The Fashion Memo

The Best Ballet Flats To Take You Through Spring And Beyond

Easy, effortless and eminently wearable, ballet flats are a spring wardrobe staple – from classic silhouettes to more contemporary versions

Words Colleen RossFashion editor Viktorija Tomasevic
Fashion

The answer to most of this season’s sartorial footwear dilemmas? Ballet flats. At some point in the 1940s, the design made the transition from being a dance-studio essential to a polished daywear option – and has never been far from the style radar since. Synonymous with Parisian Left Bank elegance, ballet flats have graced the stylish feet of Hollywood stars such as Audrey Hepburn (who famously had hers made by Salvatore Ferragamo in the ’50s) and, more recently, were a footwear favorite of the 2000s, worn on repeat by Kate Moss and Sienna Miller. For the past few seasons, ballet flats’ soaring popularity has been steadily transitioning the style to a firm closet staple.

Ballet flats are the ideal spring shoe choice

Beyond their undeniable elegance, the beauty of ballet flats lies in both their versatility and comfort – usually crafted in supple leather, mesh or suede, they fit like a glove and will go with everything from knitted dresses to straight-leg jeans and sharp tailoring. Summer is the perfect time to embrace lighter colors, making Roger Vivier’s white patent leather style the ultimate investment. They’ll look super-chic with printed dresses for day events and cropped wide-leg denim on off-duty days. Elsewhere, Gianvito Rossi’s leopard-print suede Mary Jane pair are ideal for summer evenings – style them with a black slip dress for effortless elegance.

Mary Jane styles in mesh and perforated finishes are undoubtedly the most sought-after style – and those in the know will be aware that Alaïa’s are on everyone’s wish list. This version, crafted from supple suede, have a bohemian feel and will look cool yet elegant styled with billowing dresses. Their cult status means they are sure to become the talking point of all your outfits, too. Alternatively, Gucci's ‘Vittoria’ style come in a point-toe shape, decorated with the house's horsebit chain, making them a little more office-ready (and helpful if you haven’t had a chance to get your summer pedi yet).

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