What’s that? You didn’t know that granny jeans and pretty heeled ballerinas are this summer’s hottest denim trend? That’s OK. Until very recently, nor did I. But once you clock it, you can’t unsee it. From it-girl celebs in Miu Miu to the chicest women on the street, pretty much everyone is wearing jeans that look like they’ve been pinched from the wardrobes of extremely well-dressed older women, maybe even your stylish grandma. And the one thing they’re all pairing them with? Pretty heeled ballerina shoes.
Granny jeans and pretty heeled ballerinas to shop:
Calvin Klein High Rise Straight Jeans
Topshop Dottie Block Heel Ballet Shoe
But first, let’s rewind and unpack that granny jeans fad from scratch. Put simply, this new wave of denim is kind of like the middle-ground of denim: not too tight, but not too baggy; cut with subtle curves and lines without making the shape the star attraction. And, unlike mom jeans and boyfriend jeans, they’re also a lot less prescriptive. There’s no one-size-fits all approach to finding the perfect pair of granny jeans. For some, the look can be achieved with classic straight-leg jeans, while others might find a slight taper more flattering. That’s probably why granny jeans have taken off in such a big way. If you look hard enough, there’s a style to suit literally everyone.
Another big plus: granny jeans – like all jeans, you might argue – go well with absolutely everything. Yes, you can absolutely wear granny jeans and a nice top on a night out. Pair them with kitten heels and you’ll be the belle of the cocktail bar. But for everyday? The fashion pack’s shoe of choice this season is the heeled ballerina.
READ MORE: Every shoe to wear with granny jeans if you’re feeling a little stuck.