Anyone who follows Kaia Gerber on Instagram knows she's a woman of varied interests. Her grid features photos from designer campaigns she's starred in and professional shots from the red carpet, of course, but the model also highlights her love of books on a regular basis. Gerber posts almost weekly to highlight her favorite read of the moment (her current being Dear Dick Head) and, now, she's once again dressing for her book worm title.
On Sept. 8, the model was photographed leaving an Los Angeles event hosted by author Will Arbery to promote his book Corsicana / Evanston Salt Costs Climbing. Her outfit was appropriate for the literary occasion, as it featured a mix of librarian-inspired staples.
The model wore a checked midi skirt (a "dark academia" favorite) styled with a powder blue cropped cardigan, which she wore partially unbuttoned, as a shirt. Gerber wore very little jewelry, slipping only a few dainty gold chains onto her wrists and neck.
She finished the scholarly ensemble with a classic 2000s shoe: round-toe ballet flats. Gerber also carried what appears to be Celine's Claude Shoulder Bag in the label's signature Triomphe print.
Kaia Gerber looked literary-chic at a book event in Los Angeles.
Despite fashion's longstanding pointed-toe obsession, Gerber is just the latest in a line of celebrities making '00s-era ballet flats come back. Throughout the summer, the model styled a Repetto pair with everything from sweatpants to white skirts. Fast forward to the present: Kendall Jenner was spotted wearing a similarly-shaped pair just this week, while at the 2024 US Open.
Kendall Jenner wore round-toe ballet flats like Gerber's at the US Open.
Katie Holmes is similarly enthralled with rounded flats. The Dawson's Creek actor has been wearing the same pair of $880 Khaite flats virtually non-stop, with everything in her closet. Here, she styles them with gray, straight-leg jeans, a white button-down blouse, and a caramel-colored tote bag.
Katie Holmes is also a noted fan of ballerina flats.
Though once considered "cheugy," rounded flats like these are quickly upping in popularity, thanks to TikTok aesthetics such as "eclectic grandpa," "dark academia," and "corporate sneeze"—all of which tap into a librarian-esque vibe. No matter what you want to call it, Gerber nailed the look.
-
Only Three Episodes of 'The Traitors' Season 3 Have Dropped, But the Traitors Are Already Headed for BetrayalThe producers truly chose chaos for this installment of Peacock's reality hit.
-
This $4,900 Bag Is the Hero of Hailey Bieber's Mom StyleA case for the oversized staple.
-
Here's Where Textured Hair Education in America Stands in 2025Meet the leaders behind the movement for more equitable hair care.
-
Dua Lipa Flashes a Closer Look at Her Rumored $30,000 Diamond Engagement Ring on "Date Night"Her relationship status isn't confirmed, but the ring's valuation is.
-
Who Is Jessica McCormack? Zendaya's Engagement Ring Designer and a Celebrity-Beloved JewelerJessica McCormack's pieces are red-carpet staples.
-
J.Crew's Araks Lingerie Collab Is a Valentine You Can Send YourselfThe label teamed up with Araks to design decadent silk bralettes.
-
The Adidas Sambas Sneaker Is Still Every A-Lister’s Favorite ShoeIt's such a timeless option.
-
Kendall Jenner Wraps Up in a $5,900 Cashmere Robe and Hailey Bieber's Investment Ballet FlatsCozy, comfortable, and quite expensive.
-
The Self-Taught Designer Behind Taylor Swift's Custom Chiefs Jacket Just Officially Launched Her Own BrandOff Season, designed by the maker of Swift's coat, just launched.
-
Kendall Jenner Pairs a $1,590 Clutch by Her Favorite Designer With a Rising Heel TrendThis pair will convince you to quit flats for good.
-
Zendaya's Engagement Style Era Starts Anti-Bridal, Pairing Her East-West Diamond Ring to a Dior Black Blazer and Lacy SkirtHer first look post-ring reveal is head-to-toe black.
