With autumn finally here and temperatures finally starting to drop, it’s time to pack away my sandals until next spring and replace them with some warmer alternatives. Now you might initially be thinking that I’ll be pulling out a pair of boots, and although I’m very loyal to them throughout winter and early spring, after a long heatwave here in the UK, they still feel too warm for the current weather. Not to mention that I find them much harder to style with my jeans, skirts and tailored trousers. So, for autumn 2026 specifically, I’m on the hunt for some stylish flat shoes to see me through until it gets really chilly at the end of the year.

My first port of call for inspiration? The runway, of course, and the autumn/winter 2026 shows were filled with a plethora of different flat-shoe trends that are set to dominate the upcoming season. And you’ll be pleased to know that there’s something to suit everyone, from easy slip-on mules that minimalists will love to statement-making faux fur styles that every maximalist dresser will be wearing this season.

And after hours of scrolling through the look books of my favourite designers, I’ve narrowed my attention down to the five standout trends that everyone will be wearing this autumn. But the best part? I’ve rounded them up for you below.

Keep scrolling to discover the five flat-shoe trends set to dominate autumn 2026.

5 Flat Shoe Trends I'm Wearing Instead of Boots This Autumn

1. Slide-On Mules

Style notes: With comfort at the forefront of my mind this season, now is the perfect time to hop on the slide-on mule that designers are backing for autumn 2026. They’re comfortable, easy to style and, most importantly, will never go out of style. And don’t just take it from me; the likes of Zimmerman and Magda Butrym are also big fans of the backless mule trend.

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2. Faux-Fur

Style notes: Cosy season has officially started, and I can’t think of a trend that encapsulates this better than the faux fur flat shoe. Not only do they feel extremely warm and comfortable, but they’re also an easy way to dress up classic jeans, dresses, or skirts if you’re more of a pared-back dresser like me.

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3. Violet Purple

Style notes: Throughout autumn, I tend to stick to neutral hues like black or brown, but the bright purple colour that I spotted on the autumn/winter runways is calling to me. It’s sure to earn you compliments and is an easy way to add interest to an otherwise neutral outfit, but something about this colour still manages to feel extremely expensive and wearable. Consider me convinced.

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4. Snake Print

Style notes: For autumn 2026, fashion people have their eyes set on a classic pattern that both minimalists and maximalists can get behind. Enter the snake print flats. With a pattern that’s bold enough to add interest to an outfit, but a colour palette that remains neutral and easy to style, I have a feeling that we’ll be seeing snake ballet flats, trainers and more everywhere this season.

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5. Embellished

Style notes: Looking for an easy way to add some texture to your autumn outfits? The embroidered flat shoe trend has you covered. Showcased on the catwalk by the likes of Miu Miu and Absent Findings, the pretty footwear trend feels perfect for all of my upcoming formal events without me having to pull out an uncomfy pair of heels.

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This transitional-weather period is when our wardrobes need to be ready for anything. Think smart layers that can be thrown on if a chill sets in, swapping out cut-offs for jeans and turning to colours that feel more in tune with the changing seasons. Personally, I like to start with my shoes, and it seems one of our favourite chic A-listers agrees. After months of vibrant colours and toe-baring styles, Dakota Johnson shows that sometimes, nothing's better than the classics, stepping out this week in a pair of rich burgundy ballet flats.

Spotted in New York City, Dakota gave her casually polished press-junket look a sleek lift with a pair of maroon flats. The berry hue worked perfectly with the muted vinyl finish, injecting some strong yet subtle colour into the otherwise neutral look. Her French-feeling ensemble of a cropped checked blazer, black tank top and distressed cropped jeans would’ve looked just as polished with black or beige, but luxe burgundy adds a chic autumnal touch.

And as cooler weather continues to creep closer, ballet flats in this deep shade of red feel like a no-brainer to polish the jeans, trousers and heavy skirts we're about to wear on repeat. Take a cue from Dakota and shop the best burgundy ballet flats below.

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Welcome to "Jennifer Lawrence fall street style" season for all who celebrate. You can always count on Lawrence to bring the latest trends—including on her off-duty time, sans stylist. We know by now that she's a true fashion person, so you can trust that whatever she wears on any given day is cool. That brings me to her latest outfit, which I just spotted on the streets of Manhattan.

The weather may not feel very fall yet, but Lawrence's early-fall outfit suited the moment perfectly. With her pale-pink sheer miniskirt, Lawrence wore the sweater-color trend and flat-shoe trend that all of her fellow fashion people are shopping for right now: azure-blue sweaters and boat shoes. Azure, one of the prettiest shades of blue in my opinion, started gaining steam this summer, and surprisingly (given that it's not a typical autumnal hue), it's continued into fall, especially in the form of knitwear. As for boat shoes, they made a comeback a couple of years ago when Miu Miu made everyone want a pair, and if you thought they'd peaked, you were wrong. Everyone is interested in them again for late 2026, including Lawrence, who opted for a classic tan pair to wear alongside her azure crewneck sweater and pink skirt.

Intrigued by Lawrence's perfect early-fall outfit? Scroll on to shop chic azure sweaters and boat shoes you'll be inclined to reach for again and again this season and beyond.

The Sweater Color and Flats on Jennifer Lawrence

On Jennifer Lawrence: Hermès bag

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With over five years of experience as a fashion editor, I ought to know better than to say I'll never wear a particular trend again. Fashion moves in cycles, bringing past styles back into rotation so that they feel brand-new—provided they're styled thoughtfully. One example is the "dated" denim trend I just spotted on Katie Holmes.

This week, Katie Holmes was photographed at JFK Airport with her boyfriend, Jason Yarmosky. For the travel day that brought her from Italy to NYC, she wore a casual yet elevated outfit: a chunky sweater and frayed-hem jeans. She paired the two with patent-leather Mary Janes and a large tote bag.

Having closely observed her street-style choices over time, I know Holmes has an extensive footwear collection. Choosing Mary Janes over any other option was clearly intentional. The laid-back silhouette and raw, frayed details of her jeans provided a sleek contrast to the glossy, polished leather of her flats.

Keep scrolling to see how Holmes styled this look, then shop the best frayed-hem jeans and Mary Janes to take you from the last days of summer straight into fall and beyond.

The Outfit on Holmes

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Move over ballet flats; there's a new shoe in town. Jazz shoes are quickly becoming the definitive flat footwear to own this fall, pushing Mary Janes, loafers, and our once-favorite slip-ons to the sidelines.

The flexible alternative looks like it sashayed right out of the dance room, with a low-profile silhouette, soft square or round toe, and lace-up vamp. But while the chic jazz shoe feels fresh for the autumn season, it's not entirely new to the fashion scene.

Creative director Michael Rider debuted a lineup of glove-like slippers during the Celine Resort 2026 collection, doubling down on the trend during the label's Spring/Summer 2026 show. Bottega Veneta followed suit, redefining the ultra-thin shoe with an elongated square toe during the Fall/Winter 2026 presentation, with Jil Sander and Miu Miu heavily integrating the soft slippers into their curations.

Hollywood's most fashionable crowd is jumping right in, with Gracie Abrams and Lily Collins cosigning the derby-style flat. Naomi Watts, Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, and Tracee Ellis Ross are reaching for the popular shoes as well, bridging the gap between Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X, and proving the sleek footwear is for everyone.

Slip into the jazz shoe trend and discover the leading silhouettes from brands like Madewell and Free People to Maison Margiela and Ralph Lauren.

Shop the Jazz Shoe Trend

Before we get started, know that my friend is a flats girl forever—she never wears heels. So, as her fashion-editor friend, I wasn't surprised when she messaged me looking for stylish fall shoe ideas. I should also mention that she prefers to buy her shoes from Zappos and didn't want to spend more than $175 on a pair, so I told her I'd scroll through the new arrivals to find my favorite shopping director-approved picks.

Keep scrolling to shop trend-forward fall 2026 flat shoe options. The first five on the list are the silhouettes I sent to my friend, and then I rounded up even more styles to inspire your fall wardrobe. You'll notice everything from chic ballet flats to cool slides to polished loafers.

If you're someone who makes it their mission to know all of the fashion-insider trends each season, I'm pleased to offer my assistance. Given that it's September, fall shoes are top of mind right now, and if you're bored with the mainstream trends and want to dig a little deeper, there's a handful of more under-the-radar fall shoe trends that the coolest dressers are already starting to wear—perhaps yourself included.

Shoe micro-trends are defined by features that can be as specific as a type of fabric, the shape of a heel, the embossing on the leather, and the embellishment. There happen to be some really good micro-trends already circulating for fall, so I'm here to make sure they're on your radar. You'll find that some are a bit more IYKYK than others, but all have at least two things in common: The cool fashion girls are on board, and each of these trends will make your outfits look even more special. Keeps scrolling to shop your favorites.

Tassel Loafers

Chalk this one up to The Row—the highly influential brand included tassel loafers in their fall shoe collection, and of course they're flying out of stock.

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Jewel-Toned Satin

Satin shoes are everywhere, but if you want to get a bit more micro, satin jewel tone shoes are the trend to buy. Think shades of garnet, emerald, sapphire, and citrine.

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Eel-Effect

Last fall was all about croc-embossing. This fall, it's eel-effect. Prepare for every outfit they're paired with to look more expensive.

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Lace-Up Corset Pumps

From the moment Prada's F/W 26 collection hit the runway, every editor knew we had an It shoe on our hands upon seeing Prada's lace-up pumps. A bit sporty, a bit Victorian, a lot cool.

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Purple

Purple, the color of the season, is also the shoe color of the season.

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Ballet Pumps With Bows

Block-heel ballet pumps, traditional-style with the little bow adornment, are on the feet of countless chic dressers right now. They're as comfortable as flats and go with pretty much everything, so consider them a wise investment.

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Slouchy Pointed-Toe Boots

Boho boots are back. Whether in brown suede or luxe leather, they look chic with skirts, trousers, and everything else—trust me.

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Metallic Ballet Flats

The Chanel F/W 26 couture collection confirmed it: Metallic shoes are back, and the cool girls are opting to wear it in the form of ballet flats.

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We're officially in the middle of that weird time of year in which it might feel like summer one day and fall the next. On the days when it still feels like summer, it's understandable if you don't want to keep dressing like it's mid-July. What's one to wear? The outfit Zoë Kravitz just wore in NYC is an excellent idea.

If you've spent any time in New York lately, the all-black outfit Kravitz was photographed wearing will probably look familiar because it includes the skirt trend and classic flat-shoe style all the cool New Yorkers are wearing. The skirt is a knee-length slip skirt, and the shoes are high-foot ballet flats, which she paired with a black tank and wraparound sunglasses. Wear this look, and you'll fit right in, from Tribeca to the Upper East Side.

Keep scrolling to see Kravitz's look and shop the NYC cool girl–approved skirt and flat-shoe trends.

As Seen on Zoë Kravitz

On Zoë Kravitz: Thistles sunglasses; The Row Denzel Tank ($690) and shoes; Cou Cou Intimates The Slip Skirt ($78)

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This summer, I made a conscious effort to give my jeans a break and live in shorts, skirts, and dresses instead. Why? Honestly, I needed a reset. By the time winter rolls around, I'm usually so burned out on my denim collection, and I want to make sure that doesn't happen again this year. But with fall already on the horizon, I'm starting to think about bringing jeans back into my rotation and figuring out which styles I want to wear again. One silhouette that's quickly made its way to the top of my list? Slim bootcut jeans. I spotted Kate Moss wearing a pair this week in London, and I happen to have a favorite pair from Levi's.

Finding the shoe that makes slim bootcut jeans look chic rather than "dated" can feel a little tricky, especially when it's too early to pull out boots. However, Moss makes it seem easy by opting for classic black ballet flats. The very traditional, timeless style perfectly grounds the late '90s to early 2000s silhouette, making them feel modern again. Plus, since I live in New York City, where walking is my preferred mode of transportation, there's really no more comfortable choice than ballet flats—well, other than sneakers, which you won't find me wearing with denim.

When it comes to styling the flats-and-jeans look, I could take inspiration from Moss again and finish the outfit with a tie-neck button-down shirt and a leather top-handle bag. Or, I could go for a Chloé-esque blouse with a slouchy shoulder bag, a white T-shirt with a trench coat, or a fitted sweater with a suede belt. The styling possibilities are endless.

Scroll on to discover and shop the chicest slim bootcut jeans and ballet flats to invest in now.

Get Moss's Look

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Slowly but surely, the celebrity fall outfits are starting to trickle in, and it's pretty much my duty to put them on your radar. Yesterday, we had Jennifer Lopez in a layered sweatshirt outfit, and today, I'm bringing you Jennifer Lawrence in another cool early-fall outfit. It featured two casual fall trends that It girls love, and Lawrence's look proved that they're even better together. The trends are windbreakers and boat shoes (yep, both are sticking around), and the contrast between the jacket's sportiness and the shoes' prepiness works unexpectedly well. With her camel-colored windbreaker and light-brown shoes, Lawrence wore cropped red track pants and a black baseball cap. As you'll see below, it made for a cool, low-key look that's trendy without really trying.

Keep scrolling to see Lawrence's chill fall look and shop the aforementioned trends—windbreakers and boat shoes—you won't regret adding to your wardrobe (trust me—they're useful).

The Combo on It-Girl Jennifer Lawrence

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In case you missed it, just because sandal season is drawing to a close doesn't mean we're segueing straight into trainer season. Instead, I'm looking to the far chicer closed-toe shoes I keep spotting the best-dressed over-50s.

Leading the charge, I spotted Tracee Ellis Ross styling not one, but two pairs of elegant high-vamp flats. A more covered-up take on the classic ballet flat silhouette, high-vamp shoes feature a leather upper that extends further up the foot, offering a little more coverage than their lower-cut counterparts. As the weather cools and open-toe shoes become less practical, this higher-coverage silhouette offers protection for early autumn, without sacrificing the sleek, comfortable feel that makes flats such a good everyday choice.

Tracee opted for both black and white pairs, styling them with relaxed straight-leg jeans, cuffed just-so at the ankle. Paired with a simple white T-shirt and tote bag, the flats lent her casual look a more polished energy—one that, dare I say, a pair of trainers simply couldn't have matched.

In another chic styling move, Tracee paired her black flats with a pair of cropped trousers. Picking up on another silhouette that's set to be everywhere this season, the cropped trousers brought lightness to the outfit whilst complementing the polished feel of the flats.

Mark my words: the chicest dressers will be shelving their trainers in favour of these cooler flats this season. If you're on board, read on to discover my edit of the best pairs to shop now below.

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With autumn just days away, I've started the annual process of sifting my summery staples from the cool-weather essentials ready to take their place. Intent on channelling that polished, pulled-together energy I crave every September, I'm being particularly selective about what makes it into my autumn rotation. And so far, I've found little reason to look beyond one trouser-and-shoe combination that, IMO, feels chicer than the rest.

Taking my cue from none other than Hailey Bieber, the model and enduring style icon recently sidestepped denim in favour of a supremely chic yet entirely unfussy pairing: slightly cropped black trousers styled with sleek slip-on mules.

The ankle-baring silhouette brings a '90s-inspired feel to the look, which Hailey doubled down on with her pared-back footwear choice. IMO, it's significantly chicer than any cut of denim and sleeker than even the most streamlined trainers, whilst still feeling lightweight and easy enough to see us through those warm early-autumn days.

She finished the look with a skin-hugging V-neck knit in the prettiest shade of pale blue, creating the kind of elegant, understated autumn outfit I'll be emulating on repeat this season. If you couldn't already tell that I've been influenced, scroll on for my edit of the best cropped trousers and flat mules to recreate the look below.

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If you want to know what 20-something It girls are wearing right now, the answer is simple: shorts. From denim cutoffs to micro sporty styles, young fashion lovers are embracing the style—and for good reason: it is still peak summer. But even if your mind has already shifted to fall wardrobe planning, shorts can easily stay in your rotation. Insiders are already showing us how to seamlessly transition them into the upcoming season, starting with two key flat-shoe trends: loafers and moto boots.

These two styles are closely associated with fall dressing, but they are also completely timeless, which is why chic dressers like Olivia Jade and Lila Moss are leaning into them right now.

This week while in NYC, Jade was spotted wearing a casual yet polished look that consisted of blue drawstring shorts, a black T-shirt, and black loafers. For accessories she chose an oversized shoulder bag and low-ankle socks. Also in the city this week Lila Moss was seen wearing shorts but a distressed denim pair that she styled with a low-scoop white tank top and mid-calf moto boots. She completed the ensemble with a leather belt and shoulder bag.

Whether you take inspiration from Jade or Moss when it comes to styling your shorts from now until fall you can't go wrong. Both loafers and moto boots will instantly give your bottoms a more considered, editorial finish and add just the right amount of fall attitude without feeling seasonally premature.

Inspired to shop? Keep scrolling to discover the best loafers and moto boots on the market right now.

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Summer 2026's buzziest shoe style? Ballet flats! It's easy to see why. A perennial favorite of the French, ballet flats offer comfort, ease, and elegance to every outfit and are the perfect choice to wear day and night. With just one scroll of Instagram, you'll see that the classic shoes are everywhere this season. Cool girls and celebs alike have been styling the dependable flats with track shorts, slip skirts, baby-doll dresses, and more, proving that they're the most versatile shoes you can own. What's more, ballet flats are ideal to take you seamlessly from summer to fall—pairing just as well with layers and tights as they do with lightweight summer pieces.

If you're looking to buy a new pair of ballet flats this season, there are plenty of stylish options in all shapes and fabrics and spanning all budgets. Below, I'm sharing my favorites to wear this season and beyond, from glove silhouettes and satin fabrics to high vamps and pops of color, such as trend-forward blue and burgundy, to classic styles. One thing's certain: You won't regret buying a pair.

Shop the Best Ballet Flats

When you don't have time to even think about what shoes to throw on before you leave the house, sometimes the best option is the most unexpected one. As someone who prefers to plan my outfits around the shoes I'd like to wear that day, sometimes I simply can't think that far ahead, and I've found that reaching for the trend that Elsa Hosk just wore makes my outfit better every single time. The trend is colorful ballet flats. I have seen their popularity rise rapidly, and they can now be considered one of the biggest flat-shoe trends of 2026.

The wrong-shoe theory, statement shoes, clashing shoes—whatever you want to call it—wearing shoes that aren't a safe neutral with your outfits has become a common practice among the fashion crowd. When it comes to Hosk's denim-shirt-and-balloon-track-pants outfit, which she recently posted to her Instagram feed, a pair of tan or white ballet flats may have felt more cohesive, but her decision to wear aqua blue ballet flats (Chanel, of course) was far more inspired.

When choosing your pair of colorful flats, the brighter, the better. Favorite brands for ballet flats, such as Reformation, Margaux, Repetto, and Alex Mill, are offering up options in yellow, red, purple, lime, and shades of blue, to name just a few. Scroll on to shop my favorite pairs.

The Flat-Shoe Trick, as Seen on Elsa Hosk

On Elsa Hosk: Helsa shirt; Lioness Aniston Full-Length Pants ($100); Chanel bag and shoes

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If you're someone who loves jeans but gets bored easily, step into my office. The first order of business is fall shoes. The easiest way to spice up a denim outfit is with a pair of cool, trendy shoes. That being said, I say trendy with a caveat: Certain shoe trends work better than others when it comes to jeans. Something too chunky or with a too-high heel can look off, and if it's cooler outfits I'm seeking, I veer away from plain, boring shoes and toward trends that are a bit more fun. It sounds like a lot to think about, but luckily, you don't have to—that's what I'm here for.

Below, you'll find a tight edit of five specific fall shoe trends that'll make your jeans look cooler in one fell swoop. They run the gamut from classic to subtly flashy, and each looks as chic with denim as the next. Before jeans season arrives, keep scrolling to shop the shoe trends you'll see all the fashion people (yourself included, perhaps?) wearing with jeans of every wash.

Ballet Heels

If you like the delicate look of ballet flats but prefer heels, we have good news. Ballet heels are trending, which means that there are plenty of options to choose from on the market. It's a low-key way to dress up your jeans.

Shop Ballet Heels to Wear With Jeans

Jewel Tones

Since jewel tones were all over the 2026 runways, it should come as no surprise that they're going to be on everyone's feet this fall. Think shades of royal purple, emerald green, ruby red, and cobalt blue. They all pop against denim and quickly become the main character of an outfit—in a good way.

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Embellished

Ever since those embellished kitten heels became It shoes after making their debut on the Prada F/W 26 runway, shoes adorned with beads and baubles have become a thing again. Pro tip: Pair them with a simple denim outfit to let them be the standout component.

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Two-Tone

Ever since Matthieu Blazy breathed new life into Chanel's signature two-tone shoes, the fashion world has been enamored with the trend. After all, two shoe colors are better than one when they're as chic as the styles below. Whether cap-toed, trimmed, or geometric, all are welcome, and all add interest to any jeans outfit they're paired with.

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Satin

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Satin shoes are the prettiest shoe trend of 2026. When it comes to specifics, the fashion crowd is partial to wedges, mules, and simple ballet flats in any and every shade of satin. And of course, denim and satin are a match made in heaven.

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I have a bit of a shoe problem. Some people like bags. For others, it's jewelry. I've always found shoes to be my greatest weakness—a category I'll always invest in, even when my bank account insists I resist the urge. Because of this, err, affliction, I pay extra close attention when new shoe styles come out, and this fall, there's an almost painful number of It shoes to shop, with tempting options by Chanel, Prada, The Row, and more all currently calling my name. Where are the noise-canceling headphones when I need them?

Sometimes, sharing my findings helps to ease the pull to shop, which is why I decided to spill the beans about the most talked-about fall shoes within fashion circles. Herbert Levine's aquamarine-colored satin mules? Everyone wants a pair. Tory Burch's beaded kitten heels? If you haven't bought yours yet, good luck. Saint Laurent's hunter-green knee-high boots? I'm drooling. Suffice to say, there's no shortage of It shoes to add to your collection (and mine) this fall. I'd know; I've already tried most (if not all) of them on at least once.

Start shopping for your favorite styles below.

Shop Fall's It Shoes

As fall approaches, it's time to talk about denim, specifically which silhouettes will become the go-to staples in our wardrobes. The big question is which denim trend will all the It girls be wearing in the coming months? We already know low-rise baggy jeans will continue to dominate, following the viral success and continued sellouts of Hailey Bieber's Gap collection. Besides that, another style set to be ubiquitous is flared jeans—as recently confirmed by Sienna Miller.

Attending the Abigail's Party gala in London yesterday evening, Miller stepped out in an ensemble that was both casual and refined. She paired blue flared ankle-length jeans with an ivory floral-print button-down blouse. The cropped hem of the pants highlighted her black eel-leather square-toe ballet flats, and she completed the look with red-tinted aviator sunglasses and Chloé's Bracelet bag.

On Sienna Miller: Chloé Bracelet Bag ($2590)

While flared jeans carry a bohemian '70s feel that some might view as "dated," their modern appeal lies entirely in the specific fit and how they are styled. Steer clear of distressed finishes, acid washes, and heavy distressing, and keep the rest of your outfit simple and pared back. If you're still not convinced, let me remind you that what makes flared jeans particularly versatile is their ageless appeal: At 30, I would style them for a night out with a fitted tank top and heels, whereas my mom, in her 60s, would wear them like Miller with a flowy blouse and flats.

If you're inspired and ready to refresh your wardrobe for the new season, read on to explore my edit of flared jeans and black flats.

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