Kendall Jenner turns ballerines into the shoe of right now
Kendall Jenner stepped out in sleek ballerines more than once this year, and the effect landed fast: searches and street snaps spiked, and the ballet flat returned from quiet classic to front-row choice. The look is stripped back, barely there, and suddenly feels modern next to all the chunky sneakers that dominated the past seasons.
There is timing behind the buzz. Fashion’s ballet wave has been building since 2023, with balletcore taking over TikTok and Spring-Summer 2024 runways in Paris and Milan sending out satin, mesh and soft leather flats. When a celebrity like Kendall Jenner wears the most minimal pair with tailored shorts or a crisp coat, the styling reads easy, not costume, and that is what people came for.
Why Kendall Jenner’s ballerines resonate in 2024
Main idea first: ballerines bring ease. Flat, flexible, and city-proof when styled right. Kendall Jenner taps that mood by choosing pairs that feel unfussy – leather or mesh, neutral shades, clean lines – and pairing them with pieces we already own. The message is simple: comfort without losing polish.
Runway to sidewalk context helps. Miu Miu, Chanel and Sandy Liang all highlighted ballet flats across 2023 and Spring-Summer 2024 shows, pushing the silhouette from nostalgia to now. TikTok’s #balletcore hashtag has crossed the billion-view mark on the platform, a cultural nudge that explains why the trend did not just pass through – it stuck.
Price signals also tell the story. Retail listings checked in 2024 show designer ballerines typically land between 500 and 1,100 dollars across luxury e-tailers for leather, satin or mesh versions by labels such as The Row, Miu Miu and Alaïa. That range matches what is appearing on celebrities’ feet and in new-in pages, which is exactly where the Kendall effect kicks in.
Common pitfalls with ballet flats, and how to fix them like a stylist
Plenty of people try a pair, then give up after a week. Usually because of three avoidable issues: flimsy soles, off proportions, or too-pretty-for-real-life materials. A thin, unsupportive insole can turn a commute into a chore. A very rounded toe against long trousers can skew childlike. And satin without protection can stain after the first coffee run.
Quick, empathetic fixes work. Add a slim leather insole for support and grip. Choose almond or squared toes to lengthen the line. If the outfit leans romantic, ground it with a structured blazer. That is why Kendall Jenner’s looks click: soft shoes balanced by sharp tailoring or straight denim. It’s a small styling equation that reads grown-up.
Real-world example seen all season: black mesh ballerines with straight blue jeans and a trench. Breathable, a bit sheer, but anchored. The same logic handled office hours when swapped for matte leather and a neat cardigan. Nothing fussy, nothing that needs a stylist on speed dial.
How to copy Kendall Jenner’s ballerines energy without overthinking
There is a simple pattern in her outfits. Neutral shoe, clean lines, one elevated texture. Then proportion play: cropped hem or bare ankle so the flat does not visually shorten the leg. The rest feels lived-in, not precious. Follow that, and the trend stops being a trend and becomes a tool.
- Pick structure first : a firm sole and a slight heel lift, even 5 to 10 mm, for all-day comfort.
- Go neutral on the shoe, add texture up top : ribbed knit, crisp poplin, or a glazed leather jacket.
- Show some ankle : cropped jeans or tailored shorts keep the line clean.
- Try a cap-toe or almond toe to elongate the foot visually.
- Treat materials : spray satin or mesh before first wear, then store with tissue so the shape holds.
Why the timing feels right now: sneakers reached peak maximalism through 2022, then minimal flats offered a reset. That shift occured across street style galleries and retail sell-through, lining up with a wider appetite for lighter silhouettes in 2024. Runways did not create the need, they unlocked it and celebrities accelerated it.
One last piece often missing is fit. Ballerines stretch; leather especially. If in between sizes, many stylists suggest going down half a size in soft leather and true-to-size in structured cap-toes, then adding a thin insert while the upper softens. That small tweak gives the same unbothered finish Kendall Jenner gets, without sacrificing comfort the minute you step outside.