Certainly, black ballet flats are acceptable, but women over 40 prefer this colored alternative with jeans instead.
Jeans paired with ballet flats represent a consistently dependable outfit combination. This pairing transcends trends, seasons, and individual styles. However, as my friends and readers are aware, achieving a seemingly effortless yet stylish look in 2026 hinges on incorporating unexpected styling methods (such as pairing straw bags with tailored pants). This brings us to the question: How can you refresh this classic combination and make it feel new and exciting? The succinct answer is to take inspiration from Mandy Moore. Recently, while out for lunch in Los Angeles, Moore was seen in a relaxed denim ensemble. She wore light-wash cargo jeans paired with a green crewneck sweatshirt. To accessorize, she chose tortoise-shell sunglasses and ballet flats, notably in a stunning red shade.
While black ballet flats would have been a classic and stylish option, her decision to finish the outfit with red ones felt both surprising and intentional, successfully pulling her look together. The vibrant splash of cherry red added personality and dimension, enhancing her jeans and sweatshirt with a more upscale appearance. With that in mind, keep scrolling to shop for this chic combination for yourself.
Shop Jeans and Red Ballet Flats:
If you size up one, these will have the look and feel of vintage Levi's.
Dolce Vita
Ritla Ballet Flats Cherry Leather
I love the glossy finish.
Nordstrom
High Waist Wide Leg Jeans
Wide-leg jeans are an excellent match for ballet flats.
Tony Bianco
Chelsea Red Nappa
FRAMEX Amelia Gray
The Gray Relaxed Bootcut Jeans
The Gray jeans are generating buzz for their relaxed yet flattering fit.
Sam Edelman
Alie Ballet Flats
Transition these from summer to fall.
KHAITE
Callum Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
Quince
Italian Leather Glove Ballet Flats
Abercrombie & Fitch
High Rise Loose Jean
Dark-wash jeans remain in vogue.
Enjoy the comfort of a slipper combined with the elegance of a ballet flat.
Other articles
Certainly, black ballet flats are acceptable, but women over 40 prefer this colored alternative with jeans instead.
Neither brown nor navy, either.
