By Evana Arvanitis
After a four-year production hiatus, Harry Styles returned to music on March 6 with his fourth studio album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.
Styles promoted the album by curating a distinct aesthetic before listeners even heard a word. The album cover features Styles in a dark blue T-shirt with the title printed across his chest in red, wearing oversized clear-lens sunglasses. A glistening disco ball hangs above the silhouette of trees behind him. The title reinforces the project’s dance and club aesthetic, explicitly invoking “disco” while creating a fun, daring tone.
Standout songs like “Pop” and “Dance No More” have groovy melodies and drum lines that demand attention, creating an instant and irrefutable urge to dance for the listener. The club and dancing motif is doubled down on in these tracks with lyrics like “DJs don’t dance no more / It’s feeling like the music has been heaven-sent / And that there’s no difference in between the tears and the sweat.”
These songs emphasize a more lighthearted focus on having fun and dancing with friends, in contrast to fellow British singer Charli XCX’s Brat, which feels more intense and is driven by strong electronic beats. It is clear, even down to the tour names, that the intended aesthetics are distinct with Charli XCX’s “Sweat Tour” and Styles’ “Together, Together”. Regardless, both albums encourage listeners to stand up and dance.
For Styles, the aesthetic doesn’t stop at the music — it extends into what fans wear, turning sound into style. Styles himself is a fashion trendsetter, even launching a worldwide obsession with Adidas Gazelle sneakers. Worn with nearly every outfit, from concerts to award shows, fans nicknamed the shoes “Satellite Stompers,” inspired by a dance sequence he performs during “Satellite” from his third album, Harry’s House. The demand kept the sneakers consistently sold out online and in stores, with the obsession extending beyond his fan base. The shoe’s nickname is acknowledged by Adidas, stating that the “shoe’s timeless design, featuring a sleek silhouette and iconic three stripes, perfectly complements his unique aesthetic.”
Similarly, in 2021, Styles wore a green feather boa during his Grammys performance of “Watermelon Sugar,” a hit from his second album, Fine Line. This directly influenced fans to wear colorful feather boas to shows throughout the 22-month-long, “Love On Tour.”
Fans have already begun taking notice of Styles’s choice of ballet flats at both casual and high-profile events. He was first spotted in Miu Miu Élan flats at LAX. He later wore bright green Dior flats while presenting the Album of the Year award at the Grammys, followed by Chanel ballet flats at the 2026 BRIT Awards, where he performed his new single “Aperture.” His style, especially when showcased at widely viewed events like award shows, is likely to influence fans to incorporate these shoes into their everyday wardrobes.
SMU has seen the increasing popularity of ballet flats firsthand. Even in early spring, students have begun sporting various styles of ballet flats, from classic Mary Janes to modern square-toe versions. The ripple effect of Styles’ influence, from fans to their own circles, suggests ballet flats are far from disappearing anytime soon.
