Sarah Jessica Parker’s Disjointed Pants and Shoe Combo Actually Works

Pairing the right shoes with the right pants is an art form. But in recent years, we’ve seen a resurgence of interest in the “bad shoe theory,” which is exactly what it sounds like: You have an outfit, you know what shoes you should technically wear, but you choose to forgo all common sense and logic to go with the complete opposite, i.e. opting for the “wrong” shoes. But a “bad” choice might actually be the right one, creating an even more intriguing look than if you had chosen to base your outfit with the safer choice.

Sarah Jessica Parker just proved it by enjoying a pizza at L’Industrie in the West Village, as well as the restaurant’s famous soft serve (a queen we can relate to!). The style icon never fails to impress me with her simple, down-to-earth tasks: that thanks to this outing, I learned that celebrities are always running to grab their own pizza, just like you and me. But unlike me, SJP actually looks pretty chic when she’s carrying said pizza box. In fact, her unexpected look is totally one that Carrie Bradshaw would wear in Sex and the city. So let’s go.

Parker wore a loose white V-neck tee that she paired with, wait for it, classic sweatpants with those signature side stripes, a trendy pant style that Jennifer Garner also wore recently. The bottom was slightly cropped and a little more fitted than your average sweatpants, which worked well with the rest of the pieces, including a knee-length polka dot coat that offered a little extra warmth in cold weather. The accessories took over the look of the house. Large futuristic-style glasses kept her slightly incognito, while her large over-ear Apple headphones drowned out the noise of the city (I hear you, SJP!). The final touch and the only source of color? These bright pink ballet flats with block heels.

Geox Floretia water-resistant ballet flats

Adidas Superstar Track Pants

Ballet flats are all the rage, so it’s no surprise that Parker is wearing them. Unlike most ballet flats we’ve seen, hers have a raised block heel that literally enhances the silhouette; However, as Most of the ballet flats we’ve seen have a delicate bow at the front, a soft, rounded toe that is girly, flirty and fun. Not to mention, this hot pink shade alludes to the lighter pink colors of many traditional ballet flats.

That said, you wouldn’t normally think of wearing ballet flats, a dressier shoe, with sweatpants (a staple in your sporty-leaning wardrobe), you’d opt for sneakers instead, but that’s where the “bad shoe theory” kicks in. Ballet heels with side striped sweats don’t sound good, but TBH, it looks good. The juxtaposition of girly and sporty doesn’t seem too difficult, but it also shows that you’re willing to take fashion risks and step away from the pact, that is, opt for something less conventional.

If you want to turn heads with an unexpected and slightly crazy pants and shoe combo, opt for SJP’s look: sweatpants and block-heeled ballet flats. Shop the combination below; I’ll try this look tomorrow.

Aeyde Darya Pump

Edikted Fauna Nylon Sweatpants

Tory Burch reinforced toe pumps

Edikted Remy sweatpants with knotted detail

Steve Madden Cherish Pump

Rouje Niçoise pump

Skims straight leg pants

Vivaia Round Toe Chunky Heel