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New York is home to a diverse population of fashion-forward individuals, often setting trends before other cities catch up. This year, per research conducted by experts at Boohoo, New Yorkers are incorporating ballet flats, cowboy boots and kitten heels into their wardrobes more than ever.
On a list of ten items ranking the hottest fashion trends — ascertained by average monthly search volume — ballet flats ranked number one with 19,507 Google searches, cowboy boots at number three with 16,550 searches and kitten heels were at number five with 11,250 hits.
Ballet flats have a storied history in fashion and society at large. They find their origins in the 1600s Renaissance era when a flat-pointed shoe was a status symbol. They eventually became the go-to shoe in ballet after French dancer Marie Camargo chose to wear flats instead of heels for a performance in the 1730s. With a number of key trendsetters and designers involved over time, the ballet shoe eventually made its way off stage and onto the feet of everyday people.
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Several celebrities have recently shown off their love of ballet flats. Katie Holmes is one devout fan of the shoe, stepping out in a myriad of variations, including a white T-strap pair from A.P.C., a silver metallic pair with ribbon detail and double-strap Mary Jane flats from Chanel.
National Day of the Cowboy was recently celebrated on July 23, and naturally, it was a time to celebrate cowboy boots, reported as the third most popular fashion trend in New York. The shoe is said to have roots in Mexico and Spain and, of course, is most strongly associated with the American West and the expansion of the United States. Though initially designed for riding horses, the boot has become a classic American symbol and is often sported as part of everyday stylish streetwear outfits. Recent resurgence in the style can, of course, be attributed in part to Beyoncé and her country-themed “Cowboy Carter” album — if inspired by her, find a list of cowboy boots for women here.
Thirdly, kitten heels are making their way to the forefront of fashion. With a relatively shorter heel allowing for easier and more comfortable walking, the kitten heel makes a statement while maintaining a level of practicality and subtly. Evoking 1950s and 60s glamour, classic stars like Audrey Hepburn and Princess Diana have worn the look. In recent times, Kendall Jenner wore a dark red patent leather pair to a Gucci show in 2023; Sarah Jessica Parker wore a unique pair with a bow and pearl detailing on the set of “And Just Like That” in June of this year. See more kitten heel inspiration here.
