STYLING

SHOE OF THE SEASON: HOW TO STYLE BALLET FLATS

By Ayis Stephen-Diver, 1 April 2024

2023 gave us tons of trends, but nothing dominated inspo boards quite like ballet flats. They made a graceful leap from grand stages to couture houses in the 20th century, and now the fashion-forward gals all over can be spotted boasting a fresh pair. They’re *officially* back on the scene, so we’ve put together a list of our fave ones and how to style them.

Woman wearing grey skirt and light pink ballet flats with ribbons

1. CLASSIC FLATS

RAID Pixie ballet flat shoe blush pink, £17

For lovers of the classics, enter: these off blush pink ballet pumps. To max out the quiet-luxury vibe, sync these with a pair of *slightly* baggy suit trousers and a plain white loose-fitting tee. Keep your accessories similarly simple and timeless with a dainty gold necklace and earrings to nail the Sofia Richie Grainge-inspired look.

Black leather-look flat ballet shoes with black socks and silver detailing

2. SCHOOL FLATS

Public Desire Madelyn ballet flat in black, £23

Starring a bow detail that may bring back school memories; these belted beauties elevate any look with silver hardware and an ultra-low profile. We’re going for a school girl-esque look by pairing a pleated black mini skirt with a slogan tee, bomber jacket and visible socks. We call this the: 'when you’ve got piano lessons at 2 but are chilling with your friends at 4', but somehow… it works.

Beige Mary Jane ballet flats worn with blue jeans

3. MARY JANES

ASOS DESIGN Lottie Mary Jane Ballet in Beige, £20

We’re diving headfirst into the trending nautical/preppy aesthetic. This wave’s all about keeping things *light* in both tone and texture; a pair of neutral, breezy tailored trousers (with the cuffs rolled up) + a linen shirt styled solo will go best with these beige Mary Janes. Rock either a tousled updo or beachy waves to complete the look.

Pink satin ballet pumps and blue wide-leg jeans

4. PINK PUMPS

ASOS DESIGN Los Angeles ruched ballet shoes, £18

Pink pumps don't demand a hyper-girly look; if a casual vibe + feminine linings are up your alley, wear a pair of washed oversized dad jeans with an off-the-shoulder top. Cap off the proportion-play with a leather-look tote bag to look big-city ready, wherever you come from. It’s a tried-and-tested, influencer-approved outfit.

Pictures: ASOS

5. GRUNGY SHOES

Stradivarius studded ballet shoe in black, £29.99

We’re always advocating for little accents that add some extra *oomph*, and these diamante-studded stars definitely deliver. Sporting a formal but grungy edge, serve them up with a maxi or mini, and layer on as much chunky silver jewellery as you can without feeling weighed down. It’s occasion-proof and stress-free.