If you were scrolling through Instagram this weekend, you probably saw one, two, or even a hundred photos of New York influencers at the Cou Cou Intimates pop-up. They were wearing perfectly cropped three-quarter sleeve tops and carrying bunches of flowers in woven baskets. It was all proof that another Jane Birkin summer is coming—full of ’60s shift dresses, overstuffed bags, and Repetto flats.

Shop Summer’s Must-Have Jazz Shoes:

– The Under-$300: Reformation Buffy oxfords – $298 (Reformation)
– The Elegant Everyday: Jamie Haller The Jazz flats – $640 (Jamie Haller)
– The Soft Brogues: Cos soft leather brogues – $159 (Cos)
– The Canvas Pair: Polo Ralph Lauren cotton canvas sneakers – $198 (Ralph Lauren)
– The Runway Must-Have: Celine ballet lace-up shoes – $970 (Celine)
– The Retro Runner: Dries Van Noten leather sneakers – $695 (Net-a-Porter)
– The Loafer Style: Calvin Klein Vela loafers – $850 (Net-a-Porter)
– The Sporty Trainer: Keds Champion Point lace-ups – $70 (Keds)

But if you want a less predictable take on French style, Lily Collins just skipped the Jane-approved ballet flats and went for the kind of jazz shoes Serge Gainsbourg—Birkin’s former boyfriend—used to wear. Before Kaia Gerber and Olivia Rodrigo became inseparable from their Repetto ballet pumps, Gainsbourg was striding around in the brand’s lace-up Zizi style. Now, that shoe is the go-to for art school girls (and a certain Marc Jacobs).

Pierre Suu / Serge Gainsbourg
Sergio Gaudenti / Sygma via Getty Images

As the star of Netflix’s hit show Emily in Paris, Collins often takes a more unconventional approach to Parisian style on screen—she’s caused more than a few zebra-print jump scares as the maximalist Emily Cooper. But judging by the perfect bob and pared-back monochrome outfit she wore to a French Open match, in real life she leans toward a more understated look.

Shop Our Favorite Derby Shoes:

– Reformation Buffy oxfords – $298 (Reformation)
– Jamie Haller The Jazz flats – $640 (Jamie Haller)
– Celine ballet lace-up shoes – $970 (Celine)
– Cos soft leather brogues – $159 (Cos)
– Mango lace-up shoes – $140 (Mango)
– Calvin Klein Vela loafers – $850 (Net-a-Porter)
– Repetto Zizi Oxford shoes – $490 (SSENSE) / $485 (Repetto)
– Keds Champion Point lace-ups – $70 (Keds) / $70 (Zappos)
– Dries Van Noten leather sneakers – $695 (Net-a-Porter)
– Dear Frances Balla trainers – $480 (Dear Frances)
– Wales Bonner Julien slippers – $660 (Wales Bonner)
– Zara leather lace-up low heel shoes – $80 (Zara)
– Toteme recycled cotton-twill sneakers – $520 / $260 (50% off) (Net-a-Porter)
– Polo Ralph Lauren cotton canvas sneakers – $198 (Ralph Lauren)
– Common Projects Derby shoes – $645 (Nordstrom)
– Andrea Gomez Antonia full leather shoes – $325 (Nordstrom)
– Nothing Written calm derby shoes – $231 (Nothing Written)
– By Far Prudent nappa leather sneakers – $370 (By Far)
– Lemaire Souris flat classic derbies – $554 (Lemaire) / $620 (SSENSE)
– Jil Sander loafers – $990 (Jil Sander)
– Caron Callahan Claudette flats – $460 (Caron Callahan)
– Soeur Orso lace-up derbies – $450 (Soeur)

Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the trend of jazz shoes replacing ballet flats as the goto Frenchgirl shoe

BeginnerLevel Questions

Q What is a forget ballerinas jazz shoe
A Its a style of flat shoe inspired by actual dance jazz shoes but made for street wear Think of it as a sleeker more pointed alternative to the classic ballet flat

Q Why is Lily Collins wearing these
A Shes been spotted in Paris wearing them with casual outfits helping to popularize them as a chic effortless Frenchgirl staple

Q How are these different from regular ballet flats
A Jazz shoes usually have a longer more pointed toe a thinner sole and often a small heel or a split sole Ballet flats are generally rounder and have a thicker sole

Q Are they comfortable for walking
A Yes for short to moderate distances They are very lightweight and flexible but the thin sole offers less cushioning than sneakers or thicksoled flats

Q Where can I buy a pair like Lily Collinss
A Look for brands like Repetto French Sole or modern versions from Other Stories Zara or Miu Miu The key is the elongated pointed toe

Intermediate Style Questions

Q What kind of outfits do you wear them with
A They look great with everything from straightleg jeans and a white tee to midi skirts tailored trousers and even slip dresses They add a slightly dressy pulledtouch

Q Are they considered more French than ballet flats
A Yes because they feel more modern and less sweet They have a slightly edgy danceroffduty vibe that fits the Parisian aesthetic of effortless cool

Q Do they make your feet look longer
A Yes the pointed toe elongates the leg line making your feet look slimmer and your legs appear longersimilar to a pointed pump but flat

Q Can you wear socks with them
A Yes but usually only noshow socks or very fine sheer ankle socks Thick visible socks can ruin the sleek silhouette