Trust Alexa Chung to Make This "Cheap" Shoe Trend Look Incredibly Expensive
Our take
The fashion landscape is perpetually fascinated by the alchemy of elevating the commonplace, and few execute this transformation with the effortless grace of Alexa Chung. The recent buzz surrounding her Serpentine Summer Party appearance, sporting what many are calling a “cheap” shoe trend – ballet flats – is a perfect illustration. It's a delightful paradox: a style icon, known for her impeccable taste and ability to curate a look that feels both intrinsically her own and universally desirable, choosing a footwear staple that's often relegated to the realm of practicality rather than high fashion. This isn’t entirely new territory; we’ve seen similar shifts before, where seemingly unassuming items gain cachet through strategic styling and a discerning eye. Witness the recent embrace of midi skirts, a style that has enjoyed a resurgence thanks to its understated elegance – I Was Gatekeeping Summer’s Prettiest Dress Trend, Until Every It Girl Started Wearing It. Chung's influence isn’t about dictating trends; it’s about refining them, breathing new life into familiar silhouettes and demonstrating that true style lies not in exorbitant price tags, but in thoughtful curation and confident wear.
The power of Chung's approach lies in her ability to disrupt the usual cycle of fleeting trends and conspicuous consumption. It’s a quiet rebellion against the pressure to constantly acquire the newest, most expensive items. Instead, she champions a more considered, sustainable, and deeply personal approach to style. This resonates particularly strongly in a climate where “quiet luxury” is increasingly sought after – a sensibility that prioritizes quality, timelessness, and understated elegance over ostentatious displays of wealth. The ballet flat, often associated with a more youthful or even slightly demure aesthetic, is transformed by Chung into something undeniably chic and sophisticated. It's a masterclass in showing, not telling; allowing the garment itself, and the way it’s worn, to speak volumes. This contrasts sharply with the current marketing landscape, often driven by aggressive promotion and influencer endorsements – a realm where even luxury hair products are aggressively promoted during sales events like Amazon Prime Day I Found the 10 Best Luxury Hair Products on Sale for Amazon Prime Day. Chung’s choice feels refreshingly authentic, a testament to her enduring appeal as a style icon who operates outside the usual hype machine.
The broader significance of this development extends beyond a single footwear trend. It speaks to a larger shift in consumer values, where authenticity and personal style are increasingly prized over superficial status symbols. The rise of K-Pop and its influence on global style trends is another example of how music and culture can reshape perceptions of luxury and desirability Rising K-Pop Idols Hearts2Hearts Are Coming for the Song of the Summer, demonstrating that influence can emerge from unexpected corners. Chung's ability to make a "cheap" shoe look incredibly expensive isn’t merely about styling; it’s about embodying a philosophy of mindful consumption and celebrating individual expression. It’s a reminder that true style isn't about chasing trends, but about embracing what feels authentic and confident. This resonates deeply with the core tenets of quiet luxury – an aesthetic born from discernment, not display.
Ultimately, Chung's continued influence forces us to reconsider the very definition of luxury. Is it about the price tag, the brand name, or the feeling it evokes? Her unwavering commitment to understated elegance and personal style suggests the latter. As the fashion industry continues to grapple with issues of sustainability and inclusivity, will we see more figures like Chung championing a more considered and authentic approach to style, or will the pressure of constant consumption continue to dominate the narrative? The answer, it seems, lies in our willingness to prioritize personal expression and timeless appeal over fleeting trends and extravagant displays.
As a fashion journalist, who feels as if she's seen it all, I'm rarely shocked by an outfit choice. This morning, however, as I scrolled through newly released images from last night's Serpentine Summer Party, I was genuinely taken aback. No, it wasn't an obscure haute couture creation that stopped me in my tracks. Instead, it was my long-time style icon, Alexa Chung, wearing the one shoe trend I never expected to see her embrace.
Stepping out beneath London's blazing summer sun, Chung styled a sculptural two-piece by London-based designer Dilara Findikoglu. Rendered in a soft beige hue, the high-neck design featured partially undone buttons that eased its otherwise Victorian-inspired silhouette. Paired with a coordinating knee-grazing skirt, the look felt regal, poised and suited to the elegant occasion. To complete her ensemble, Chung reached for a pair of heels, but rather than the sleek slingbacks I would have expected her to choose, the model and presenter opted for a style I'd have confidently said she'd never wear: PVC heels.
Perhaps because of their long-standing association with looking a little "cheap", transparent heels were far from the first shoe trend I expected to see Chung champion.
Part of the trend's reputation may stem from the fact that PVC is generally less expensive than leather or suede. Yet the material has its advantages. Durable and easy to maintain, a quick wipe is often all it takes to keep the shoes looking fresh. Crafted from clear vinyl, the shoes appear almost invisible on the foot, creating a seamless effect that elongates the legs and allows the outfit to take centre stage. What's more, their barely-there finish creates the illusion of longer legs, making them a surprisingly clever choice for occasion dressing.
Not coming out of nowhere, designers have been experimenting with transparent footwear for several seasons now. Valentino's PVC heels sparked conversation thanks to their clever design, which made the sculptural heel appear almost unattached to the foot. Meanwhile, Alaïa's transparent styles have long been considered a fashion person's favourite.
If anyone can convince me to give a supposedly "cheap" shoe trend a chance, it's Alexa Chung. Scroll on to shop my edit of the best Alexa-inspired PVC heels below.
Shop PVC Heels:
Be quick! I can't see these staying in stock for long.
The low wedge detailing adds a little height without sacrificing comfort.
Valentino's PVC heels are a fashion person's favourites.
Wear these with a pair of colourful socks, or style these without.
These also come in brown and snake print.
The wedge shoe trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down.
Alaia's PVC wedges will always have a place in my heart.
The light tint gives these an elevated finish.
Style these with a two-piece like Alexa, or pair them with your favourite jeans.
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