Dakota Johnson demonstrates why ballet flats are the autumn-ready shoes stylish women are wearing with jeans and blazers
Her ballet flats make the perfect addition
There’s a reason why so many of us look forward to autumn weather - it’s finally time to wear our favourite jeans again. But making denim feel fresh and elevated takes a little bit of styling know-how. After seeing Dakota Johnson in New York wearing straight-leg jeans with a cropped blazer and elegant leather ballet pumps, I immediately took note for my autumn capsule wardrobe.
Pairing classic denim with a waist-nipping jacket is a brilliant way of reinventing your jeans-and-a-blazer outfits in a way that will give your look a waist-flattering fit. The shorter jacket length means even wider shoulder pads won’t overwhelm your frame, and you get to highlight your middle, creating curves.
Finished off with a pair of leather ballet flats in a very autumnal merlot hue, Dakota has given us a shortcut to refined smart-casual dressing that is both comfortable and practical for changeable weather.
Perfectly cutting at the waist, this blazer is ideal if you like a boxy silhouette but don’t want to swamp your figure. Throw over dresses or high rise jeans like Dakota.
Cutting just above the ankle, these Massimo Dutti jeans are polished and flattering if you want to elongate your legs.
Nothing beats deep red for autumn, and these leather flats will be both comfortable and durable for drizzly days. The merlot-inspired hue taps perfectly into the autumn/winter fashion colour trends for 2026.
If you want a slightly more structured blazer, this jacket fits the bill. It’s just the right length for high waisted bottoms and can be buttoned to cinch the waist.
Sezane jeans always look chic, and this pair finishes at the ankle, making it the perfect pair for showing off this season's must-have shoes.
At just £40, these pumps are a real bargain and have a very similar feel to Dakota’s with a higher vamp and minimalist design.
Although we’re firmly into autumn now, there are still plenty of warm spells cropping up. So whilst you might be keen to dig out thicker coats, current conditions call for lightweight outerwear with a smart edge - which a waist-nipping blazer epitomises. Although your best trench might be your usual choice, a cropped blazer could be the key to balancing your proportions.
As well as the cropped blazer, Dakota’s ankle-skimming jean and flat shoe combination makes this look work particularly well. A slightly cropped trouser can assist in making your legs look longer when you’re in pumps or trainers, so it’s a brilliant trick for petites.
Ballet flats really come into their own in warmer weather, and while the autumn climes allow, it's well worth getting as much wear from your flats as possible, and a simple cropped jean and waisted jacket is the ideal pairing for a sleek, balanced shape.
