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Ballet Flats Are Back In My Trend Rotation for Spring: 8 Styles to Try

By

Nicolette Baker

Published on April 01, 2025 07:00AM

Close-up of woman wearing red top, wide leg jeans, cream flats, and black blazer — @zouxoushoes / Instagram

Love them or hate them, ballet flats have never fallen from grace. Even if we’ve sometimes overlooked them in the haze of flashier shoe trends, this simple-yet-versatile shoe style has gracefully waited in the wings—and now, it’s back center stage. From coquettish unapologetic femininity to high-fashion proclamations, this shoe silhouette is resilient enough to withstand the fiercest revolving door of micro-trends—and still keep things polished. Keep reading to learn more about the trend, complete with eight of our favorite modern-meets-timeless styles to shop for spring.

The Trend History

The simple ballet flat shoe silhouette has been around the block: Historians can trace today’s shape to the 1600s and the shape of traditional ballet slippers. Modern iterations didn’t hit the mainstream until the 20th century, though, when American designers began developing the thin-soled shoe alongside Parisian shoemakers.

Ballet flats quickly became associated with French culture and polished, playfully feminine looks, notably associated with Brigitte Bardot (Rose Repetto created her eponymous brand’s Cendrillon silhouette in 1956 at the actress’s request) and Audrey Hepburn (who Salvatore Ferragamo designed custom flats for in 1954). From this mid-century moment onwards, it became a modern wardrobe staple, drifting in and out of trending status but never out of our closets.

Woman wearing black ballet flats, gray socks, gray coat, and leather gloves — @hoskelsa / Instagram

Traditionally, this silhouette has landed on the girlish end of the style spectrum, and many have overlooked it from time to time in favor of more “mature” silhouettes and higher heel heights. As we’re seeing a recent resurgence of lighthearted, playful, and coquette aesthetics—with bows standing as a core example—fanciful ballet flats have fallen right in line.

The Comeback

Cool girls have always been wearing ballet flats, but they’ve truly been having a moment in recent seasons. As Miu Miu’s nostalgic femininity has risen to the forefront, appreciation has grown for the sweet-meets-subversive impact of this humble footwear. (Especially when combined with thick, ribbed leg warmers.) But we don’t only have the Italian fashion brand to thank for this renaissance—the shoes, which blend playfulness and practicality, have been popping up everywhere, with each season introducing a new micro-spin.

leopard print mesh ballet flat on a sofa — @dolcevita / Instagram

This season, crisp square-toe flats offer a sartorial freshness that dares to dream big while celebrating the shoe’s balletic roots. Sandy Liang recently leaned into realism with pointe shoe-inspired satin slippers, while Alaïa adorned a recent pair with thick gold straps. While the details may vary, one thing’s for sure: Architectural, high-art fantasy has entered the chat.

Woman poses for a mirror selfie in yellow ballet flats, jeans, red shirt, and a coat — @zouxoushoes / Instagram

Looking for an of-the-moment way to tap into the ballet flats trend? Consider playing dress-up with embroidered florals on a mesh base, or dabbling in highly saturated colors. Zou Xou, which specializes in small-batch footwear in a delightfully vivid palette, called one of its whimsical styles the “easiest slip-on a complicated girl could own.” For a double dose of lighthearted controversy, consider scarlet Maison Margiela Tabis—either an “ugly shoe” or a chic yet misunderstood legend, depending where you stand—as well as Matisse’s comparable split-toe flat.

Types of Ballet Flats

Ballet flats aren’t only for dainty, dreamy ensembles. While romantic styles still hold their own, much of this silhouette reads “cool girl” these days, which means that unexpected designs are not only welcome, but encouraged. Expect sculptural versions with elongated toe boxes, as well as sweet Mary Janes with an unexpected silver finish.

black and white Sandy Liang ballet flats by a pool — @sandyliang / Instagram

On the other end of the aesthetic spectrum, fashion folks are taking ballet flats in a trend-forward direction that’s so unexpected, it’s mesmerizing. Exhibit A: Amid the “bloke-core” wave of sporty shoe styles last year, the trend extended to sporty tennis shoes blended with strappy Mary Janes. Meanwhile, the bag charm trend has extended to across footwear, allowing personalized creativity to truly shine. When reviving this trend, accessorizing is our greatest strength: Studs, rivets, and double buckles abound.

How to Style Ballet Flats

There are two main ways to approach styling ballet flats: Go head-to-toe with an aesthetically cohesive look, or play up the contrast with sporty or edgy attire. If you prefer the latter, consider pairing wide-leg track pants and an asymmetrical top with a slim, bow-detailed pair.

Laufey posing for a photo in a brown cape, black skirt, white lace leggings, and black patent flats — @laufey / Instagram

Alternatively, toss in some texture—like ripped or studded jeans—to let a classic pair truly shine. And we’ll never say no to streamlined capris and a loose blouse, à la Carrie Bradshaw’s best summer styles.

Ballet Flats to Shop for Spring

Whether you have yet to jump on the ballet flats bandwagon or could use a trend-forward pair to refresh your looks, we’ve got you covered. The eight below styles effortlessly blend bold elements with timeless details for a selection that highlights why this silhouette has such staying power.

Dolce Vita Roslyn Ballet Flats