Cow print, leopard, blush pink, no matter the shoe here are a few simple ways to style them.
The resurgence of the ballet flat has been something to behold. As an elder millennial, I remember a time when the ballet flat was the “it” shoe to wear with skinny jeans and peplum tops, but now it’s definitely gotten an upgrade, but how do you style ballet flats, the latest must-have shoe of the season?
Now the ballet flat is the quintessential shoe for casual, cool, European aesthetic. From cool girl to mom headed for their 4th cup of coffee today, wearing a ballet flat will instantly add an element of style, comfort, and coolness to any outfit, but which one? Let’s start with the basics.
Square ballet flats: the Newest Addition
Square boxy toe ballet flats are probably the freshest way to wear a ballet flat. Playing into the true ballerina style pointe shoes, the square toe goes full on ballet core. I absolutely love this blush pink pair Stradivarius. The color, the satin, the square toe with elastic details reminds me of all the cool ballet girls that did pointe in high school, but without all of the pain. Also, can I just said they’re a well structured dupe of the Miu Miu pair. I actually think the color is better on these, especially for warmer skintones. You can dress up these shoes with a maxi or mini skirt, stay away from midi in this style, it tends to be too boxy and make you look shorter. You can dress down this style with biker shorts and an oversized t-shirt, really feeling like you just left barre.
Round flats: an Ode to Nostalgia
Round to ballet flats are the more traditional, early 2000s era style flats. Wear these with more professional style slacks that cut right at the ankle, you could also awaken your inner teen by rocking with boot cut or flared jeans. I’m loving the Chanel style flats from H&M, the classic cap toe really adds an added element to pencil skirts, skinny jeans, and any tighter style silhouette. Wearing these with skinny jeans and a tweed jacket will have you feeling your inner, preppy collegiate in no time.
Pointy flats: an Old Favorite
Pointy toe flats were my absolute favorite at one point. Every week I would wear a pointy toe flat with a high waisted pencil skirt, peplum top, and chunky necklace. Yes, even to the bar. I’ve since upgraded the pointy toe flat to the pointy toe kitten heel to add a little edge to baggier pant styles. There is nothing more chic than a perfect point sticking out from under a pair of wide leg trousers or jeans. I’m loving this pair from ASOS if you want something neutral, but if you want to go a little bold highly suggest this pointy, edgy slingback in faux snakeskin from Stradivarius – totally aware this isn’t a ballet flat but just wanted to throw it in to the mix, these shoes are **chef’s kiss**.
Animal Print: Cow or Leopard Print?
I’m going to go out on a limb here and say if you’re anything like me, you instantly gravitated toward the leopard print, but the cow print is now your latest obsession, so you have both, But if you’re on the fence about which one to get. I’d have to say it depends on what vibe you’re going for.
These cow print, faux hair, ballet flats from Stradivarius are my absolute favorite, they give an element of funky cool with any style denim, and honestly nothing looks more chic than the perfect white tee, medium or black wash barrel jeans and cow print ballet flats. The look is effortless, minimal, and chic. It’s perfect for running errands but add the right jewelry and bag and you’re definitely ready for a no-fuss brunch.
Leopard print has literally been everywhere this summer and the trend will continue into the fall. Honestly, leopard print is timeless, but we just seem to forget that every few years. Anyway, my current favorite leopard print ballet flat is also from Stradivarius. These satin babies are beautiful and comfortable. If you’re looking for a way to blend black and brown together this is the perfect shoe. I was skeptical about how much use I would get out of leopard print ballet flats, but I have been reaching for this more times than I thought I would and it’s only September.
Final Thoughts: Styling Ballet Flats Reminders
Now that you’ve seen a few ideas, I just want to say how you style ballet flats really depends on your color palette, the vibe you’re going for, and how fashion forward you want to lean. The one thing I think that will make or break how you choose to style your ballet flats is the silhouette. Make sure that your outfit looks balanced. Too much of a break in your pants in the ankle with square toe ballet flats could make the silhouette look jumbled and too heavy on the bottom, meanwhile with the right round toe and no strap flats, you will have a very effortless, nostalgic look.
Additionally, where the strap falls on your foot can make or break the shoe. If you’re like me and have semi wide feet, a lower placed strap, closer to the toe box will literally make your feet look like sausages (see this pair from H&M that I love, but will only be wearing with long pants). If you have wider feet, opt for no strap or a strap that will sit at the height of your arch/top of the foot, with enough space from the toe box and ankle to give it proportion and shape.
What’s your favorite way to style ballet flats? Leave a comment below.
Find the best denim for Fall, here. (hint: Zara finally hit the mark)