Shopping
Why the Ballet Flat Remains the Ultimate Spring Must-Have
.jpg)
Photos: Courtesy of BACKGRID, FJLON3/Mega and Jason Howard/Bauer-Griffin
All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may earn affiliate revenue on this article and commission when you buy something.
The wardrobe unsung hero, the dependable shoe, no matter the occasion or season, will always be the ballet flat. Offering comfort, ease, and an extra dose of elegance to any outfit, these everyday styles are still our go-to shoes for many occasions. They’re perfect for wearing all day and for dressing down an evening look at night—just add a pair of sheer socks or tights.
And designers have not been shy about riffing on the silhouette, particularly since the mesh and studded Alaïa mania took hold a few seasons ago. Now, we’re seeing stylish and versatile ballet flats in all shapes and sizes. Our favorites range from the ultra classic—simple, leather ballet flats with a sweet little bow—to sleek, slipper styles, and Mary Jane flats. Trickling down from the runways, we’re also seeing glove flats as seen at Wales Bonner and more minimal, pared-down styles, as seen at Toteme. For all of the best ballet flats of the season, look no further than our edit below.
Vogue’s Ballet Flat Must-Have List
Classic Ballerinas
You can’t go wrong with a simple and classic ballet flat. This is a wardrobe staple that you’ll wear for years. Look to Repetto for a timeless French perspective on the style—a brand cosigned by both Kaia Gerber and Olivia Rodrigo—or Mansur Gavriel for a chic high-throat shape.
Manolo Blahnik
Veralli bow-detailed ballet flats
Repetto
Cendrillon ballet flats
Mansur Gavriel
Dream ballerina flats
Margaux
The Fonteyn flats
Minimalist Flats
Beauty often lies in simplicity. We love Toteme’s sleek take for a neutrals option, or Martiniano’s for a punchy red. And you don’t have to feel too precious about Zara’s little white flats, which ring in at just under $100.
Martiniano
glove flats
Zara
leather ballet flats
Aeyde
Ellie leather ballet flats
Toteme
crinkled ballet flats
Glove Flats
A trending silhouette this season is the glove shoe, a high-vamp silhouette with a second-skin-like feel that hugs the foot just so. This silhouette pairs well with anything from dresses to denim—just look to Zoë Kravitz and Kendall Jenner for proof. They both keep their pair from The Row on regular rotation.
Neil J. Rodgers
Sabby flats
Phoebe Philo
gathered flats
Lemaire
glove leather ballet flats
Cos
soft ballerina pumps
Color Mania
A bright ballet flat is an easy way to inject color in your look—whether you’re drawn to bold primary hues or soft and soothing pastels.
Yuni Buffa
Pia ballerina flats
Jil Sander
laser-cut ballet flats
Dear Frances
Balla mesh flats
Essēn
The Foundation flats
Mary Janes have stormed the mainstream over the past few seasons. The sweet shoe of our youth is now undoubtedly a must-have. Designers like The Row and Le Monde Béryl have elevated the shape with clean cuts and fresh colors.
The Row
Boheme Mary Jane flats
Le Monde Béryl
Stella leather ballet flats
Everlane
The Day buckle flats
Gianvito Rossi
Carla ballerina flats
Sleek Slippers
Look to the ballet slipper for a less overtly feminine option. Jennifer Lawrence’s sported Khaite’s Jane flats in turquoise, while Zoë Kravitz is a noted fan of The Row’s timeless Canal slip on. You can’t go wrong with either for a polished off-duty look.
Khaite
Jane flats
Zara
soft leather slippers
The Row
Canal flats
Tom Ford
satin ballet flats
A Little Punk
Punk details and ballet flats: it’s an unexpected combination, but the synergy is undeniable. Opt for studded, pierced shoes, with some of our favorite options from Bally, Gucci, and Ganni.
Gucci
Horsebit ballet flats
Bally
embellished studded ballet flats
Ganni
Ghillie snakeskin ballerina flats
Mango
Grommet ballet flats
Fishnet
For a sporty nod, opt for a fishnet flat that’s equal parts sleek and breezy. Look to Alaïa or Staud for fan-favorite options.
Reformation
Britt mesh ballet flats
Favorite Daughter
Margot mesh flats
Alaïa
fishnet ballerina flats
Staud
Alba ballet flats
Va-Va-Voom Velvet
Velvet ballet flats are an elegant take on flats for evening. They add a touch of texture and a chic nonchalance to any outfit.
Aeyde
Uma velvet ballet flats
Dôen
Odette ballet flats
Flabelus
Montague Mary Jane flats
Zara
velvet-effect ballet flats
Woven
For those warm spring and summer days, woven ballet flats might become your new go-to. Options from Emme Parsons and Mansur Gavriel showcase craft while contrasting poplin skirts or striped pajama pants beautifully.
Le Monde Béryl
woven leather ballet flats
Banana Republic
woven ballet flats
Emme Parsons
High Throat ballet flats
Mansur Gavriel
woven ballerina flats
Metallic
Metallics, from head to toe, are having a moment right now. We’re all for a little extra shine on our shoes. Update your typical Tabis in bright silver, or try Bottega Veneta woven flats. Alex Mill has a fun under-$300 option if you’re just dipping into the chrome footwear trend.
Bottega Veneta
Rosa ballerina flats
Maison Margiela
Tabi metallic ballet flats
The Row
Stella metallic ballet flats
Alex Mill
Prince Street ballet flats
Embellished
There’s still no escaping the dominance of embellished ballet flats in today’s fashion landscape. And with so many options on the market, you’ll be sure to find your perfect pair, from Khaite and Alaïa’s now classic shapes to Chloé’s newest interpretation.
Khaite
Jane flats
Alaïa
strass ballerina flats
Miu Miu
embroidered drill ballerinas
Chloé
Rita ballet flats
Ruched and Gathered
For a little extra texture, try a ruched or gathered pair of ballerinas. Slip-on leather styles will add a little extra interest to your outfit.
Mango
ruched ballet flats
Pretty Ballerinas
rouched ballet flats
Sézane
Irina ballerinas
Anonymous
Mirelda flats
Andrea Zendejas is Vogue Shopping’s market editor with a keen eye for ready-to-wear and accessories. She is an expert at spotting what’s worth shopping now, what will come next, and supporting emerging talent. Minimalist at heart but never without a striking touch, her sunglasses collection is ever-expanding, though she’s still ... Read More


























