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 forms—ankle-strap heels, pointed pumps, platform sandals, you get the gist. But the longer I live in New York City, the more open I am to experimenting with flats partially out of pure necessity. I’ve realized there are so many great shoe trends (think jelly sandals or vintage-inspired sneakers) that are worth test-driving. But I must confess that the trend speaking to my soul the most is ballet flats.
Recent runway collections, along with the rise of balletcore fashion, have proved that ballet flats are back and better than ever. 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 17 ballet-flat outfit ideas are bound to impress.
What you'll need: Headband + sunglasses + long coat + sweatshirt + skinny trousers + ballet flats
Style notes: Need proof of how to wear ballet flats on chilly spring days? See the outfit above. Simply style the shoes with skinny trousers, a sweatshirt, and a long coat for an outfit that’s still hot (even if the weather is cooler).
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Dreaming of this bag indefinitely.
Dress this up with a more tailored coat layered on top.
You can style these with just about anything.
What you'll need: Sunglasses + turtleneck + knit maxi skirt + socks + rhinestone ballet flats + woven shoulder bag
Style notes: Ballet flats aren’t just a spring or summer thing—far from it. Nothing proves ballerina flats can be worn in colder months like this outfit. Pairing the style with a turtleneck, knit maxi skirt, matching socks, and a woven bag proves the longevity of this shoe style.
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So luxe.
Pair with the matching Zhara Top ($430).
You'll live in this cozy skirt.
An iconic shoe in its own right.
What you'll need: Pastel coat + dainty jewelry + tank top + slip skirt + ballet flats
Style notes: 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 pastel coat, tank top, pink skirt, and socks with ballet flats? You may not be in a dance company, but you should feel like a ballerina every once in a while.
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These earrings are on theme with the balletcore aesthetic.
This color!
Peak ballerina vibes.
What you'll need: Sunglasses + white button-down + belt + trousers + ballet flats + shoulder bag
Style notes: Common styling of ballet flats includes pairing them with more casual pieces, but I’m here to remind you that you can dress them up. Don’t be afraid to pair them with tailored trousers and a button-down (like above). It’s the perfect way to embrace the ballet-flat trend in a more formal way.
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You can pair this button-down with every type of ballet flat imaginable.
Straight-cut trousers will allow your flats to stand out.
Make your trousers really pop by opting for square-toe ballerina flats.
What you'll need: Sunglasses + chunky necklace + layered tank tops + leather pencil skirt + shoulder bag + ballet flats
Style notes: The simplest way to style this shoe trend? By pairing it with pieces you already love and own! Style your tank top with a leather skirt and ballet flats for an outfit that perfectly balances formal and casual.
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Not your basic tank.
Show off your ballet flats by opting for a midi-length skirt.
We're obsessed.
What you'll need: Sunglasses + cardigan + pinstripe suit + tank top + belt + ballet flats + shoulder bag
Style notes: Not all ballerina-flat outfits have to be overly frilly. If you consider your style a bit more minimalist, don’t be afraid to pair this shoe with a matching pinstripe suit, tank top, cardigan, and shoulder bag. You’ll be the physical manifestation of quiet luxury.
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Our editors are as obsessed with this bag as they are with ballet flats.
The pinstripes on this blazer are on pointe (excuse the pun).
Just edgy enough.
What you'll need: Sunglasses + shoulder bag + V-neck sweater + wide-leg jeans + ballet flats
Style notes: 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 sweater and jeans. Just when you thought your staples were feeling stale, this shoe is here to save the day.
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Main character energy, personified.
So cozy.
The color of these flats is everything.
What you'll need: Sunglasses + denim button-down + T-shirt + studded belt + wide-leg jeans + ballet flats
Style notes: What’s another simple way to style ballet flats? Pair them with a head-to-toe denim look. It’s the most effortless way to look good in a time crunch.
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Styling tip: Match the hardware of your belt with your ballet flats.
A staple.
You'll wear these all the time.
What you'll need: Hoops + shoulder bag + long coat + T-shirt + belt + miniskirt + socks + ballet flats
Style notes: Searching for the most classic way to style ballet flats? Look no further than the French fashion set. Style ballet flats with a long coat, T-shirt, belt, miniskirt, and socks for a simple but oh-so-chic ensemble.
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You'll wear these more times than you can count.
A white tee is always a worthwhile investment.
Mesh Mary Janes? Stunning.
What you'll need: Sunglasses + trench coat + tank + jeans + crossbody bag + ballet flats
Style notes: 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 tank top, and a trench coat may seem simple, but if you find a fun pair of ballet flats, the look will be a far cry from basic.
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A cult classic.
Meet the perfect trench coat.
Miu Miu's ballet flats are worth the investment.
What you'll need: Sunglasses + striped cardigan + T-shirt + trousers + ballet flats + bucket bag
Style notes: Lean into the polished feel of this footwear by pairing it with a striped cardigan, T-shirt, and trousers.
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Très chic.
Francophiles, this cardigan is all you!
The subtle logo on these is so chic.
What you'll need: Shoulder bag + leather jacket + button-down shirt + pencil skirt + sheer stockings + ballet flats
Style notes: 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 leather jacket and pencil skirt) 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.
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The distressed detail on this coat is so cool.
Adding sheer socks to your ensemble will draw attention to your ballet flats.
Buckle up.
What you'll need: Sunglasses + hobo bag + waistcoat + full skirt + ballet flats
Style notes: 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.
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You can dress this vest up or down.
So pretty.
Our editors swear these are the most comfortable ballet flats on the market.
What you'll need: Slip dress + ballet flats + shoulder bag
Style notes: Prefer straightforward styling? Then look no further than the outfit above as guidance. There’s truly nothing chicer than pairing a cute printed slip dress with ballet flats for the perfect outfit.
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Imagine how pretty this tote would look with pink ballet flats.
Printed slips remain a fan favorite.
IDK what I love more about these flats—the pink hue or the satin finish.
What you'll need: Sunglasses + button-down shirt + tank top + belt + pleated shorts + mesh ballet flats + shoulder bag
Style notes: If living in New York City has taught me anything, it's that having a pair of shoes (beyond sandals) that you can wear on muggy summer days is a must—hence my excitement around mesh ballet flats. It’s the perfect shoe style to pair with a linen button-up, a tank, and pleated shorts and call it a day.
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Leave this top unbuttoned for a more relaxed feel.
The length of these shorts will ensure you avoid any fashion mishaps.
These come in a few colorways, so all your bases will be covered.
What you'll need: Halter dress + shoulder bag + ballet flats
Style notes: Consider the following outfit as further proof that you don’t have to wear sandals in the spring or summer—in fact, ballet flats are a welcome addition to the rotation. Invest in a great little black dress and a baguette bag, and you’ll have the perfect outfit for the office, weekend brunch, or anywhere the warmer months take you.
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It's a need, not a want, for us.
Diana's revenge dress, updated.
Minimalist yet still impactful.
What you'll need: Sunglasses + oversize blazer + tank dress + Mary Jane flats + shoulder bag
Style notes: Hopefully by now you’ve concluded that ballet flats are one of the best shoe trends to adopt. Ballerina flats work with everything from suits to dresses to a casual T-shirt and blazer (like above), and since they come in so many fun iterations, they're also the most versatile shoes you can invest in.
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You can wear this boxy blazer as a light jacket in the late spring.
It's sure to become the backbone of your spring wardrobe.
I mean, how could you not love these Mary Janes?
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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