Guide
5 ballet flats for people who can’t stand them
by Stephanie Vinzens
Ballet flats are back! Why I’ve turned from sceptic to fan
17.4.2024
Translation: Eva Francis
Over a decade ago, I banned ballet flats from my home. Now I’m welcoming them back in. Here are seven models I’m currently flirting with.
When ballet flats reappeared on the fashion scene two years ago, I wasn’t impressed. By the time the comeback of the 2010 memory shoes was in full swing last year, I’d got used to them. But I wasn’t ready to venture into this nostalgic territory just yet. This spring, the time’s come. I’m giving in to the trend – and am currently on the hunt for the perfect pair.
My change of heart regarding ballet flats stems primarily from a lack of alternatives. As always when the temperature rises and it’s time for skirts and dresses, I’m faced with a dilemma. I don’t have any elegant, flat warm-weather shoes. Sneakers, biker boots or Birkenstock Boston-style mules aren’t always the best choice with a cute dress. And after searching for the perfect loafer last year and not finding it, I’m now giving ballet flats a chance.
A versatile, comfortable choice
Ballet flats have a similar vibe to one of my favourite shoes: slingback pumps. However, as they’re flat, completely closed and often feature straps over the instep, they don’t hurt my feet as much. And after being inspired by a plethora of successful ballerina outfits and overcoming my fear of repeating fashion faux pas from my teenage years, I have to say: these shoes are really pretty and versatile.
They go particularly well with dresses and skirts. If you’re going for a more adventurous look, wear them with baggy jeans or cargo pants – just like the wrong shoe theory says.
Classic ballet flats are still a good, timeless choice. Personally, however, I prefer styles that don’t look anything like the ones I wore a decade and a half ago. For example, ones featuring a square or pointed toe cap, making them look more modern. Models made from transparent mesh fabrics and those with Mary Jane-style straps are also omnipresent right now.
Here are seven pretty ballet flats I wouldn’t say no to:
Header image: Launchmetrics/Spotlight
Has endless love for shoulder pads, Stratocasters and sashimi, but a limited tolerance for bad impressions of her Eastern Swiss dialect.
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