Ballet Flats Are Back – Here’s 16 Sweet Pairs We’ve Got Our Eye On

The shoe that started it all. Whether you swore you’d never slip back into them again, or they’ve been a quiet faithful in the back of your wardrobe, now’s the time to break out the ballet flats. A round or almond toe adorned with a dainty bow is the OG (beloved by everyone from Marissa Cooper to LC) – invest in a buttery leather pair for maximum comfort. 

If minimalism isn’t the mood, choose a pair with a little *something* extra like chunky hardware, a 90s-inspired square toe or ribbon ties around the ankle. To make ballet flats feel fresh, team them with unexpected silhouettes like a micro mini skirt and socks (cc: Miu Miu’s viral runway moment), straight-leg denim or a slinky slip dress toughened up with a moto or bomber jacket.

The ballet aesthetic is all about light, wispy layers that won’t weigh you down – but we can’t control the weather (or the office A/C). A shrug cardigan or bolero is the ballerina-approved way to stay warm and, tbh, we kinda love it. Throw yours on over a bodysuit or camisole for a quintessential ballet vibe that works for brunch, date night and work alike.  

You can’t do balletcore without a unitard or yoga onesie in your arsenal. And while they’re an obvious choice for barre and pilates, you’ll get a surprising amount of mileage beyond the studio too. Style with a chunky sneaker, tube socks and a slouchy sweatshirt for a throwback look that’d make Princess Diana proud, or commit to the bit with a ballet flat and oversized jacket (because it’s all about balance). Ready to live the one-and-done life? Look to activewear labels like The Upside, AVE Active and Cotton On Body Active for bodysuits and onesies you’ll wear on repeat. 

Floaty and femme, a wrap skirt is one of those pieces you won’t know how you ever lived without. Take your cues from the ballet set and look for styles in delicate fabrics like satin or chiffon – bonus points if there’s a waist tie involved. When you’re not wearing yours as a coverup to and from class, wear it out with a fitted crop and kitten heel.

If you're wearing one to *actually workout, a tutu-esque tennis skirt or skort is more the vibe.