Ballet flats are absolutely for the female gaze. They’re very much “if my boyfriend thinks my outfit is ugly, I know it’s good” personified. I was looking online to see if men really do loathe them and this 2009 Glamour article popped up. Safe to say, they’re very much still FTG (for the girls). Fortunately, so is this article.
I found 40 pairs of ballet flats for you to shop this season, broken down by the styles and colors I am finding the most interesting. Some classic, some ultra trendy, ranging from super affordable to extremely high-end. I tried to avoid any plain black or brown because a simple Google would suffice… and this is about getting extra* dressed after all.
Disclaimer: I did not include any tabis. I know, I know. They’re the hot shoe of the season! I personally don’t have the eye for them (wish I did) so I felt weird recommending something I don’t quite know how to style. If you have a pair you love, add the link to the comments! I am sure other readers would love to see ‘em.
Alright, let’s get into it.
40 Pairs of Ballet Flats to Transition Into Fall
Cap Toes. A classic for a reason. Steve Madden and Tony Bianco have lot of fun and somewhat unexpected color combos. I am loving the icy blue and maroon pairing. If you’re on the marketing for an investment piece, Chanel flats are worth every penny. Just ask this girl, lol. You can find tons of them on second-hand sites like Poshmark or eBay, but the sizing is a little annoying. You’ll likely be a full size bigger than what you normally take.
Steve Madden | Chanel | Tony Bianco | Circus by Sam Edelman | Mango | Jeffrey Campbell | Sam Edelman | Dream Paris
Animal Print. My favorite prints this season are the snow leopard (a clear nod to Matthieu Blazy’s SS26) and the dalmation spots. I’ve never felt super drawn to snakeskin, but the Khaite Marlenes have me rethinking that… And btw all animal prints are neutrals. Neutrals that are not basic or boring.
Steve Madden | HM | Khaite | Schutz | Loeffler Randall | Sam Edelman | Reformation | ASOS
Jewel-ish Tones. This is my dream fall color palette. I did my color analysis this year and it turns out I look lovely in this shade range and not so lovely in every color that is typically associated with autumn. You’ll be excited to wear these more vibrant, evergreen colors come spring/summer, too.
Margaux | Reformation | Kate Spade | Rothys | Franco Sarto | Target | Anonymous Copenhagen | Alex Mill
Sporty Sneakerinas. An ultra trendy intersection of styles that was made for me. I’ve done Allison Bornstein’s 3-word method many times and ‘sporty’ is always a top contender… despite my lack of athletic skills and/or general disinterest in most sporting events. But if you are tired of always reaching for the same pair of SWS (sad white sneakers), this might be a good transition.
Adidas | Zara | ASOS | Gola | Puma | JW Pei | Adidas | Onitsuka
Romantic Edgy. Miu Miu called me and they said it’s okay if you dupe their satin ballerinas! I love the edgy meets romantic look of the satin and the straps. I also think these add a softness to typical fall colors and patterns. My most complimented pair of flats remains the Gibsens from Dolce Vita (top right).
Jeffrey Campbell | Circus by Sam Edeman | JW Pei | Dolce Vita | COS | Melissa | TJ Maxx | Valentino
What did I miss? What is your go-to ballet flat?
xx Caylee
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we absolutely LOOOOOOVE a flat 🩰 just in time for nutcracker sznnn.
Please don’t judge me for this- but I don’t have a single ballerina 🙈 I’m 5 ft, i have to wear some heels! But I have loved the look forever. So cool there are so many different designs in it!