Kravitz’s NYC Look Merges 90s Denim with Parisian Heels

Zoë Kravitz was photographed in New York City on August 22, 2026, wearing a low-rise, light-wash cropped kick-flare jean paired with a white cropped T-shirt. She completed the look with black suede block-heel pumps, a Saint Laurent Hortense bag, and Thistles sunglasses. The outfit, captured ahead of Harry Styles’ Madison Square Garden residency, highlights the resurgence of 1990s denim silhouettes and the enduring popularity of ballet-inspired footwear.
Key points
- Kravitz wore low-rise, cropped kick-flare jeans in a light wash, a silhouette Vogue notes is often misunderstood but currently revived.
- She paired the denim with black suede block-heel pumps, which Who What Wear describes as a minimalist take on the ballet heel trend.
- The ensemble included a Saint Laurent Hortense shoulder bag, Thistles sunglasses, and a white cropped T-shirt.
- The look was photographed in the Lower East Side of New York City, shortly before Styles began his 30-night tour residency.
- WWD notes that both Kravitz and Styles frequently favor ballet-inspired footwear, indicating a shared sartorial preference.
Background
This look follows recent archive coverage from August 23, 2026, which noted Kravitz’s return to kick-flare denim as part of her coordinated style with Harry Styles. Earlier reports also highlighted her use of the Saint Laurent Hortense bag and her preference for relaxed, minimalist outfits in New York. The current story adds specific detail on the block-heel variation of her footwear and the specific denim cut.
How outlets are covering it
Who What Wear emphasizes the 'It Girl' aspect of the look, framing the block-heel pumps as a chic, walkable alternative to standard flats. Marie Claire identifies the shoes as likely Maryam Nassir Zadeh 40 Roberta Leather Ballet Flats and notes the inclusion of white wired headphones as a Y2K accessory. Vogue focuses on the denim silhouette, arguing that the kick-flare is a misunderstood but elegant choice when styled with minimal footwear, and connects the look to the couple’s shared denim taste. WWD highlights the 'Parisian' influence of the block-heel pump, noting that Kravitz has a history of wearing ballet-style shoes, and mentions that Styles also wears similar silhouettes from brands like Dior and Chanel.
Why it matters
The outfit signals a broader 2026 trend toward combining 1990s-inspired denim with elevated, minimalist footwear. It also illustrates the continued influence of celebrity couple styling, where Kravitz and Styles coordinate casual yet high-fashion elements, reinforcing the relevance of ballet flats and cropped flares in contemporary street style.
What to watch
Expect to see more variations of the cropped flare jean and block-heel pump combination in fall 2026 collections and street style, particularly as temperatures drop and layering becomes more common. The popularity of the Saint Laurent Hortense bag may also continue to rise as a staple for casual luxury looks.
- How to Spot an It Girl in 2026: This Cropped-Jeans Style and This French-Girl Shoe Trend Who What Wear
- Zoë Kravitz's Outfit Is Proof the Ballet Flats Trend Can Elevate a Pared-Back Tee and Jeans Ensemble Marie Claire
- Zoë Kravitz Experiments in a Long Misunderstood Denim Style Vogue
- Zoë Kravitz Adds a Parisian Twist to Her Off-duty Ensemble With Suede Ballerina Heels WWD
- The 'Awkward' Jeans Are Suddenly Cool Again: Zoë Kravitz Leads Fashion's Unexpected Denim Comeback Fashion Times UK
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