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Jazz Shoes Are the Controversial Footwear Trend It-Girls Are Styling for Fall

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Published on September 22, 2026 07:15AM

model wearing olive capris and white jazz shoes — @baredfootwear / Instagram

Key Takeaways

Jazz shoes are the latest dance-inspired footwear to take over the trend cycle, embraced by brands like Celine and Bottega Veneta as well as celebrities including Nicole Kidman and Laufey.
The look is vintage-inspired, theatrical yet practical, and versatile enough to style alongside your favorite capris, moody autumnal looks, and more.

While soft, versatile ballet flats will likely never fully leave our rotation, a new dance-inspired footwear category is giving them some serious competition. Thanks to brands like Celine, Maison Margiela, and Bottega Veneta, the derby-style jazz shoe is experiencing a fashion renaissance, giving an elevated twist to the slim silhouettes that are also dominating this season’s sneaker trends. As chunky silhouettes exit stage right, footwear is truly treading further into its theatrical era this autumn to match the fantastical, dress-up feel of autumn’s most exciting style. Ahead, strut through a brief history of the jazz shoe silhouette, plus check out styling tricks and shopping suggestions.

The History of Jazz Shoes

The slim structure and laced detail of jazz shoes is loosely rooted in mid-1900s womenswear. It’s impossible to ignore the vintage influences: Oxford shoes, penny loafers, and assorted academic uniforms all contribute to this restrained style. The category shares elements with saddle shoes of the 1950s, plus the flashier T-strap dance shoes that were popular a decade prior.

close-up of model wearing a cream jazz shoe — Getty Images

Akin to the messy glamour of the ‘70s-inspired boho renaissance, ushered in by Chloé and Celine of recent years, this trend is ripped straight from yesteryear with a mysterious (and sometimes, aesthetically mismatched) intrigue. It’s an estate sale-hopper’s dream.

That’s not the only jazz shoe on the market: Simpler styles, without laces, more closely mimic the sporty feel of today’s jazz dance uniform (think of the Capezio variety). This practice shoe of choice is built for a streamlined look with soft, performance fabric, prime for the studio or streetwear looks. It’s an understated detail that continues the line of the leg — and likewise, this version creates a subtle anchoring point for an otherwise bold outfit.

The Trend in 2026

And now, shoe weirdos may move to the front. Maxxed out on unconventional details and artful structure, “freaky footwear” drove some mainstream trends of the past year. And thank goodness for that: From half-constructed soles to studs and grommets galore, it’s inspired the market toward old-meets-new innovations.

Laufey wears a black skirt, jacket, red button-down, and jazz flats — @laufey / Instagram

Byrdie first called out the modern jazz shoe trend back in January, and more colorful styles hit the market as soon as summer swung around. It’s a part of a larger drift toward streamlined, tailored silhouettes: sporty ballerina flats, slim sneakers, Victorian-inspired laced boots, et al.

model wearing brown shoes and a white dress with brown hat — @madewell / Instagram

Designers led the recent shift to leaner silhouettes: Celine’s version of the jazz shoe is particularly understated and feminine—arriving in varying shades of cream, black, butter yellow, and soft denim blue—while Maison Margiela takes a modern dancer’s approach with a sculpted, split-toe design. Need further convincing? Eternal icon Nicole Kidman wore them at Wimbledon this year, too.

Nicole Kidman wears a white suit and jazz shoes — Getty Images

The Appeal

New trends are often test-driven during Saturday errands and 12-hour days, and this one passes tests both on and off the clock. Jazz shoes are comfortable, practical, and office-appropriate, making them a smooth replacement for the ballet flat. Lacing details add a formal touch, while the shoe’s vintage callbacks offer a remnant of the quiet luxury movement that fits into our currently more maximalist tastes. You’ll also notice visual similarities with other trending shoes of late, including boat shoes and ballerina-sneaker hybrids.

Paloma Elsesser wears a white shirt, camo skirt, and red flats — @palomija / Instagram

There’s very little surprise that the hybrid shoe trend would take a vintage turn. Across our closets, antique details are quietly overtaking the fashion cycle. Consider this summer’s lacy, breezy slips, or perhaps the anchoring elegance of ‘40s-era pearl earrings and pendant jewelry. I’d never complain about the ease of shopping a trend secondhand.

How to Style

Jazz shoes act as a finishing touch. This silhouette is molded, tailored, and leans masculine, so play into opposites for maximum styling opportunity. Pair a cream jazz shoe with a moody autumnal vampire number, or let a pair peek out from wide-leg pants. Transitional cropped styles and capris also spotlight this unconventional flat.

model wearing capris, a button-down, and jazz shoes — @baredfootwear / Instagram

Reach for it in all the ways you’d style Keds circa 2013 (or truly, any basic tennis shoe). Its laced-up style mimics a simple sneaker, while maintaining the polish of ballet flats and mules. The result is timeless and effortlessly cool.

The Best Modern Jazz Shoes to Shop

Ready for a theatrical—yet still practical—approach to footwear? Scroll on for eight standout pairs of jazz shoes worthy of a starring role in your wardrobe.