Ballet Flats Are Back, and These 16 Outfit Formulas Make Them Look Chic
Do you know those people who perpetually live in heels? Well, I’m one of them. For as long as I can remember, I have been wearing heels in all their forms—ankle strap heels, Mary Jane pumps, platform sandals, you get the gist. But the longer I’ve lived in New York City, the more I’ve been open to experimenting with flats partially out of pure necessity. And while I can’t imagine I’ll always have a flair for the dramatics, there are so many great shoe trends (think loafers or vintage-inspired sneakers) that are worth test-driving. But I must confess that the one trend speaking to my soul the most is ballet flats. From Miu Miu’s polished satin iterations to The Row’s square-toe Mary Jane styles, S/S 22 and F/W 22 runways proved ballet flats are back and better than ever.
This makes adopting the shoe trend all the more alluring. But if you’re like me and not sure how to function in flats, you’ll want to keep reading, as I’ve done some digging to see how the fashion set is already wearing this trend. Whether you’re a flat-shoe fanatic or need some convincing that this shoe style is for you, these 16 ballet-flat outfit ideas are bound to impress.
If living in New York City has taught me anything, having a pair of shoes (beyond sandals) that you can wear on muggy summer days is a must—hence my excitement around ballet flats. It’s the perfect shoe style to pair with a linen button-up and denim shorts and call it a day.
These come in a few different colorways, so all your bases will be covered.
Maybe it’s a bit derivative, but it doesn’t get easier to embrace this trend than by going full ballet-inspired with it. Why not pair a baby-doll dress with socks and ballet flats? Sure, you may not be a part of a dance company, but you should feel like a ballerina every once in a while.
This will go so well with those ballet flats in the back of your closet.
The simplest way to style this shoe trend? By pairing it with pieces you already love and own! Style your favorite cardigan with a pleated miniskirt and ballet flats for an outfit that perfectly balances formal and casual.
Can’t think of a better piece to pair with ballerina flats.
PSA: Not all ballerina-flat outfits have to be overly frilly. If you consider your style a bit edgier, don’t be afraid to pair this shoe with a leather jacket, T-shirt, and plaid pencil skirt. You’ll be the physical manifestation of pop-punk aesthetics.
Not going to lie, this jacket makes me want to start singing Avril Lavigne’s “Sk8er Boi.”
Searching for the most classic way to style ballet flats? Look no further than the French fashion set. You’ll find them in ballet flats with a blazer, button-up, and jeans on the regular. It’s simple but oh so chic.
These jeans have the perfect fit for styling with flats.
What’s another simple way to style ballet flats? Pair them with a matching set (in any form). It’s the most effortless way to look good during a time crunch.
A matching set has never let me down.
The beauty of ballet flats is that while they’re trending right now, they can fit seamlessly into your wardrobe already. Case in point: the outfit above. Throwing on your favorite pair of jeans, a blazer, and a tank may seem simple, but if you find a fun pair of ballet flats, the look will be a far cry from basic.
In case you need a great little tank top to go with your new ballet flats.
Consider the following outfit as further proof that you don’t have to wear sandals all summer—in fact, ballet flats are a welcome addition to the rotation. Simply invest in a great little linen dress and a baguette bag, and you’ll have the perfect outfit for the office, weekend brunch, or anywhere the summer takes you.
Now, this is a dreamy little jumpsuit begging to be worn with flats.
Common styling of ballet flats includes pairing them with more tailored trousers or even a dress, but I’m here to remind you that you can think outside the box. Don’t be afraid to pair them with wide-leg trousers (like fellow editor Yusra Siddiqui did above). It’s the perfect way to embrace the ballet-flat trend and relaxed trousers.
Make your trousers really pop by opting for square-toe ballerina flats.
Half the battle of making this formerly simple shoe stand out is not just in styling but picking more trend-forward iterations of it. Don’t be afraid to style it in unexpected ways (e.g., pairing it with a little leather shift dress) or opt for ballet flats with more interesting details like oversize buckles, tie-up ankles, studs, and so much more. Just because it’s a flat shoe doesn’t mean it has to be boring.
It doesn’t get better than these patent ballet flats.
I need this dress in my life, like yesterday.
Ballet flats aren’t just a summer thing—far from it. Sure, this shoe popped off on spring 2022 runway collections, but it’s a trend that’s going to be just as relevant for fall. Nothing proves ballerina flats will still be stylish come fall like this outfit. Simply taking the style and pairing it with a maxi dress (in knit or cotton) and cardigan proves the longevity of this shoe style.
You know that cozy outfit you throw on before heading out for weekend errands? If you want a simple way to make it a bit more stylish, you’ll want to copy and paste the look above into your closet ASAP.
The sunglasses paired with the ballet flats are what will truly elevate your weekend look.
Ease is the name of the game when it comes to these shoes, so don’t be afraid to use the cozy nature of the flats to make any outfit more comfortable—including your go-to suit. Just when you thought every office-friendly look had to be stuffy, this shoe is here to save the day.
Prefer straightforward styling? Then look no further than the outfit above as guidance. There’s truly nothing chicer than pairing a cute slip dress with ballet flats for the perfect outfit.
IDK what I love more about these flats—the red hue or the satin finish.
Need proof of another way you can wear this shoe well into the fall? See the outfit above. Simply style the shoes with tailored trousers and a cardigan for an outfit that’s still hot (even if the weather is cooler).
Hopefully by now, you’ve concluded that ballet flats are one of the best shoe trends to adopt right now. Ballerina flats can not only work with everything from suits to dresses to a casual T-shirt and blazer (like above), but since they come in so many fun iterations, they're also the most versatile shoes you can invest in.
