Jeans and ballet flats are one of the most reliable outfit pairings. This trend transcends cycles, seasons and personal styles. However, as my friends and readers know, achieving an effortlessly cool aesthetic in 2026 depends on unexpected styling techniques (think straw bags with tailored pants). This begs the question: How can you make this classic pairing feel fresh and unexpected? The short answer is to take inspiration from Mandy Moore.
This week, Moore was spotted in a casual denim outfit while out for lunch in LA. She styled light-wash cargo jeans with a green crewneck sweatshirt. For accessories, she chose tortoise-shell sunglasses and ballet flats, especially in a gorgeous red color.
(Image credit: Backgrid)
While black ballet flats would have looked classic and stylish, her choice to complete the look with red felt unexpected but intentional and so pulled her ensemble together. Bold flashes of cherry red provided character and depth, making her jeans and sweatshirts look more upscale and expensive.
Plus, keep scrolling to shop the adorable combination for yourself.
Buy Jeans and Red Ballet Flats:
These will look and feel like vintage Levi’s if you size one up.
dolce vita
Ritla Ballet Flats Cherry Leather
I love patent leather.
Nordstrom
high waist wide leg jeans
Wide-leg jeans match perfectly with ballet flats.
Sam Edelman
elle ballet flats
Take them from summer to autumn.
frame
x Amelia Gray The Gray Relaxed Bootcut Jeans
Everyone is talking about gray jeans because of it’s comfortable yet flattering fit.
Tony Bianco
chelsea red nappa
Khaite
Calm Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
quince
Italian leather gloves ballet flats
Abercrombie
high rise loose jean
Dark-wash jeans are still in trend.
The comfort of a sandal with the look of a ballet flat.
