Guess who’s back on her ballet flat search?? Me:) But I’m not the only one on the team. Look. We love a cool boot, a fashionable sneaker, but sometimes you just want to slip on a cute flat to feel slightly more put together as you’re rushing out of the house. The last time I was all about ballet flats, I was on the hunt for the mesh version, and boy, did I find one I loved. Because of that deep love, I may have worn them a little too much. It’s kinda like when you only have/wear a single pair of jeans and the inevitable upper thigh hole emerges from constant friction. I want to avoid that intense amount of wear and tear and have a few more easy-to-wear, stylish shoe options. And to me, there’s nothing easier than slipping on a ballet flat. So come see what my research divulged as well as one pair I did purchase:)
I wanted to start with the pair that Emily had not only in this color but also in navy. She bought them for our big shoot and loved how easy they were to pop on and off. I love how simple but slightly modern they are. I really like the toe shape and in case tan or navy aren’t your colors, they have 13 other options to choose from! They do recommend going up a half size from your normal size. These give a perfect classic basics look.
Faux-Leather Ballet Flats – $20
But if we’re going to talk about classics then to me this ballet flat is the epitome of that. Ok, maybe if you added a strap then it would be “peak ballet flat” 🙂 This is also a very sleek shape but has the addition of the traditional thin bow. I don’t think you could go wrong with these and they also come in three other neutral colors if pink isn’t your style. Oh, and did I mention they are $20!!
Leather Ballet Flats – $56 | Sway Square Toe Ballet Flat – $180
This deep burgundy isn’t just a beautiful home color trend, it’s also very much happening in fashion. I am very in love with both of these options. The pair on the left this that classic style but really feels special in that dreamy color…plus that price is not bad. They do also come in tan. Then the pair on the right are on my list!! I learned about Alohas from Emily years ago and not only are their shoes extremely cool, I really love their commitment to sustainability. And while there’s the extra step of tying the bow, I think they are unique without being “too out there”. This pair also comes in two other colors and if you are a half size, they recommend sizing up.
Oh, if you love this color I also found a really pretty woven version for $80!
I love velvet. Like a lot. So these puppies are on my list too! Aside from the leather pair above, I’m not a huge ballet bow gal, but for whatever reason, I really like it when the flat is in a velvet. Just think how cute these would be with jeans and a white T-shirt?! Effortlessly cool. Plus, this version is on a great sale, which makes them that much more enticing… They also come in seven other colors, but not all are on sale.
What a beautiful blue! This shoe is a Madewell bestseller and Emily had their leather open-weave one from last year. She’s traditionally not a huge ballet flat wearer so I very much trust her when she likes one. These are great for either a dress-up or dress-down situation which is real nice – neutral enough but also a little pop of color. But if blue or velvet isn’t your style they have six other colors/designs at varying prices. Go check em out!
Valley Black Sole Ballet Flat – $154 + Poppy Mary Jane Flat – $80
These might not totally be my cup of tea style-wise but at the same time they are so much fun! Those yellow ones are so freaking sweet but I think would also look rad paired with a simple jean and a plain tee. They are from a small shoe brand we love – Intentionally Blank. Emily has known them from when they first opened and I have two of their clogs I wear all of the time. So big stamp of approval from us. Oh, they do come in other colors if you aren’t a yellow person. Then the blue ones are made by Areosoles which makes me think they are likely very comfortable! These ones are also a bit more affordable and have that buckle so you don’t have to worry about tying the bow perfectly every time. It comes perfect! They also come black.
Reyes Ballet Flats – $120 | Mary Jane Square-Toe Ballet Flats – $20
Now, when I first saw this white pair last year I almost hit purchase. I saw them on a gal I know and fell for them hard. They are really elongating which I also loved. I honestly don’t know why I hesitated so maybe I’ll fix that soon:) Also, white isn’t always the easiest color to care for but they come in eleven other colors and patterns in case you were curious. Now for the other pair that’s $100 cheaper (!), these Old Navy ones are so cute. I like that the toe is a little squared off, there’s no bow but still has the classic strap. Plus, that red color is so good and very fun. However, if red is not for you they come in six other colors.
I think I’m adding a fourth (OOPS!) to my list because wow wow I love these! I’ve always been a brown fan so these would work seamlessly with what I already own. Plus, these are real slip-on-and-go shoes. But why I really love them is the shape of the opening. Sleek and chic. I’m very impressed, Steve Madden. They also come in four other colors.
I know the point of a ballet flat is that it’s FLAT. But this heel is still pretty low and is the star of the whole shoe. I really really love it. Very quiet luxury but a statement, you know? They say, “I know style but I’m not in your face about it.” So yes, I want these too. And while this is just my opinion, I’ve always found Sam Edelman shoes comfortable. Oh, and they come in a cream that’s on sale for under $100.
Vana Ballet Flat – $80 | Jessie Flat – $248
At some point, I’m going to get a sliver flat because it’s such an easy and fun way to make a simple outfit unexpected. And this one is so understated which I really love. Plus, the shape of this Franco Sarto flat is so beautiful. But if you love the shape but not the color it does also come in two other options. The Jessie Flat I just saw in person because my friend was in town and wore them. They are bolder statement but in such a fun way and the shape is also so good. They actually look even better in person. These are also from Freda Salvador which is an incredible brand but definitely pricey. And while these aren’t cheap by any means, they are about 50% which is a pretty big deal. Just saying in case you were interested:)
I BOUGHT THESE!! The first thing you should know is that I’m not really a leopard print gal (shocking, I’m sure:)) But in high school/college I had a pair of Steve Madden leopard “fur” loafers that I loved. They just made any simple outfit a lot more fun. Sadly, they got too beat up and had to be trashed. This means I’ve been living sans leopard flats for over a decade now! Then for my birthday last year, my sweet (and very generous) cousin gave me a $100 gift card to Sezane. I was so excited but also so nervous to choose something which is very typical of me. When I would look I kept coming back to these flats, remembering the good times with my loafers (rip). So I did it, I bought them and they will arrive early next week! They also come in black, which I debated between, but knew my heart wanted to go for the leopard. Very excited to wear them if you can’t tell. The site does say that if you are between two shoe sizes, choose the size below. Otherwise, choose your usual size.
Dream Team Mary Jane Flat – $50
This is the same shoe in two different colors because I liked them equally:) I love the pointed toe and thicker strap with the buckle. It makes it feel ever so slightly punk (?) lol. Basically, it has a little bit of edge that I’m into. Plus, that price is awesome! They also come in two other colors – light pink and silver.
Even though this one is sooo similar to the one right before, the toe on this one is more rounded. It’s totally a personal preference. I tend to prefer more of a square or a point. But a rounded toe is perfect for others. You really can’t go wrong with either…well, I guess you save $20 if you get these:) They also have two other material options.
Arissa Woven Ballet Flat – $138
Now let’s get into my other favorite version of the ballet flat – the woven ballet flat! These are right up my alley! That brown leather is such a pretty, warm tone and the toe shape is a dream:) While a woven ballet flat could be considered more spring and summer, these leather ones are good easily through fall (weather permitting, of course). They also come in two other colors.
Light Woven Denim Nina Flats – $195
Ever since I saw Em wearing her light blue suede over-the-knee boots (which I am saving up for) I haven’t been able to get light blue shoes out of my head. I think they are the perfect mix of fun and chic. These cuties are prefect for the spring and summer. Can’t you see it!? I think they may be a bit darker in person because of the styled photos on the site but honestly, that may make me love them more. Definitely go check out those shots because you WILL want them (or maybe don’t if you’re trying to not buy more shoes:)) They do come in five other colors but are in leather or velvet.
Arissa Woven Ballet Flats – $128 | Bleached Beechwood Michaela Flats – $130
For my natural material lovers, the flats on the left are so pretty! Can’t you see yourself, strolling along in a beach town for spring break in these? Or feeling like you’re on spring break because these cuties on your feet? That’s at least where my head is at. Ha. The reviews do say that they run a little big so keep that in mind. Then the ones on the right, are also extremely cute and are ideal for the warmer days ahead. I had a pair of slip-on flats in a similar color and material and wore them so much. They went with everything! A big thumbs up and they also come in one other color.
Ruby Buckle Ballet Flats $138 | Woven Leather Ballet Flats – $140
If you’re someone who wants a woven look but something a little different/unique, the pair on the left is perfect! The color is what is unexpected about them. I think it’s just a cool color and a great shape. They also come in what they call “sunset ochre,” which is like a burnt orange-red. Also very cool. Then, for the final pair on the right, I know they are more in the “mesh ballet flat” category, but I loved them too much not to include:) The open weave is just enough to be super breathable but not too “look at my toes!” and the criss-cross straps are so freaking cute. And because my “list” is clearly endless, two of these (especially the white ones) are on it. Oh, those also come in two other colors, and the reviews say they run big.
So while my ballet dancing days are far behind me, I will be cosplaying a ballerina for probably most of the year and beyond. There were also some stunning satin options, but even for me, those felt like they would get ruined after about one wear. But if you love the idea of that, these were my favorite:) Talk about looking like a ballerina! Ok, happy ballet flat shopping.
Love you, mean it.
Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: Some Cute New Fall Clothes I’m Wearing On My Body…
THIS POST WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED HERE.
