Big, chunky sneakers were all the rage ever since the 2020s brought the Y2K revival. More recently, the fashion pendulum has swung back: People have been trading in their casual footwear for more dainty, classy looks. 

With 2025 comes the return of the classy shoe. Staples like pointed kitten heels, sleek pumps and subtle ballet flats are making a major comeback in streetwear. These shoes make any outfit look more polished and add an elegant, understated flair to the look. 

The best part is that classy shoes automatically add a timeless elegance to any outfit, even while paired with more baggy, grungy and layered clothing. Adding ballet flats to big jeans creates a polished look of quiet-luxury without too much effort. Kitten heels add a feminine, gentle touch to even the comfiest look. 

No longer are shoes such as these reserved for formal settings. Now, pumps can be paired with athletic clothing to simply roam the grocery store, stop to fill your car with gas or any other mundane chore. 

Not only shoes, but all classic attire is making a comeback. Classic looks as a whole have returned within the enviable old money aesthetic. Even so, the sudden versatility of dainty footwear makes sure it can be paired with any look, adding a subtle flare for all occasions.

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Hi! I’m Kayla Friedman, A Magazine’s editor-in-chief. My staff and I are committed to bringing you the most important and entertaining news from the realms of fashion, beauty and culture. We are full-time students and hard-working journalists. While we get support from the student media fee and earned revenue such as advertising, both of those continue to decline. Your generous gift of any amount will help enhance our student experience as we grow into working professionals. Please go here to donate to A Magazine.