Ruched! Studded! Ultra-Strappy! The Ballet Flat Maintains Its Position as a Seasonal Must-Have
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With December approaching, boot season is on the horizon, but the best ballet flats aren’t going anywhere. 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 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 flats with a bit of extra flash, namely in the form of studded, punk details and metallic leather. For all of the best ballet flats of the season, look no further than our edit below.
Vogue’s Ballet Flat Must-Have List
- The Everyday Favorite: Madewell The April ballet flats, $110
- The Timeless Black: Mansur Gavriel Dream ballerina flats, $395
- The Sweet Mary Jane: Margaux the Demi Jane flats, $275
- The Velvet Update: Everlane The Day ballet flat, $148
- The Crisp White: Emme Parsons Tramonto Mary Jane ballet flats, $330
- The Designer Find: Gucci Horsebit ballet flats, $1,090
- The Romantic Ruched: Toteme the Gathered ballet flats, $650
- The Pop of Color: Manolo Blahnik Veralli bow-detailed ballet flats, $725
- The Cozy Pick: Staud faux fur-trimmed ballet flats, $369
- The It Score: Alaïa strass ballerina flats, $1,290
Classic Ballerinas
You can’t go wrong with a simple, 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, or Mansur Gavriel for a chic high-throat shape.
Sleek Slippers
Another timeless take on ballet flats is the slipper, an easy to wear but less overtly-feminine take on the style. Toteme is leading the charge on this front, with their pointy suede design, but we love Auralee’s slip-on too.
Classic Mary Janes
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 Emme Parsons have elevated the shape with clean cuts and neutral colors.
A Little Punk
Punk details and ballet flats: it’s an unexpected combination but the synergy is undeniable. This season, we saw these studded and pierced shoes on runways at Bally, Gucci, and Miu Miu.
Va-Va-Voom Velvet
Velvet ballet flats are an elegant take on easy slippers. They add a bit of texture and a chic nonchalance to any outfit.
Cozy
If you want to keep wearing ballet flats into the depths of winter, the cozy, furry flats on the market might be your new go-to. Shearling options from Loulou Studio and Staud still feel unexpectedly sleek.
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.
Ruched and Gathered
For a little extra texture, try a ruched or gathered leather pair of ballerinas. Slip-on styles from Jil Sander or Cecilie Bahnsen will add a little extra interest to your outfit.
Metallic
Metallics, from head to toe, are having a moment right now. And as the holidays approach, we’re all for a little extra shine on our shoes. Update your typical Tabis in bright silver, or try Chloé’s T-strap style.
