19 best ballet flats we can't get enough of
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Make no mistake: whilst they've been a total trend this year, the best ballet flats are as much a capsule wardrobe essential as your favourite white trainers. It's hard to know which trends are worth investing in for the long haul. Maybe you jumped on the combat boot trend too soon, or have a fuzzy pair of flats at the back of your wardrobe (although honestly, kind of a slay). But ballet shoes have proven to be versatile and the easy way to add polish to any outfit. Trust: if you buy a pair of ballet flats now, you're sure to reach for them next season, too.
Of course, the trend isn't really anything new. Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel made a statement back in the fifties with her two-tone sling backs. Over twenty years later when Karl Lagerfeld was at the helm of Chanel, he updated the sling back into the Chanel ballet pump we know today. Designers have since been putting their own spin on the shoe, but it's Alaïa who most recently made them a moment.
Ever since the fashion house debuted their crystal flats a couple of years ago they've been a cult favourite amongst the fashion set. We've seen them at Fashion Week and in street style looks aplenty, and they even made it onto The Lyst Index report's top products of the season earlier this year. We can't say we're surprised.
It isn't just the sparkly studs we love. Suede ballet flats and velvet iterations have entered the chat. If you're looking for the shoes to take you through to autumn these are the textures to look to.
Vibi Venezia has chic options when it comes to velvet and if you want suede Le Monde Beryl is the brand to know.
Elsewhere, everyone is obsessed with red, well, everything, but especially red ballet flats. Whether you want a sleek Reformation pair or are into the GANNI buckle, there's a red shoe for everyone this season. And don't forget mesh ballet flats. TBF, how could we?! – thanks to The Row's SS24 collection.
There's no one way to wear the trend whether you're loving a bubble skirt this season or complementing your denim. The humble ballet flat will go with literally anything.
The best ballet flats, at a glance
- Best Mesh Ballet Flats: Dear Frances Balla Mesh Flats, £350
- Best Classic Ballet Flats: Alohas Odette Ballet Flat, £124
- Best Fashion-Forward Ballet Flats: Ganni Black Feminine Buckle Ballerinas, £325
- Best High-Street Ballet Flats: ASOS DESIGN Los Angeles Ruched Ballet Flats, £16
- Best Crystal Ballet Flats: Charles and Keith Mesh Crystal-Embellished Mary Janes, £69
- Best Autumn Ballet Flats: Le Monde Beryl Suede Mary Jane Ballet Flats, £395
- Best Red Ballet Flats: Reformation Bethany Ballet Flat, £268
Everything you need to know about ballet flats
For more from Hattie Cotmore, follow her on Instagram @hattiecotmore.
Ready to add to your capsule wardrobe? These are the very best ballet flats to wear right now…
1/22If you're into the mesh trend: Dear Frances Balla Mesh Flats
If you haven't jumped on the mesh shoe trend yet, what are you waiting for? This barely-there flat puts a sultry spin on the classic shoe. That doesn't mean they're reserved for evening wear. Pair with denim and a white tee in the day and update for night with a statement top.
2/22If you're looking for a classic: Alohas Odette Ballet Flat
Love the classic style? So do we. If you want your flats to say ‘ballet’ more than the newer fashion-forward iterations this Alohas pair is the one for you. The pretty bow detailing makes them extra coquette.
3/22If you love sparkle: Khaite Marcy Crystal-Embellished Mesh Ballet Flats
If you love the Alaïa crystal shoes, chances are you've also seen this Khaite pair. They rival the Alaïa cult favourites as a mesh alternative way to wear the sparkly shoe trend.
6/22If you want something to party in: Charles and Keith Mesh Crystal-Embellished Mary Janes
Looking for a comfortable evening shoe? You don't need heels to add glamour to an outfit. These Charles and Keith mesh flats are finished with crystal embellishment proving ballet flats can do both daywear and party wear.
8/22If you want something modern: COS Eyelet Leather Ballet Flats
Classic in design with a rounded toe and in a supple leather feel these COS flats bring a modern take to balletcore with silver eyelet finishes. Whether you go for off-white or black these are low in stock so you need to add to basket, stat.
9/22If you want cosy: Steve Madden Vinetta-F Ballet Flats in Fluffy Borg
If you're looking for your next cosy shoe to take you through the seasons, look no further. Borg has been big news the last couple of years and it looks like it's not going anywhere. It's giving slippers for daywear and I'm so here for it.
10/22If you're fashion first: Ganni Black Feminine Buckle Ballerinas
Ganni girls unite. No doubt you've seen the Ganni buckle ballerinas - and their many dupes - amidst the fashion week crowds. The Scandi brand gets the feminine and edgy balance just right. If the classic black isn't your style these ballerinas come in 15 different colour ways so you have plenty to choose from.
12/22If you want something pretty: Free People Zuri Ballet Flats
This pretty Free People pair of ballet flats really tap into the balletcore trend. The bow finish and cross straps strike the balance of dainty and practical. And if pink isn't for you they're available in eight other colours so there's sure to be one for you.
13/22If you want to try a new trend: Vibi Venezia Velvet Mary Jane Slippers
Whilst velvet iterations of the ballet flat aren't new there's been increased search around them this year and I'm guessing they're going to be everywhere this winter. Buy now and wear with paired-back looks and come party season they'll still be your go-to shoe.
16/22If you're into the metallics trend: Free People Vagabond Delia Ballet Flats
One of my favourite ways to wear this trend is with metallics. We slept on silver for way too long and now we're seeing mixed metals in jewellery and silver trousers have become as commonplace as your favourite jeans. If you want just a hint of silver amp up your everyday look with these Delia Ballet Flats.
17/22If you love the original: Sam Edelman Marley Flats
If you're after something like Chanel's original two-tone, without the price tag, this Sam Edelman pair do just that. When I say these will go with literally anything I mean it. Wear with skirts or dresses, tailoring or denim. They'll never go out of style.
18/22If you want something cooler: Arket Knitted Ballerina
If the classic Mary Jane isn't for you I love this knitted pair as an alternative to wear the style. In black they're still sure to coordinate with many of your looks but the knit texture is a fresh update on the leather and mesh styles that we've seen so far.
19/22If you're ready for autumn: & Other Stories Square-Toe Ballet Flats
Ready for autumn? No judgement here, I'm ready to update my wardrobe for cosy season too. This & Other Stories pair have a sleek square toe and slim Mary Jane strap. I'm loving brown for the coming season but you can also lean further into balletcore with their dusty pink option.
How to style ballet flats
The easiest (and most romantic) way to wear these shoes is with feminine staples like miniskirts and event dresses; pull this style out for occasions like weddings and daytime parties. If your style leans a little edgier, though, try wearing ballets with borrowed-from-the-boys staples like straight-leg jeans, roomy slacks, button-down shirts, and trench coats. Whether you’re headed to the office or to brunch, you’ll give off just the right downtown, cool-girl vibe.
How to pick the right ballet flats
If you’re shopping with a specific season in mind, consider the materials: A suede or leather style is great for fall and winter, whereas in spring and summer, you’ll likely want to reach for something more breathable (like mesh or raffia) that won’t give your heels blisters. If you’re flat-footed or need additional arch support, look for a pair with cushioned insoles and elastic or adjustable Mary Jane straps. And if you have narrow or wide feet, your best bet is a pair of shoes in extended widths or half sizes.
What are the trendiest ballet flats?
Every color and material has its place, but we’ve noticed a huge rise in red ballet flats—often in leather or mesh—to add a pop of color to otherwise neutral palettes. (Dakota Johnson did it best.) Silver and other metallic finishes are also popular, thanks to the popularity of Simone Rocha’s shiny flats.
Mary Jane options are also super-popular right now, as are picks at both ends of the “look at me” spectrum; on the one hand, Ganni’s decked-out buckle flats (plus their many dupes) are everywhere, meaning that multiple straps and grommet details are extra-hot. On the other, minimalist glove flats are fashion-insider faves. The takeaway? Pick any pair that speaks to you, and style them intuitively.
