Flats
Sep 30, 2022

This "Dated" Flat-Shoe Trend Just Made a Comeback—Here's How to Wear It

by Emily Dawes

I can still remember my first pair of ballet flats, which my mother bought me when I started dance classes as a 7-year-old. I loved them and insisted on wearing them everywhere, with everything, dance class or no dance class. Unfortunately, due to my lack of coordination and daintiness, ballet didn’t stick, but I’ve had a soft spot for this slip-on shoe style ever since.

During my teenage years in the noughties, as a budding fashion fan, I looked up to the likes of Kate Moss (arguably the queen of making the ballet flat cool) and Sienna Miller, who inspired me to pair them with everything from miniskirts to leggings. But thanks to their over-saturation, by the mid-2010s, I hung up my beloved bowed pumps, probably in favor of some Stan Smiths or Topshop ankle boots.

I thought it was for good and came to terms with my ballet-flat era being over. That was until the last year or so when I noticed the “dated” shoe trend creeping back into the wardrobes of some of the most stylish celebrities and fashion people I know. More and more these days, I’m seeing ballet flats in outfits I want to copy.

Of course, a lot of this is down to the resurgence of the classic Chanel pump, which, timeless though it is, is certainly having more of a moment now than it has done for years. And while Londoners used to be my ballet-flat muses, now I’m mostly looking across the pond to French girls and their classic, elevated take on how to wear the shoe style—Chanel or not.

Are you with me? If so, you’ll want to keep scrolling because below, I’ve curated nine of the best ballet-flat outfits I’ve recently seen that look anything but dated. They might even convince us to try the trend again. Happy scrolling!

Ballet flat outfits

Photo:

@annelauremais

This is a great trans-seasonal outfit if ever I saw one, perfect for wearing from now into autumn.

Recreate the look:

Zara Flowy Trench Coat

Flowy Trench Coat

A light trench is a key wardrobe piece.

Cotton Jersey T-Shirt

Cotton Jersey T-Shirt

This T-shirt is slightly cropped, making it feel cooler than your average.

Cotton Twill Mini Skirt

Cotton Twill Mini Skirt

Arket has upped its miniskirt game considerably this season.

Bloch Rigel Ballerina Flat

Rigel Ballerina Flat

I can't get over how good these flats are.

Ballet Flat Outfits

Photo:

@symphonyofsilk

It doesn't get more classic, or more French, than this easy outfit.

Recreate the look:

Mango Striped Knit Sweater

Striped Knit Sweater

I always head to Mango for Breton stripes.

Zara Basic Poplin Shirt

Basic Poplin Shirt

This classic white shirt will get you far.

Abercrombie & Fitch Ultra High Rise Ankle Straight Jean

Abercrombie & Fitch

Ultra High Rise Ankle Straight Jean

Abercrombie denim gets the TikTok seal of approval.

Vince Camuto Elanndo Square Toe Ballet Flat

Elanndo Square Toe Ballet Flat

A pair you'll want to pull out for years to come.

Ballet Flat Outfits

Photo:

@alexachung

Trust Alexa Chung to create a truly original way to wear ballet flats. I particularly love the Mary Jane styles at the moment.

Recreate the look:

H&M Cable-Knit Sweater

Cable-Knit Sweater

A cozy piece to see you through the whole of winter.

Agolde Recycled Leather 90's Pinch Waist Jeans

Recycled Leather 90's Pinch Waist Jeans

White denim is a great base for a chic tonal look.

Hue Lace Trim Boot Socks

Lace Trim Boot Socks

These socks come in so many colors.

Vagabond Shoemakers Vagabond Delia Flats

Vagabond Shoemakers

Vagabond Delia Flats

If The Row says ballet flats are back, I'm inclined to agree.

Ballet Flat Outfits

Photo:

GETTY

It's not just us mere mortals loving ballet flats right now. Katie Holmes—who clearly has great style—wore her square-toe ones just the other day. And rather effortlessly, might I add.

Recreate the look:

Everlane The Linen Workwear Shirt

The Linen Workwear Shirt

Perfect for the fall.

Veronica Beard Carson High-Rise Flared Jeans

Carson High-Rise Flared Jeans

Veronica Beard does such great denim with a slight '70s twist.

Børn Brin Ballet Flat

Brin Ballet Flat

Baby blue flats are so timeless.

Tory Burch Kira Mini Camera Bag

Kira Mini Camera Bag

A crossbody always finishes a look in the most polished way.

Ballet Flat Outfits

Photo:

@leasy_inparis

I wouldn't have thought to wear ballet flats under wide-leg trousers. But Julie proves that it can work and look incredibly good if they fall at just the right length.

Recreate the look:

COS Boat Neck Top

This great-value Breton will likely be your most-worn wardrobe item.

Gucci Leather Belt

A Gucci belt elevates an outfit in seconds.

The Reformation Mason Pant

The Reformation

These are hands down my favorite wide-leg trousers ever.

Arket Leather Ballet Flats

Leather Ballet Flats

This unique take on the ballet flat feels really modern.

Ballet Flat Outfits

Photo:

@melodiebance

Ballet flats aren't just for casual dressing. Mélodie shows you can just as easily wear them with a figure-hugging dress for more formal occasions.

Recreate the look:

Cut-Out Midi Dress

& Other Stories

Cut-Out Midi Dress

This would make an impressive date-night dress.

Schutz Arissa Flats

If you're looking for a sturdier pair, opt for these from COS.

Ballet Flat Outfits

Photo:

@emmarosestyle

In previous decades, skinny jeans were the only jeans you would wear with ballet flats. But Emma Rose Thatcher throws that rule out the window with this chic outfit and makes them feel really up-to-date in the process.

Recreate the look:

Mango Buttons Tweed Blazer

Buttons Tweed Blazer

A tweed jacket makes any outfit feel fancy.

Crew-Neck T-Shirt

Crew-Neck T-Shirt

The best white T-shirt on the market, no exceptions.

Lauren Boyfriend Jeans

Lauren Boyfriend Jeans

Grlfrnd is one of my favourite premium denim brands.

Porte & Paire Bow-Embellished Leather Ballet Flats

Bow-Embellished Leather Ballet Flats

Porte & Paire does some of the best classic shoes styles I've seen.

Ballet Flat Outfits

Photo:

@sylviemus_

Queen of minimalism, Sylvie opts for a ruched pair of flats to accompany her simple but elegant outfit.

Recreate the look:

Sézane Camel Suede Will Jacket

Camel Suede Will Jacket

You can always count on Sézane for quality, so you know this investment shirt will last.

H&M High-Waisted Tailored Trousers

High-Waisted Tailored Trousers

H&M strikes again with another perfect pair of tailored trousers.

Gathered Leather Ballerina Flats

& Other Stories

Gathered Leather Ballerina Flats

I love all of & Other Stories' ballet flats, but these just might top the list.

Ballet Flat Outfits

Photo:

@cheyannesorelle

Chic two-tone ballet flats pull this otherwise "boring" outfit together and turn it into an elevated look that would work for brunch, meetings, sightseeing, or dinner.

Recreate the look:

Arket Short Trench Coat

Short Trench Coat

This popular trench is back for another year, proving just how timeless it is.

Mango Patent Leather Shoulder Bag - Women | Mango Usa

Patent Leather Shoulder Bag

This slick shoulder bag looks so expensive.

The Row Suede Ballet Flats

Suede Ballet Flats

These suede flats are perfection.

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