For years, loafers were the shoe everyone wore. They became part of the fashion-person uniform, and at one point, it was hard not to see them everywhere. Now, that same energy has shifted to ballet flats. Whether I’m walking around New York City or scrolling through outfit photos and videos on Instagram and TikTok, it feels like everyone is wearing a pair—usually the classic style with the tiny bow and all. But as ballet flats have taken over, newer versions have started to emerge, like the glove flat, and one iteration that’s especially gaining attention right now is the jazz flat.
And it’s exactly what it sounds like. Inspired by the dance shoe, it has a low-profile shape, soft leather upper, and lace-up details that give it a slight Oxford-shoe feel. Compared to the softer, more delicate look of traditional ballet flats, jazz flats feel a little sharper and more unexpected, yet still easy to wear. Ahem, and the runways called it way before they were showing up in the wild.
Designers have shown that the silhouette is having a major moment, showcasing everything from classics in neutral colorways to more modern takes featuring metallic finishes and sheer, see-through details. I like to think of it as the stylish cousin of what a finance bro might wear to the office—just chicer and far from plain and boring.
Style stars have already been putting their own spin on them, which makes them easy to picture in everyday outfits. A white satin pair looks really cute with a crisp button-down, tie, and trouser shorts, for a more preppy ensemble—especially with pastel socks peeking out for a fun touch. And if your vibe leans more minimalistic, they also work with baggy jeans, a bright top, and a blazer; it’s an easy outfit that still feels put together.
Personally, I’ve officially been convinced to get myself a pair. My shoe rotation has been in serious need of a switch-up (who else has been rotating the same three pairs for months?), and these are the perfect way to refresh things without completely changing my style. They still bring that same polished feel you get from a ballet flat or loafer but with a more interesting edge. They work with everything I already own, but let the simplest outfits have more sophistication to them.
After spending way too much time shopping around, these are the six best pairs I’ve found lately that somehow still aren’t sold out.
Shop these chic jazz flats!
Free People Bronx Chicago Jazz Shoes
Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
