Katie Holmes Put A Cool Girl Spin On One Of Fall 2026's Most Comfortable Shoe Styles

Fall 2026 has proven thus far that not only does every element of an outfit matter, but so does the comfort level and ease of wear. Rather than focusing on wooly cardigans or loose pants, we're turning toward the shoes we wear — in particular, ballet flats. Not only are ballet flats fashionable and comfortable, but they're among the fall 2026 shoe trends that should be on your radar. "The perfect pair strikes a delicate balance between chic and practical," fashion expert Cindy Conroy exclusively shared with InStyle. But instead of just slipping on a plain pair of ballet flats, Katie Holmes of "Dawson's Creek" fame put a cool girl spin on this delicate footwear by opting for studded ballet flats.

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Studded ballet flats can definitely elevate an outfit, turning it from sweet and sensual to bold and daring. Holmes demonstrated this aptly even back in 2024, pairing a checkered red jumpsuit and camel-brown tote with ballet flats featuring sharp spiked studs across the straps. Naturally, there are different styles of studded flats available on the market. For example, Steve Madden's Anaya-S Mary Jane ballet flats feature circular studs across the straps and are available in three colors. You can also opt for smaller studs to cover the entire shoe, with H&M's Studded Velour Mary Janes fitting the bill. With these options in mind, there are many different ways to style the studded ballet flat.

In order to look as effortlessly stylish as Katie Holmes, there are different ways to mix and match your outfits with these studded ballet flats. For the simplest way to style this shoe trend, start with a plain black T-shirt and a pair of distressed jeans. But if that's too simple for your tastes, know you can never go wrong with a maxi skirt. A white balloon skirt would go well in accentuating this elegant footwear, yet donning a pleated or even a structured skirt with a simple sweater or ruffled top would also do the job just fine. In fact, all the entries in our guide to fall 2026's biggest dress and skirt trends would pair easily with a studded ballet flat.

For a more formal or office-appropriate feel, selecting the usual tailored or oversized blazer with fitted trousers might seem dull. However, your studded ballet flat would be the final cherry on top to add a bit more pizzazz to your entire look. And for something a bit more adventurous, you'll be surprised how well these flats go with a pair of snakeskin or leopard-print trousers. Truly, the possibilities are endless.