Back in style: The return of the ballet flats
Demure and contemporary
Ballet flats have made a comeback, and best believe we’re all for it. While the feminine, slipper-style shoe may have fallen off the trend cycle for a while, the Balletcore aesthetic, which rose to popularity last year, brought it back to life, following other ultra-femme fads such as Barbiecore and Regencycore. After all, the humble ballet flat is one of the cosiest shoe styles that can be donned from brunch to supper.
When it comes to ballet flats, there’s something youthful about the design. Perhaps it’s the effortless slip-on style or the small bow on the more traditional pairs’ noses; with the right aesthetic, the modest ballet shoe can be a star, which explains its recent resurgence as one of the season’s top trends.
As we all know, the shoe evolved from one of the most refined artistic dance forms, ballet. The dreamy footwear, however, only made its mainstream fashion debut when designer Rose Repetto designed a pair that actress Brigitte Bardot was drawn to and wore in the 1956 film And God Created Woman. Renowned It-girls of the time, such as Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, and Audrey Hepburn embraced the style soon after.
Brigitte Bardot and Jacques Charrier
View this post on Instagram
Audrey Hepburn
View this post on Instagram
Princess Diana
View this post on Instagram
Fast forward to today, ballet flats are now super popular and they are available in a wide range of shades, finishes and styles. Miu Miu, one of the hottest fashion labels last year, took the lead on the runways with its subtle and sensual interpretation of the trend. In ultra-short skirts, bulky knee-high socks and oversized coats, models walked down the runway in satin ballerina shoes. The ballet flat also appeared in a lengthy list of other fashion houses runways, including Simone Rocha, Maison Margiela and Tod’s, illustrating the timeless appeal of the style.
Ballet flats are subtle and sophisticated. For everyday wear, choose conventional black leather, as well as cream or tan-coloured leather options. Alternatively, picks ones with a silky finish or shimmering gems for formal occasions. Ahead, see the best ballet flats that you can easily pair with everything from cropped jeans to maxi skirts.
For more fashion reads, click here.
SHARE THE STORY | |
Explore More |