Oh, wait, you didn’t know they went away?
Flats – whether ballet or pointy – of course have been around for a few years now, but it seems the round toe ballet flat (a la Kate Moss from the 1990s) is the shape that is making a comeback.
That is good. My feet will love it. So will yours!
There is something about flats that look so modern right now.
It’s the shoe I keep reaching for again and again. Probably because sometimes I don’t feel jooshy enough in sneakers. Chunky sandals can be too casual. Loafers are great but can look too preppy, masculine or just too wintery going into spring.
Which is where ballets flats come in.
They look chic. Sophisticated and fashiony. You look a little more polished.
Perfect for going into spring-summer.
What to look for
Go for ballet flats that are slingback with a round toe. They’re fresh and modern.
But a pointy toe flat is definitely what I will be wearing as well – it’s a little more edgy.
Go for lighter colours. Especially for summer. White or tan but black is right too. Metallics look chic and so do the Chanel two-tone slingback with a black toe. Of course. Mais oui.
Fun fact: A true ballet flat by definition is just that – totally flat but a little tiny heel is also perfectly fine.
How to wear them
Jeans. Pants. Chinos. Cargoes. White denim. On repeat.
The reason you want pants? It adds some irony.
You need to add a modern contrast to the conservative style of the ballet flat.
And as you get older some things can start to look too straight and too nanna. Which is fine if you are, and that’s what you want to look like. But I know I need to add a little twist and unexpected contrast to rock my ballet flats.
This means wearing them with blue denim, baggy jeans, cargoes and big blazers. Oversized exaggerated shapes will always do the trick.
In terms of length of pants, crop looks great for summer. Good to show the ankle. But puddle pants look great too with a pointy toe peeking out.
If you do wear a long dress or a skirt with ballet flats, then go for pointy flats. In white. It adds something cool.
Now get shopping!
I’ve tracked down the best flats right here from luxe to less.
More on the SHOP pages and Pinterest.
Fashion editor, stylist and uber shopper FiFi (otherwise known as Fiona Milne) is The FiFi Report.
Do you love ballet flats? Have you had a pair or two in your wardrobe for years? What’s your favourite style? Why not share your thoughts in the comments section below?
