The Ultimate Guide to Ballet Flats, From Mesh to Mary Jane

Few shoe styles have enjoyed the staying power of ballet flats. For nearly a century, they’ve been embraced off the stage, and any trend-watcher would agree that they’ve never felt as relevant as they do in 2023: Not only are we in peak ankle-barring weather, but the balletcore movement has outgrown TikTok and made it onto the runway and our closets. (Miu Miu’s Spring 2022 ballet flats were among last year’s hottest fashion items, after all.)

Despite their ease and timeless, I wasn’t that fond of ballet flats, the memories of blisters from childhood dance classes too fresh. Also, being more of a sneaker person, I felt the shoe was just too feminine for me. However, I’ve come around on both fronts, the trend cycle fully influencing me into a full-blown ballet flat obsession — just as the category blows up with sub-trends of its own. 

I’ve seen, shopped or clicked just about every ballet flat that’s new and notable right now, and I’ve noticed a handful of styles that put a fresh spin on the classic silhouette (not that there’s anything wrong with classic), from Mary Jane silhouettes to mesh fabrications. To help decide which one’s for you, read on to shop the six leading ballet flat trends for fall. 

Mesh Ballet Flats 

Mesh or netted flats have become one of the hottest trends not just in ballet flats, but in footwear this year, thanks to popular pairs from The Row, Alaïa and Khaite. 

View the 5 images of this gallery on the
original article

Mary Jane Ballet Flats

Two legends cross over, as Mary Janes link up with ballerinas: Pairs from Sandy Liang and Aeyde are leading the trend, while Brother Vellies’ heart-adorned buckle adds a dainty detail.

View the 5 images of this gallery on the
original article

Square-Toe Ballet Flats

Although it’s true that nearly any ballet flat can feel posh, a squared toe feels closer to the original. 

View the 5 images of this gallery on the
original article

Buckled Ballet Flats

Buckles on footwear continue to be a fashion favorite — you can trace it back to Miu Miu’s footwear propositions for Spring 2016, which are just as coveted today by fashion editors and “It” girls (see Katie Holmes, recently) as they were upon their release. 

View the 5 images of this gallery on the
original article

Simple Ballet Flats

There’s always room for a minimal flat that you can wear with everything. Repetto’s have long been a favorite, but TikTok loves Steve Madden’s version and deems Rothy’s as the most walk-friendly. Rebecca Allen, meanwhile, makes your perfect skin-tone nude, to achieve the neutral look. 

View the 5 images of this gallery on the
original article

Novelty Ballet Flats

Anything goes in this category, which includes everything from Margiela’s satin Tabi to Loeffler Randall’s crystal rhinestoned pair. Embellishments and novelty details make for a more complex take on ballet flats. 

View the 5 images of this gallery on the
original article

Please note: Occasionally, we use affiliate links on our site. In no way does this affect our editorial decision-making.

Want the latest fashion industry news first? Sign up for our daily newsletter.