Ballet flats are back, but cooler than you remember
Ballet flats are officially back. True to its French origins, it remains one of the most elegant and versatile fashion fixations that has withstood the test of time. But before you picture the dainty pairs from your wardrobe, know this: The new ballet flat has grown up, toughened up, and become infinitely cooler. Gone are the days of prim bows and pastel patent leather. Today’s versions are sleek, sculptural, and unexpectedly hip.
Designers are reimagining the silhouette with attitude and adding their own signature appeal. Think bold shapes, sheer textures, and high-fashion twists that make the once-quiet flat feel subversive again. From minimalist to avant-garde, there’s a style for every kind of dresser, and none of them feel like a throwback.
Here are some fun and new iterations of cult-status, go-to models that many shoe aficionados swear by.
Lanvin: The Ballerina Flat
Lanvin’s ballerina flat remains one of the most beloved choices for anyone seeking a reliable yet elevated everyday shoe. Originally designed by the late Alber Elbaz, this French icon combines practicality with polish, thanks to its flexible elastic trim that molds effortlessly to the foot.
Every season, the house’s signature flat takes on a playful new mood. It comes in unexpected textures like denim, glittery suede, raffia, and even leopard-print pony hair, giving the classic silhouette a modern edge. Whether you choose a bold fabric or a timeless neutral, Lanvin’s version proves that comfort and chic can absolutely coexist.
The Row: Embroidered Stella Slipper in Leather and Glass
For those drawn to sleek minimalism, The Row’s Stella Flat captures modern simplicity. Its sculpted almond toe and leather create a fluid shape that feels effortless yet intentional. This is the kind of flat that anchors a wardrobe: It’s simple, beautifully made, and endlessly versatile.
Each detail speaks to The Row’s design philosophy of refined restraint. There are no loud embellishments, no trend-chasing elements, just precise craftsmanship and perfect proportion.
The Stella Flat looks just as refined with relaxed tailoring as it does with a silk slip dress, grounding even the most directional outfits in understated grace.
Alaïa: Ballet Flats in Fishnet
Signature Alaïa ballet flats take their cue from classical Japanese footwear, reimagined in a fishnet texture that’s both delicate and daring. The see-through mesh adds an edge to the otherwise sweet silhouette, making them ideal for women who love a little contrast in their looks.
What makes these shoes special is their balance. It’s feminine yet strong, soft yet sculptural. Alaïa has always mastered the art of celebrating the female form, and these flats are no exception.
Maison Margiela: Tabi Ballerina in Winetasting
Maison Margiela’s Tabi Ballerinas are for those who like their style with a twist. With their split-toe design inspired by traditional Japanese tabi socks, they turn one of fashion’s most classic shapes into something entirely unexpected. It’s the kind of shoe that makes even the simplest outfit look instantly intentional.
Adored by fashion insiders, the Tabi has evolved into a subtle icon, a chic nod to individuality and creative self-expression. They’re not for everyone, and that’s precisely the point. If you want your shoes to say you know fashion but don’t need to prove it, this is your pair.
Miu Miu: Satin Ballerinas in Cocoa Brown
Miu Miu’s Satin Strap Flats bring back the innocence of ballet slippers but with a cool, rebellious edge. The soft satin finish and elastic straps feel nostalgic yet the way they’re styled today is anything but girlish. Try them with cargo pants, tailored shorts, or a slouchy blazer for that effortless Miu Miu balance of sweet and subversive.
There’s a playfulness to them that feels very current. Miuccia Prada has always known how to mix femininity with irony, and these flats are a perfect example. They’re for the woman who isn’t afraid to be both polished and playful, one who knows her Mary Janes can have just as much attitude as her heels.
Isabel Marant: Belna Crochet Ballet Flats
True to Isabel Marant’s effortlessly bohemian spirit, the Belna Crochet Ballet Flats reimagine the classic silhouette with a relaxed, handcrafted feel. The crochet construction gives them a soft, artisanal texture that feels both nostalgic and contemporary, perfect for those who love a touch of natural textures in their wardrobe.
Pair them with billowy dresses, linen trousers, or shorts for that unmistakable Marant nonchalance. It’s boho done the Parisian way—elevated, unfussy, and quietly chic.
