I think it’s fairly obvious at this point that Emily Ratajkowski is no shy dresser. With a penchant for bold outfits and often unexpected accessory options, the model is no coward in the face of a controversial trend.

Stepping out for a walk in NYC, Ratajkowski casually styled her latest divisive buy in a manner that stopped me in my tracks. Wearing her knee-grazing denim shorts with a black tank top and a pair of sunglasses, Ratajkowski’s outfit was off to a fairly inconspicuous start. Upon closer inspection, it was clear that her shoes weren’t the standard Mary Janes you might have assumed they were at first glance. Instead, she chose a pair of ballet sneakers.

Half ballet flats, half sneakers, the ballet-sneaker trend strikes a controversial chord by blending the two seemingly opposite shoe styles together. With a chunky, rubbery sole—akin to the kind we wear for our morning runs—and a more delicate round-toe silhouette, the sneaker trend offers an entirely fresh silhouette that can equip your outfit with the element of surprise.