baby tee (in this case, a sporty Adidas one), a pair of low-rise pants (in this case, tan ones), and ballet flats. The combination is a success for several reasons, the most noteworthy being that the fitted tee and relaxed pants provide a cool contrast, and the leather ballet flats added a dose of elegance to the outfit that sneakers or sandals may not have. As we close out summer, I predict we'll be seeing this exact outfit combination on repeat. I, for one, will be joining in.

Keep scrolling to see Karlie Kloss's cool late-summer outfit combination, and shop the three pieces you need to re-create the look.

The 3-Piece Outfit on Karlie Kloss

On Karlie Kloss: Adidas Entrada 22 Jersey ($13); Helmut Lang Cotton & Linen Wide Leg Trousers ($468); Alaïa Le Teckel Small Leather Shoulder Bag ($2800); Manolo Blahnik Veralli Ballet Flats ($875)

Get the Look

Shop More Baby Tees

Shop More Khaki Low-Rise Pants

Shop More Ballet Flats

It's officially that time of year. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is here, offering deep discounts on a range of high-quality items. As a shopping editor, I've spent a considerable amount of time scouring all the amazing deals available during the sale. In particular, I've noticed amazing flat-shoe deals. If you're in the market for a new pair or two, I've got you covered. Ahead, I'm listing my top flat-shoe shopping recommendations to make tapping into these Nordstrom deals as seamless as possible.

In my curation, you can find a mix of trendy and classic footwear styles. I've included chic loafers, sleek slingbacks, and pretty ballet flats—not to mention the occasional mule silhouette. Top styles from amazing brands like Vince, Reformation, Sam Edelman, Franco Sarto, and many more will be represented. Keep scrolling to unlock your new favorite flat shoes for the months to come.

Shop the Best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Flat-Shoe Deals

In my fashion rule book, white jeans are a year-round wardrobe essential; however, I find that I wear them most in the summer because they complement the fresh, crisp feeling of warm weather. Although there are countless ways to style them, the most luxurious look, in my humble opinion, is with sleek-looking flats, like the pair Brooke Shields recently wore.

Last week, while in NYC, the iconic '80s supermodel was photographed strolling through the streets. She was wearing high-waisted, wide-leg white jeans perfect for a sunny afternoon. She styled the jeans with a simple beige tank top, a Gucci Giglio Tote Bag, a baseball cap, and the aforementioned elegant flat shoes—grommet Mary Janes.

On Brooke Shields: Gucci Giglio Tote Bag ($2250)

Whether you're 60 years old like Shields or 30, grommet Mary Janes paired with white jeans create a timeless and sophisticated look. The flat silhouette maintains an effortless style, and the grommet embellishments add a layer of richness and refined detail that standard Mary Janes can't match. Plus, they look great in the summer and transition seamlessly into fall.

If you're inspired to elevate your warm-weather flat-shoe rotation, this is the style I'd recommend. Keep reading to explore my edit of the best Mary Janes with grommets below.

Shop Grommet Flats

Anyone who thinks that French women wearing ballet flats is cliché clearly hasn't seen my Instagram feed. Stylish French women love ballet flats more than heels, sandals, loafers, sneakers… You name it. Compared to other flat shoe styles, ballet flats are quite refined, so it makes sense that they'd be the first choice for Parisians when they want to look elegant but also wear flat shoes.

The outfits highlighted below would certainly look perfectly lovely with sandals or heels, but when paired with ballerinas, the elegance is undoubtedly upped. Ballet flats are classic and subtle, never distracting from an outfit but always complementing it. They go with everything and can dress an outfit up or down.

The eight examples below are sure to come in handy if you're seeking summer outfit ideas to close out the season that are chic, require minimal effort, and, yes, are very Parisian. Scroll on to shop the key pieces needed to re-create the elegant French girl–approved looks to wear with ballet flats.

White-Jeans Outfit

Button-Down + White Jeans + Animal-Print Ballet Flats

Shop the Key Pieces

Cardigan Outfit

Cardigan + Lace-Trimmed Miniskirt + Ballet Flats

Shop the Key Pieces

Slip Skirt Outfit

Tank Top + Slip Skirt + Ballet Flats

Shop the Key Pieces

Midi-Skirt Outfit

White Tee + Snakeskin-Print Midi Skirt + Ballet Flats

Shop the Key Pieces

Capri-Pant Outfit

White Tank + Black Capri Pants + Raffia Ballet Flats

Shop the Key Pieces

Basque-Waist-Dress Outfit

Basque-Waist Dress + Ballet Flats

Shop the Key Pieces

Pretty-White-Top Outfit

Pretty White Top + Jeans + Ballet Flats

Shop the Key Pieces

Long-White-Skirt Outfit

Black Long-Sleeve Top + Long White Skirt + Ballet Flats

Shop the Key Pieces

In case you’ve missed it, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2026 is officially underway. Everything has been leading up to this moment. What I buy from now until August 9 will determine my wardrobe for the rest of the year. Something you should know about me: I refuse to compromise affordability for style. Okay, enough with the dramatics. But to be real, I’ve been looking forward to shopping these deals for days.

I’ve already narrowed down my selection to six on-trend Nordstrom sale finds. No spoilers this time. You’ll have to scroll to see. But what I will say is the sale isn’t lacking in trends or name brands. For the next couple weeks, you can shop editor-approved items from Reformation, Staud, AG, Coach, and more for less. Ahead, the six on-trend Nordstrom Anniversary Sale finds I’ll be shopping (unless they sell out).

6 On-Trend Items From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2026

Track Pants

High-Neck Trench

Beaded Necklace

Lace-Trim Shorts

Zebra Print

Mesh Flats

Shop More On-Trend Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2026 Finds

I’ve reached the point of summer in which I’m officially over it. The fact that I’ve lost count of how many “heat domes” we’ve had on the East Coast this year should explain why. To get myself through these sweltering days, I’ve started turning my mind to what I’ll be buying to make that highly anticipated (at least for me) jump from summer to fall. I’m starting with shoes, and just in time, the incredibly stylish Italian supermodel Vittoria Ceretti just wore a flat-shoe trend that couldn’t be more perfect for making the impending seasonal transition.

Ceretti was spotted between shows during the recent Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, wearing a casual, trend-forward summer outfit. She opted for a pair of pull-on boxer-style shorts with an unbuttoned button-down over a T-shirt. It was a great combination, but the thing I was most interested in was her shoes: slipper-style flat mules (hers in brown suede). Given that the trend is continuing on from last fall, you might even already own a pair. The open-in-the-back, closed-in-the-front shoes make sense for both summer and fall, which is basically the definition of a perfect transitional shoe. Keep scrolling to get a pair for yourself.

The Shoes on Vittoria Ceretti

On Vittoria Ceretti: Chanel bag

Shop Flat Slipper Mules

If you've come across any of Karlie Kloss's outfits in recent years, you've probably noticed that she's the epitome of elegance. Even when wearing something as casual as jeans and a T-shirt, she looks polished, cool, and trend-forward all at once. A casual outfit she was spotted wearing last week in NYC is the perfect example of this.

What first caught my eye about this particular outfit worn by Kloss is that it included the denim trend every fashion person the world over is wearing this summer: white jeans. Kloss opted for a straight-leg pair, and instead of completing her look with sneakers, she went with white ballet flats. The monochromatic look gave her outfit plenty of polished elegance and expertly complemented her checked blue button-down and blue tee. Put simply, it's the perfect summer jeans outfit. Scroll on to see it in all its glory for yourself, and shop the simple pieces needed to re-create it—white jeans and ballet flats included.

On Karlie Kloss: Jeanerica Vera Shirt in Blue White Check ($260) and Ines Blue T-Shirt ($96); Dior bag

Get the Look

Shop More White Jeans

Shop More Ballet Flats

If you're familiar with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, you already know that comfort is their top priority. Their signature look of loose, baggy outfits and flat footwear has seamlessly carried over to their luxury label, The Row. The brand is celebrated for its incredibly soft knitwear, cozy loafers, and, most notably, the Frances slippers.

With a chic floral jacquard pattern, sleek satin fabric, and a low-profile silhouette, these flat slides have become the ultimate celebrity-coveted footwear this season. They capture the relaxed vibe of luxury hotel slippers but feature a sturdier insole and outsole designed for outdoor wear. True to The Row's aesthetic, they are minimal, sophisticated, and incredibly versatile. Style icons like Kendall Jenner and Elsa Hosk have been spotted pairing them with a variety of trousers, lightweight knits, tailored blazers, and sporty jackets.

As you might guess, these designer flats carry a premium price tag; even on sale, they will run you roughly $500. Fortunately, Zara Home has just dropped a similar alternative for $40. Much like the original, Zara's slippers are offered in black, beige, and taupe, and they come in both open-toe and closed-toe styles.

Ultimately, the decision is in your hands. Scroll down to compare The Row's Frances flats alongside Zara Home's budget-friendly slides. Whichever you choose, we highly recommend making room for them in your closet—they're the perfect way to get that It-girl look from now through fall.

Shop The Row Frances Slippers

Shop the $40 Zara Alternatives

My friends are always looking to me for advice on what to buy. Basically, I'm their personal stylist, and I'm responsible for keeping their closets up-to-date with all the latest trends. To tell the truth, I love it, as I get to put my fashion expertise to use. Plus, with the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2026 starting July 18, I've got plenty of recommendations—chunky beaded necklaces, lace-trim camisoles, zebra-print kitten heels, silk scarves, cropped trench coats, slim-straight jeans, jelly mules, two-tone earrings, cashmere crewnecks… I can keep going. Heard enough?

Well, don't worry. I put together a curated list of everything trend-forward from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale that's worth shopping, and they're all pieces I have or would recommend to a friend. Think designer-looking handbags, oversize sunglasses, satin shorts, and so much more. Scroll on to shop these discounted gems.

Shop Trend-Forward Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2026 Items

If you're a frequent Who What Wear reader, then you're probably aware of my love for Nordstrom. It is no secret. Simply put, Nordstrom is my go-to for everything. That holds a lot of weight for someone who shops for a living. Of everything in my closet with a Nordstrom origin, the three items I shop for most are basic tops, jeans, and flats. As luck would have it, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2026 is set to start on July 18, and unsurprisingly, I've already browsed the sale preview and know exactly what I'll be adding to my cart.

Coming up are the best basic tops, jeans, and flats from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Once again, thanks to the preview, we already know coveted brands are included in the deals: Reformation, Levi's, Madewell, Frame, and Margaux, to name a few. Scroll on to shop classic crewneck tees, Parisian-chic slim-straight jeans, and woven flats.

Shop Editor-Approved Basic Tops, Jeans, and Flats From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2026

Basic Tops

Don't sleep on Nordstrom basics. Its in-house brands are consistently serving up cotton, cashmere, and satin staples, like Nordstrom's Pima Cotton Blend Crewneck T-Shirt, its Crewneck Cashmere Sweater, and Open Edit's Lace Trim Satin Camisole. All are editor approved, waiting to be added to your cart. The best part? They'll all be on sale starting July 18. Shop more Nordstrom basic tops below.

Jeans

My denim collection is extensive. With over 13 pairs of jeans, I've affectionately dubbed myself a denim devotee, which is why I'm excited about the upcoming Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. The denim selection is a dream. The preview shows editor-loved brands like Levi's, Rag & Bone, and Madewell will be included, and the styles will range from baggy wide-leg jeans to slim-straight silhouettes. Ahead, shop the 11 styles I've got my eye on.

Flats

I hate to break flats in, but I love to style them with a knee-length skirt. From designer-looking ruched loafers to statement suede ballet flats, Nordstrom's flats selection is always on my list to browse. Any of the styles below will find their way into your shoe rotation—just like that.

I have a closet full of black shoes, and minimalism will always have a place in my wardrobe, but lately, I've found myself embracing color again. I recently wrote about vibrant clothing being the one summer trend I didn't expect to love, and now, that same shift has extended to shoes.

Red has always been the color family I've gravitated toward outside of neutrals, but lately, I've also been loving turquoise, royal purple, and even hot pink Gimaguas ballet flats. As vivid, playful dressing continues to trend, fashion people are adding personality to their wardrobes by opting for fun pairs over basic sandals this season. The styles I keep seeing over and over include jelly flats (I bought a pair for $28 from Los Angeles Apparel), bright ballet flats, beaded sandals, and colorful wedges.

Below, shop the fun shoe trend that's everywhere this summer from brands like Ancient Greek Sandals, Christopher Esber, Khaite, and more.

Shop Fun Summer Shoes

Jelly Shoes

Bright Ballet Flats

Beaded Sandals

Colorful Wedges

We're all well aware that cutoff jean shorts are a bit of a polarizing thing in this day and age, but when paired with elevated pieces, dated they are not, and I say this with conviction. If you're skeptical, I have a recent Dua Lipa outfit to present to you that proves my point.

Dua Lipa was in NYC last week and spotted exiting Electric Lady Studios. Her outfit for the recording session (just a guess that's what she was doing there) was casual, but it included thoughtful touches that made it look cool—cutoff denim shorts and all. The two pieces, in particular, that made a significant impact on the outfit were the white long-sleeve T-shirt, a basic trend that fellow It girls such as Hailey Bieber are embracing in 2026, and her ballet flats. The shoes were Chanel's Coco Beach 2026 ballet flats, to be exact, a beloved style that the fashion house wisely brought back from the archives. As expected, fashion people are clamoring for the oversize logo–emblazoned leather flats.

Now that you have the context, scroll on to see the on-trend jean-shorts outfit Dua Lipa wore, and shop everything you need to re-create it.

Dua Lipa's Denim-Shorts Outfit

On Dua Lipa: Ann Demeulemeester "Are You Dreaming" Sketch Print Long Sleeve ($370); Celine Western Belt ($660); Chanel Maxi Flap Bag ($8500) and Coco Beach Ballet Flats ($1225)

Get the Look

Shop More Long-Sleeve Tees, Jean Shorts, and Trendy Ballet Flats

If you're stuck on what to wear this summer, I've just come across a chic, throw-on outfit formula that, based on my research, looks elegant on absolutely everyone. In a chic coincidence, I spotted two of the most stylish women I know—Daisy Edgar-Jones and Pamela Anderson—wearing almost the exact same summer ensemble, and I couldn't help but notice that it also felt distinctly French.

Both started with an elegant foundation: a flowing white cotton dress. Daisy chose Dôen's Adelaide Dress (£595), a longer-line embroidered style, while Pamela opted for a slightly shorter silhouette that still skimmed below the knee.

In another striking similarity, both styled woven white bandanas over their hair and accessorised with brown woven bags. While their shoe choices differed in colour, each swapped heels for elegant flat shoes.

A combination of easy elegance and relaxed femininity, the formula has subtle French energy to it. Polished, but not complicated, it's lightweight and comfortable enough to wear through the warmest summer days.

So, if you're looking for a throw-on outfit formula that always looks chic, keep scrolling to shop the look, along with my edit of the best white dresses and bandanas to recreate it.

Shop the Outfit Formula:

Shop White Dresses and Bandanas:

Hold the heels. Being 5'4" and under doesn't mean relying on towering stilettos to feel polished during summer events. Instead, take your styling cues from one of the best-dressed petite women I've come across: Bel Powley.

Stepping out for a day of tennis at Wimbledon this week, Bel wore one of the chicest petite-friendly looks I've seen this summer. Her crisp white high-waisted shorts sat neatly at the waist, with the high-rise cut creating the illusion of longer legs and a clean, streamlined silhouette.

Rather than opting for expected heels, Bel grounded the look with a comfortable pair of Mary Jane flats. Choosing a soft butter-yellow style, the tonal palette createed one continuous line from top to toe, further elongating her frame whilst lending the outfit an easy elegance.

Dressed head-to-toe in Longchamp, Bel paired her tailored shorts with a crisp cotton shirt in a rich forest green, before finishing the look with the brand's Looong Shoulder Bag in a vibrant blue tucked beneath her arm. Creating a refined, petite woman-friendly take on summer event dressing that goes to show that flats can feel just as elevated as heels.

Read on to shop Bel Powley's look and discover my edit of the best high-waisted shorts and Mary Jane shoes below.

Shop Bel's Look:

Shop High-Waisted Shorts and Ballet Flats:

Given that summer and skirts go hand in hand, I thought it was a good time to discuss a key skirt trend to wear and the shoes to pair with it. People have officially traded their full midi skirts for a skirt trend that's far sleeker and deliciously '90s-inspired: knee-length pencil skirts. They're everywhere right now, and the most well-dressed celebrities among us are fully on board. The most viral iteration of the trend is knee-length skirts in taffeta or satin. And that's exactly what Olivia Wilde just wore for a promotional appearance in London.

If you're sick of sandals and are seeking shoes that increase the elegance of your outfits, you'll be pleased to know that instead of the inescapable flip-flops, Wilde paired her navy taffeta-esque knee-length skirt with a pair of ruched loafers. Sure, it's a flat-shoe trend you may associate more with fall and winter, but when paired with the right pieces (such as her skirt), it works just as well in the summer. Keep scrolling to see the undisputed proof for yourself.

The Skirt + Shoes on Olivia Wilde

On Olivia Wilde: Saint Laurent Mica Sunglasses ($495); Liffner Leather Clutch ($475); Reformation Ani Ruched Loafers ($278)

Shop Knee-Length Satin and Taffeta Skirts

Shop Elegant Ruched Loafers

Yes, track shorts and flip-flops are having a moment right now, but if you're looking for a more timeless summer outfit pairing, this Alexa Chung-approved dress-and-shoe combination will see you through plenty of heatwaves to come.

Spotted enjoying an alfresco evening, Alexa wore a white slip dress with the prettiest pair of white ballet flats. Simple, sophisticated and comfortable, the easy throw-on two-piece makes summer dressing feel fuss-free. Opting for a pair of gleaming white ballet flats, Alexa added a fresh, polished finish that brightened the outfit without the need for bold colours or statement accessories.

Whilst the slinky, lingerie-inspired silhouette brings a sense of glamour, the classic ballet flat grounds the look with a practical and feminine finish. Together, they create an outfit that feels polished without being overdone—and one of the chicest warm-weather combinations I've spotted all season.

If, like me, you're feeling inspired by Alexa's look, keep scrolling to shop the best slip dresses and ballet flats to recreate it below.

Shop Slip Dresses and Ballet Flats:

We all love a good pair of sandals this time of year, but let's not forget about the beauty of summer flats. It's natural to associate flat shoes with spring and fall, but brands are having more and more fun with their flat-shoe designs as of late, and I, for one, have taken notice. Among this year's offerings, I've spotted plenty of cool crochet, beaded, and mesh options along with vibrant colors and fresh takes on classic styles such as mules and espadrilles.

Brands as varied as Zara, Reformation, Loewe, and Madewell are fully embracing the summer flats renaissance, and shoppers can't get enough. The words "sold out" are ones I came across often while choosing the shoes below. So before that happens with my carefully selected edit, scroll on to add your favorites to your cart. In case you were wondering, I'm eyeing the first four pairs, in particular, but if I'm being completely honest, I'd take every last one of these 27 options.

It's no secret that I have a penchant for chic shoes, so when a new trend is brewing, I take note. Over the past few months, I've spotted fashion people on my social feeds opting for blue ballet flats over classic black and trendy red options. Honestly, I've never been one to reach for a blue shoe style, but something about it in ballet-flats form feels so fresh and on point for summer 2026. With that in mind, I set out to find my favorite pairs along with chic outfit inspiration on how to pull them off.

After a quick scroll through my Instagram and TikTok feeds, I came across four cool outfit ideas with blue ballet flats from stylish women—including Katie Holmes—in NYC, London, and Copenhagen. Each gives It-girl vibes and is super easy to re-create with pieces like pretty dresses, cool shorts, relaxed pants, and more. Keep scrolling to check out the inspiring looks, plus more standout blue ballet flats that are perfect for 2026.

Cool Outfit Ideas With Blue Ballet Flats for 2026

Outfit #1

Outfit #2

Outfit #3

Outfit #4

Shop More Standout Blue Ballet Flats

As someone who typically plans their outfits around shoes, it's safe to say that I'm a bit shoe obsessed. One place I love to browse and shop footwear weekly is Nordstrom thanks to its vast selection of standout options. In fact, after my most recent perusal of the site, I can confidently say that Nordstrom currently has some of the chicest shoe trends for summer 2026. My virtual cart ended up overflowing with my top picks of the season.

Below, I share five of the standout shoe trends at Nordstrom as well as my recommendations for each. While it was hard to narrow down, there is a great range of classic and of-the-moment styles. Think everything from flip-flops to Adidas sneakers to kitten heels and even cool hybrids of each style. Keep scrolling to check out the shoe trends that have fashion person written all over them.

Chic Summer 2026 Shoe Trends at Nordstrom

Flip-Flops

Adidas Sneakers

Ballet Flats

Kitten Heels

Jelly Shoes

Spotted in New York this week, Sarah Pidgeon stepped out in the accessory trend that made her Khaite bootcut jeans look their chicest—and no, I'm not talking about her rumoured beau, Joe Alwyn, who was photographed strolling alongside the actor. While the internet is understandably focused elsewhere, my attention was on the real star of the outfit: her black ballet flats.

In a move that flies in the face of almost every bootcut jeans styling rule I've ever subscribed to, Pidgeon skipped the usual leg-lengthening heels and elongating pointed-toe shoes in favour of a simple ballet flat. With both feet planted firmly on the ground—whatever may or may not be happening in the clouds above—the actor revived a jeans-and-shoe pairing I haven't thought about in years.

Bootcut jeans and ballet flats were once a staple combination throughout the 2000s and early 2010s, before sleeker styling choices edged them out. Now, however, Sarah's endorsement has me wondering whether the nostalgic pairing might be due a return. Styled with a simple white tank top, the look felt effortless and unfussy in the coolest way.

Perhaps not the accessory generating the most headlines this week, but certainly the one that's caught my attention. Read on to shop the black ballet flats and bootcut jeans I'm recommending below.

Shop Low-Rise Bootcut Jeans and Ballet Flats:

When it comes to what makes French style so universally beloved and, well, frankly iconic, few items have achieved the same cult status as Repetto ballet flats. They're beloved by Parisian women for decades, and the classic flats were first conceived of as dance shoes before they became immortalized when Brigitte Bardot wore the designs in her 1956 film And God Created Woman.

Now, of course, they're hallmarks of Parisian street style and have garnered an international fanbase of loyal shoppers who collect them in multiple colors. It's no longer just in Paris, though. Repetto's have been steadily gaining momentum stateside with celebrities in NYC and L.A. stepping out in the iconic ballet flats nonstop and proving that the timeless shoe is just as relevant in 2026 as it was when it first became a French-girl favorite.

From Kaia Gerber, who has worn a pair from her collaboration with the brand with jeans, skirts, and dresses nearly every day this month, to Phoebe Dynevor and Maude Apatow, who favor the slightly heeled Camille pair, It girls all seem to agree on the beloved French flats right now. Ahead, see how the style set is wearing the flats and shop the pairs worth adding to your rotation.

How Celebs Wear Repetto Flats

On Kaia Gerber: Cou Cou Intimates Rina top; Repetto Kaia Ballet Flats ($440)

On Phoebe Dynevor: Repetto Kaia Ballet Flats ($440); Chimi Dele Sunglasses ($220)

On Vittoria Ceretti: Marc Jacobs dress; Repetto Lilouh Almond-Toe Ballerina Flats ($430); The Attico bag; Chimi 10 Core Sunglasses ($180)

On Maude Apatow: Repetto Camille Ballet Flats ($470); Miu Miu Utilitaire Bag ($3800)

Shop Repetto Camille Ballet Flats

Shop Similar Styles

You'd be surprised to know that someone as stylish as Jodie Turner-Smith was spotted wearing a trend that might be deemed "dated," but the L.A. style star was recently seen sporting a nostalgic style that was not on my summer 2026 bingo card. While out and about at a local farmers market, Turner-Smith lugged her groceries while wearing a gray tank top with none other than a pair of drawstring jeans. Naturally, Smith made them look anything but dated and styled them in a way that felt so current.

The rest of her look was kept quite low-key and felt very L.A. She styled her drawstring jeans with a pair of controversial "weird" Vibram FiveFingers flats and further accessorized with minimal black sunglasses and her phone hanging from her shoulder like a mini bag. Drawstring pants are certainly having a major moment this summer, but drawstring jeans feel fresh. Thanks to Turner-Smith, I predict we were just introduced to the next It-girl trend of the season.

If you're inspired to try out drawstring jeans this summer, keep scrolling to re-create Turner-Smith's outfit and shop some of our favorite styles.

Spotted on Jodie Turner-Smith

On Jodie Turner-Smith: Vibram V-Soul FiveFingers shoes

Get the Look

Shop More Drawstring Jeans

Los Angeles is known for its relaxed, sunshiny approach to style. It's often made up of simple wardrobe staples, and there's an ease to it. As I spent the month of May visiting, I found myself keeping an eye out for the trends people were actually wearing.

The first thing I noticed felt less like a trend and more in the realm of anti-trends: lots and lots of jeans. But I quickly realized the ones I kept clocking each had a bit of a je ne sais quoi to them, if you will. The perfect reference point for what I mean by that is Still Here's Cool Wide-Leg Jeans that are relaxed and lived-in.

While we were at the Silver Lake Farmers Market one Saturday, my partner pointed out how many people were wearing basketball shorts. Further proving his observation, one of my best friends who lives in L.A. met up with us wearing a black pair with mid-calf boots.

I also went to a Charlie Beads pop-up at the DLR store, where silver ballet flats caught my attention. After that, I started noticing more and more non-black ballet flats, from baby pink to butter yellow.

I saw a fair share of oversize button-down shirts, and of course, the knee-length-skirt trend I've been seeing nonstop in New York City is just as popular in L.A. too. Ahead, shop the summer 2026 trends.

Knee-Length Skirts

Relaxed Jeans

Non-Black Ballet Flats

Oversize Button-Down Shirts

Loose Shorts

If you're looking for an easy and affordable way to inject your summer 2026 closet with a mix of chic and cool vibes, look no further than the current Gap and J.Crew sales. Both are filled with standout picks that will make you look like a fashion person. At J.Crew, from now until June 1, you can get up to 50% off selected pieces, plus an extra 20% off your purchase of $200 or more with the code ADDTOCART. At Gap, take 20% to 50% off a vacation-ready selection until June 2.

Ahead, I narrowed down a set of Gap and J.Crew sale picks that are guaranteed to get you compliments all summer long. Included are stylish dresses, linen pieces, cool pants, classic T-shirts, sleek sandals, and more elevated basics. While the pieces all feel very much on-trend, they all surprisingly lean timeless, which is a major plus since you can wear them from many more years to come.

Shop Chic Gap and J.Crew Summer Sale Picks

Gap

J.Crew