It’s actually genius.
Jennifer Lopez just celebrated her 55th birthday, and she went all out with a luxe lunch in Bridgehampton followed by a Bridgerton-themed extravaganza. (Watch out, Queen Charlotte; there’s a new royal in town.) But following the lavish festivities, Lopez took a beat and went for a quiet bike ride.
Channeling a girl-next-door vibe, J.Lo wore a breezy ‘50s-inspired dress complete with a button-up front, collar, tea-length skirt, and pretty print. She finished off the look with drop earrings, huge round sunglasses, and dainty ballet flats, which boasted studs, a sparkly upper, and front bow.
Steve Madden Baylen Natural Ballet Flats
Orig. $80 $60 at Stevemadden.com
Rothy’s the Square Wrap Ballet Flats
$169 at Rothys.com
I don’t know about you, but when I do anything active, I typically reach for comfy sneakers—not slip-on ballerinas. But you see, she got away with such cute shoes thanks to one practical detail: crisscross ankle straps (which remind me of these Steve Madden Baylen Flats). The secure bands don’t only elevate Lopez’s entire ‘fit, but they hold the shoe in place, whether biking or walking around—and J.Lo proved the former.
Lopez-inspired shoes aren’t only practical, but they’re the style of the summer. Nearly all of Hollywood has been donning such flats, including Katie Holmes, Gigi Hadid, Jennifer Lawrence, and Taylor Swift. This is most certainly connected to the rise of balletcore, which Hailey Bieber and Sarah Jessica Parker have mastered. Better yet, it leans into the upsurge of the coquette aesthetic, giving everyone a chance at the preppy shoe.
The key to styling strappy flats is to not overthink it: Wear them with denim shorts and a sleeveless bodysuit when running errands, a maxi skirt and linen top for brunch with the girls, or an A-line dress for a dinner date. The truth is, similar versions (like the Rothy’s Square-Wrap Ballet Flats) can be integrated into any wardrobe no matter your age or style, so just have fun with it!
Shop more J.Lo-inspired flats, below, and kiss lifting heels and slipping backs goodbye forever.
Get the Look:
Free People Mystic Mary Jane Flats
Shop now: $128; freepeople.com
Dolce Vita Cancun Flats
Shop now: $50 (Originally $130); zappos.com
Jessica Simpson Mandalaye Leather Flats
Shop now: $69; nordstrom.com
Jeffrey Campbell Choreo Ankle-Strap Ballet Flats
Shop now: $100 (Originally $200); nordstrom.com
Dolce Vita Ryder Ankle-Tie Ballet Flats
Shop now: $130; nordstrom.com
Yosi Samra Sofia Ankle-Strap Foldable Flats
Shop now: $125; nordstrom.com
Dream Pairs Elastic Ankle-Straps Flats
Shop now: $37; amazon.com
Alpine Swiss Peony Ballet Flats
Shop now: $18; amazon.com