Ballet flats may have been the go-to footwear for mid-’00s high-school uniforms, but their dainty design has been revamped for the modern age. Like basketball sneakers and other silhouettes adapted from performance-based activities, designers have reimagined ballet-style shoes with wearability in mind, a revival that fits in well with today’s relaxed dress codes. Style no longer stands on its own: Modern women crave comfort.
Designer ballet flats are one of the most popular women's slip-on flat shoes, appearing on the streets and runways of Paris with mini skirts and aviator jackets or midi skirts and blazers. Fashion shows have seen pointed-toe ballet flats paired alongside sleek body-con dresses, maxi skirts, and flowy overcoats. The demand for the versatile women’s ballet flat is moving at speeds as dizzying as a pirouette. Luckily, today’s designers are more than up for the challenge.
7 DESIGNER BALLET SHOES
From suede cap-toe ballet slippers to espadrille ballerina flats, here are some of the best designer ballet styles for women:
1. Miu Miu
It's only fitting to kick off a ballet flats style list with Miu Miu; some even credit the label for pushing the style’s relevance forward. Miu Miu's Satin Bow Ballerina Flats put the label’s best foot forward in the ballet arena. This best-selling round-toe ballet flat features a branded strap across the vamp with a decorative bow-tie accent.
3. The Row
Another champion of the luxury ballet style, The Row embraces a “less is more” mentality with its Lambskin Band ballerina flats. The shoe's simplistic silhouette and tonal colorway allow effortless movement between outfits. High-quality lambskin leather forms the base, with a round-toe front and an elastic band at the vamp.
4. Maison Margiela
Not all ballet shoes feature a flat-to-the-ground outsole. Maison Margiela's Leather Bow Ballerina Flat perfectly demonstrates the elegant incorporation of a low heel. The slip-on shoes feature a smooth lambskin leather finish, a round-toe front, a bow tie across the vamp, and a leather outsole.
5. Loewe
Loewe has taught its followers to expect the unexpected. Creative Director Jonathan Anderson keeps onlookers guessing, fearlessly delivering everything from shoes smothered in flowers to simplistic loafers. The label's Italian-made Toy Leather Slipper Loafers fall into the latter category, offering a comfortable flat heel and a sophisticated silhouette.
6. Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent could teach a masterclass in bridging the gap between ballerina flats and slingback dress shoes. The label’s Blade Crystal-Buckle Slingback Ballerina Flats are a classy rendition of the otherwise casual silhouette. The pointed-toe shoes feature a stretch slingback strap, patent-leather trim, and a crystal-embellished buckle at the vamp.
7. Manolo Blahnik
Formal footwear expert Manolo Blahnik is no stranger to the luxury flat game. Its Ballerimu Suede Bow Ballerina Flats successfully fuse ballet shoe sensibilities with a casual mule silhouette. The front features a pointed toe and bow tie at the vamp, while the back is fitted with a slide-style mule opening.
HOW TO WEAR BALLET FLATS
High-end fashion labels have proven the versatility of ballet flats. They transition between outfits as readily as loafers do, making statements at work, on casual weekend shopping trips, and on fun nights around town. Try these ideas for styling an outfit with flats:
Body-con dress + pointed-toe slingback ballet flats
Pointed-toe dress shoes have a formal feel, making them a great choice for sophisticated outfits and formal functions. Pointy flats and body-con dresses highlight sleek contours that amplify each other when paired together.
V-neck sweater + mini skirt + high socks + classic ballet flats
Create a Miu Miu-inspired combo by teaming a cotton V-neck sweater with a mini skirt, high socks, and classic ballet flats. It's a playful spin on a tennis-inspired look.
Oversized blazer + cropped top + high-waisted denim jeans + square-toe ballerina shoes
One of the most exciting aspects of ballerina flats is the silhouette itself. Consider assembling an outfit with contrasting shapes and lengths. For a night out with friends, combine an oversized blazer with a cropped crewneck T-shirt, high-waisted wide-leg denim jeans, and square-toe ballet flats.
Long overcoat + long shirtdress + tights + pointed-toe ballet flats
Flat dress shoes have long been a mainstay of The Row’s seasonal collections. Take a page from the label's Pre-Fall 2023 collection for the next fashionable social gathering by teaming a long, flowy overcoat with a button-front shirtdress, socks, and pointed-toe ballet flats.
Mini dress + Mary Jane ballet flats
Opt for a retro '60s-style Mary Jane variation to highlight the ballet shoe's charm. Mary Jane silhouettes pair well with chic mini dresses, making a fitting ensemble for date night.
With footwear brands and luxury labels frequently adding ballet flats to the new arrivals list, there’s never been a better time to find a style suited to your needs. Bergdorf Goodman stocks an assortment of designer dresses, skirts, pants, tops, and jackets to wear alongside your designer shoes. Book an in-person or virtual appointment with a Bergdorf Goodman stylist or personal shopper for help finding ballet flats to suit your unique taste.
