every single way to wear a ballet flat
this made me think of you is mixed feelings’ audience-driven column dedicated to curating a digital window-shopping experience. Respond to this email, dm us, or comment below if there’s something you'd like us to shop for. This week, Amalie MacGowan shares their favorite ballet flats and how to style them.
Last week, I wore a pair of brown Mansur Gavriel ballet flats that I scored on sale for $200 a few years ago. Despite their simple appearance, I’ve never had so many people ask me questions about something on my person.
“So, tell me about these. Are ballet flats ‘in’ again? How are we wearing them? Should I invest?”
Yes, ballet flats — and “balletcore” in general — have been “in” for the past 3-4 years, reaching its cultural apex in probably 2022. But ballet flats can be closet staples. Much like anything that resonates with your personal style in a fundamental way, they have the potential to transcend “trend”.
And here’s the thing about ballet flats, specifically: They are extremely comfortable. Extremely wearable. Explicitly feminine without being aggressively so. I also particularly love when they have been worn into submission and have stories to tell, like Amy Winehouse’s.
So, with that, I present you with many more-or-less affordable options and a range of ways *I* would style them. Happy pirouetting. — Amalie MacGowan, editorial director at
traditional balletcore
Jeffrey Campbell Aurora Flats. A satin ballet flat is about as close to the actual dancer’s shoe as it gets.
The Look: I am partial to the blue pair with a slip dress or skirt, a thicker knit sweater, and a bag with heavier hardware, to offset the romanticism.
J Crew Flats. Mansur Gavriel dupe! With a higher vamp, full leather outers and great neutral colorways, it’s the perfect tailored style.
The Look: Would go with the black pair and would wear with a nice wide-leg, mid-rise jean, high neck shirt, and oversized blazer.
High-Quality Repetto Resales. Repetto makes great quality ballet flats. They are pricey, just like Mansur, but if you find a good quality pair in a color and size you need on sites like The RealReal or Vestiaire Collective, they’re worth adding to cart.
The Look: Using this pair as an example, I envision them with a pair of printed silk pants, a bodysuit, and a mohair cardigan.
Charles & Keith Mary Janes. I love this pair above as a variation on the classic ballet flat (yes, a Mary Jane!), but am also really partial to this pair.
The Look: Socks first! A non-negotiable here. Then add a pleated skirt, a graphic longsleeve top, and a varsity jacket.
Margaux ‘The Demi’. While definitely not on the “affordable” side of the spectrum, this pair comes in beautiful, wearable colors, and feature a solidly medium width for a wider foot (like mine) in quality leather.
The Look: Double denim. Boxy denim jacket, matching wash jeans, and plenty of silver rings and chains.
unique balletcore
FP Collection Wrap Flats. I realllllyyy love these. They do give “I do actual ballet,” which could piss off the dancer in your life, but who cares. Lace up.
The Look: I would want to see them with knee high socks, a short pleated black skirt, and a super romantic or asymmetrical top.
Rothy’s Ballet Flat. Made of knit plastic bottles (I don’t get it but we don’t have to!), tuck these in your bag and slip them on when your Kiki’s won’t hack it on the train platform.
The Look: Cut-off jorts, an oversized muscle tee, a striped button down.
Crystal-Embellished Etsy Flats. Whoop whoop, Alaia dupe! These really step up the ballet flat game with their crystal embellishments.
The Look: A suit. With a little cropped blazer and matching trouser.
Anthropologie Pilcro Flats. Personally I love the snakeskin version of these and the almost “paper bag” look to them.
The Look: Pajama pants or boxers, oversized graphic tee, a vest, lots of jewelry.
Camper Collapsible Flat. I love a shoe that can do both. These have heels that lower so you can wear them as a flat AND a slide/mule. Chic.
The Look: Bloomers. A giant striped bag. A cardigan buttoned all the way to the neck. A little scarf. Socks. Voilà.
I literally just bought a pair of maroon velvet ballet flats from Mango on the weekend. I've gone through maybe four outfits in my head that I could wear them with. Look: Dark blue jeans, ballet flats, a white shirt layered with a blue linen shirt or a cardigan: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/194921490114862263/ (example).