Reality: It’s not easy to wear ballet flats with a skirt-suit or shift dress and look 100% chic. Leave it to the First Lady of France to show us how it’s done. Carla Bruni-Sarkozy (who’s 5’9” and her husband, Nicholas Sarkozy, 5’5”) has debunked the supermodel uniform of skyscraper heels and denim in favor of a more demure approach. The result? A surprisingly sexy, sophisticated look that’s grounded by low heels and flats.

photo courtesy of nydailynews.com

Here are the kinds of classics she wears again and again:

1. Shift dress

Walmart, Norma Kamali Shift Jersey Dress $20.00

2. Ballet flats

Yoox, Prada Ballet Flats $235.00

3. Narrow belt to wear over jackets, dresses and cardigans

Bluefly.com, Cole Haan Bronze Leather Skinny Belt $45.00

Such a chic, wearable formula, no?

Lots of love,

Loren