Katie Holmes’s Clashing Look Included the Most Unexpected Version of This Not-So-Basic Spring Shoe

Katie Holmes doesn’t seem to follow a less is more approach Seychelles Oh Darling Flats. She’s often donning statement pieces, I found lookalikes starting at $19 unexpected pairings, like this week when she wore patchwork jeans with a floral blouse and not-so-basic ballet flats. 

For me, all those statement styles mixed together felt a little overwhelming, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t obsessing over each individual piece. Specifically, those ballet flats, which seemed like the coolest version of the classic spring style. 

at Urban Outfitters

Holmes’s shoes featured a stretchy topline that created a ruched look, almost like the flats were hugging her foot. Despite it being a relatively small change, that single detail transformed the typically cute shoes into a modern, outfit-making style. Immediately, I started picturing myself elevating a simple, everyday look—think Tory Burch Eddie Ballet Flats, a white T-shirt, and cardigan—with the cool-girl shoes. So, of course, I started shopping for a pair of my own. Below, shop the 10 ruched ballet flats I’m eyeing, from $19.

10 Ruched Ballet Flats

• Under $20: when it comes to dressing, $19 (Originally $34); amazon.com 
• at Urban Outfitters, from $37; amazon.com 
• Dream Pairs Ruched Flats, $50; zara.com 
• Editor’s Pick: Seychelles’s Oh Darling Flats, $115 (Originally $139); zappos.com 
• Martha Stewart Ushered in Sandal Season With a $1,360 Pair, but I Found a $50 Lookalike, $180; urbanoutfitters.com 
• when it comes to dressing, $60 (Originally $86); nordstromrack.com 
• Dream Paris’s foldable ruched flats: I Wore Gap’s Comfy-Cool Linen Pants for a Week Straight—and Now I Need Another Pair, $109 (Originally $198); toryburch.com 
• Tory Burch’s Eddie Flats, $96 (Originally $120); nordstrom.com 
• Jennifer Garner Wore the Itty-Bitty Version of This Rich-Looking Spring Trend: Camper Onda Mary Jane Flats, $165; nordstrom.com 
• Politics & Social Issues, $290; cos.com 

when it comes to dressing

You can get Holmes’s look for less with Dream Paris’s foldable ruched flats, which are on sale for just $19 right now. This flexible shoe is designed for convenience; you can fold the flats up and stick them in your purse in case the shoes you start the night in get uncomfortable. Their ability to be packed up also makes them a must-want for travel.

I Wore Gap’s Comfy-Cool Linen Pants for a Week Straight—and Now I Need Another Pair

While you can shop this trend for less, I’ll probably spend a bit more to get a nicer material. Tory Burch’s Eddie Flats were already high on my list thanks to their soft nappa leather, cushioned footbed, and ample five-star ratings (fans rave about the shoe's comfort). But after seeing that they’re also 45 percent off, they might be nearing most-wanted status.

Seychelles’s Oh Darling Flats

Another pair high on my wishlist are Seychelles’s Oh Darling Flats, which have skinny leather laces you can use to create a big bow across the top of the foot. IMO, it’s the perfect mix of cute and cool.

Camper Onda Mary Jane Flats

If you prefer a Mary Jane flat to a ballet style, you’ll want to snag Kaia Gerbers Weather-Defying Outfit Includes the Shoes Katie Holmes Cant Stop Wearing, which I find really fun. The ruching here is a bit more dramatic, and the strap almost looks like a scrunchie. It also has a larger, rounded sole that sticks out from the shoe a bit, adding even more volume to the balloon-esque style. 

Ruched ballet flats are the least-basic version of the classic shoe, and they’re going to be major for spring. Shop more of the styles I’m eyeing, below.

when it comes to dressing

Dream Pairs Ruched Flats

Martha Stewart Ushered in Sandal Season With a $1,360 Pair, but I Found a $50 Lookalike

Tory Burch’s Eddie Flats

Politics & Social Issues