Ballet flats are truly the perfect canvas for your fall outfits. For one, they’re one of the season’s biggest shoe trends, settling in alongside trendy sneakers in the shoe rotations of fashion's innermost circle. “I usually wear my ballet flats year round—even in the dead of winter—as long as it's not snowing,” says Ashley Afriyie, a New York-based celebrity stylist who's on the styling assistant team for names like Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Selena Gomez. She's also a bonafide ballet flats superfan.
Afriye loves to wear her flats alongside effortless pairings like jeans and a blazer, but they work just as easily with almost everything in your closet—dressed up or down. Team your flats with cargo pants and a bomber jacket if you're after an edgier vibe. Or tap into the girlhood aesthetic with Mary Jane-style flats styled with a sweet-leaning mini dress and socks.
A black pointed-toe flat with a neutral-toned ensemble is another outfit formula that will never disappoint you. It's a pairing that transcends seasons and makes the perfect fall work outfit for almost any office. Meanwhile, trendy mesh flats have been transformed into a timeless wardrobe addition when styled with other foundational fall-style staples. But no matter which ballet flat style you gravitate towards, the options are nearly endless.
We've also got some fresh outfit inspiration if you've invested in a few new flats. I've found nine editor and fashion stylist-approved ballet flat outfits that you can turn to repeatedly. Feel free to use these as a template for the rest of your fall and winter outfits.
Bright Red Flats With Mixed Neutrals
Red flats are a welcome pop of color when worn with otherwise neutral ensembles.
Red has been the color trend du jour for a few months, but something about the hue still feels fresh for fall. For a new way to make a poppy-red pair of ballet flats work, style them with a neutral look—in this case, one that includes shades of warm camel and chocolate brown.
Mesh Flats With a Simple Slip
Mesh flats are perfect for transitional season when worn with a black dress.
A slip-dress-and-flat combination is never a bad idea; mesh flats make the age-old duo feel new again. Whether you opt for the now-iconic Alaïa flats or a finer-mesh option, they're one of the year's most persistent shoe trends.
Classic Flats With Trendy Capris and a Longline Top
Trendy capri pants are made wearable with a long tunic and a pair of classic ballet flats.
The capri pants trend took the fashion set by storm this summer. If you've invested in a pair, style them for fall with lightweight layers and ballet flats.
Sweet Pastel Flats With Edgy Cargo Pants and a Leather Jacket
Cargo pants can work with sweet flats, but a leather jacket adds edge.
Cargo pants and ballet flats seem like an odd pairing, but I think of this as another instance where the 'wrong shoe theory' is working again. When worn instead of combat boots or sneakers, the juxtaposition of ballet flats adds a touch of softness to utility pants.
Black Flats With Monochromatic Tan Pieces
Transition summery outfits into the colder weather with black flats.
Monochromatic outfits, especially with light-toned neutrals, can skew summery when fall rolls around. Dark-toned accessories—in this case, a pair of black ballet flats—make them work for the transitional dressing period.
Red Flats With Wardrobe Basics
Red flats take the place of white sneakers when worn with other wardrobe staples like white T-shirts and baggy jeans.
Pairing ballet flats with baggy jeans and a white T-shirt is a French girl-style tactic I've been borrowing lately. The flats instantly elevate the outfit without much effort. For a more formal look, opt for flats made from glossy patent leather, like my favorites from Margaux (and Jane Fonda's go-to brand).
Black Flats With a Canadian Tuxedo
Dress up double denim this fall with a chic pair of flats.
Both Beyoncé and Sydney Sweeney have co-signed the double-denim look. It's a fall outfit that's easy to emulate because it relies on wardrobe essentials you probably have: a pair of jeans (any jeans!) and a denim jacket in the same hue. A pair of sleek ballet flats make the look feel grown up for the office.
Mary Janes With Oversized Knits and Trendy Bermuda Shorts
The Bermuda shorts trend is controversial, but styling them with a cozy sweater and a pair of flats makes them more wearable.
Bermuda shorts are one of the year's most surprising trends. While your inclination might be to style them with a pair of heels, consider a pair of ballet flats instead for a cool-girl look approved by members of the New York street style set. A slightly oversized sweater can play up proportions.
Black Mary Janes With a Babydoll Dress and Sweet Socks
Lean into a sweet mini by styling them with a pair of white socks and Mary Janes.
Lean into the sweetness of ballet flats by teaming them with a mini dress and ruffled socks. Choosing flats with a modern silhouette (like this pair from M.Gemi, which I personally own and love) keeps the ensemble from looking too saccharine.
Black Flats With a Blazer and Dark Jeans
A blazer is a classic fall piece. Black jeans and ballet flats are equally wearable this season.
Afriyie says her favorite way to style ballet flats is with "a pair of skinny or straight-leg jeans, a blazer, and a T-shirt. " It's a look that can easily take her (and you) from day to night.
Meet The Expert
Ashley Afriyie is a stylist who has worked with brands and publications, including Vogue, Teen Vogue, Saks Fifth Avenue, Marie Claire, and Gucci, and on the styling assistant team for Meryl Streep, Lupita N’yongo, Selena Gomez, Naomi Watts, and Anne Hathaway.
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