Upon a recent binge of Bridgerton's first season, I realized that I was obsessing over the fashion, yes, but also the plethora of truly great footwear—the majority of which could be classified as a ballet flat. Nearly every lady of the ton had them on. But it wasn't until I scrolled through my Instagram that I realized that ballet flats were trending IRL, too. So many of the cool and fashionable people that I follow have been styling them in 2022, so, naturally, I compiled a list of the best-ever, most comfortable ballet flats that you can wear right now.
Before you descend into an early-aughts fashion spiral, let me reassure you that these modern ballet flats are not like the ones you wore back then. Or maybe they are similar, but we're not going to style them the same way. While at one point they were worn with micro-mini skirts and lace patterned tights a la the original Gossip Girl, ballet flats can now be worn in a multitude of ways. They were styled in a multitude of ways during the Spring/Summer 2022 season, for instance. At Chanel, ballet flats worked perfectly with slinky see-through mesh midi skirts and bikinis. At Tory Burch, on the other hand, vibrantly-colored and printed flats were shown under cream-colored wide-leg trousers. Finally, at effortlessly-cool label The Row, mesh flats were found peeking out from underneath the hems of boxy utilitarian jumpsuits. I also personally love how they look when styled with a pair of straight-leg jeans. They're like the slightly more elevated version of a crisp white sneaker, ideal for the office or just on a day spent running errands.
If one thing was made clear to me, it was this: ballet flats, from patent leather to pointed-toe pairs, are officially cool again. Keep scrolling to shop all of the best options on the market right now. Here's to wearing our nostalgic favorites in a whole new way this year.
Mansur Gavriel Square Toe Ballerina
I have been obsessing over Mansur Gavriel's ballet flats for months. The modern square-toe offsets the classic shape and colorway.
Loeffler Randall Leonie Spice Ballet Flat
Despite these shoes being made from wintery-feeling velvet, these Mary Jane flats would look so cute paired with a summer dress.
Margaux The Pointe
These flats from Margaux come with or without the bow, but they feature the sheer detailing nonetheless. The sheer options aren't available with a bow, but there are non-sheer options that come with it, too!
Vince Camuto Elanndo Square Toe Ballet Flat
If a dainty-colored pair of flats in a shade of nude or pale pink aren't your thing, try this pair from Vince Camuto instead.
Schutz Arissa Square Toe Ballet Flat
Finally, a pair of ballet flats that doesn't scream "sweet." The shiny patent finish of this pair makes them feel a little more appropriate for nighttime wear.
Reformation Buffy Ruched Ballet Flat
These Reformation flats come in two colors, but I prefer this baby pink pair. Because, if you're going to wear a pair of ruched Mary-Jane style flats, why not pick a pair that comes in an equally easy hue?
Carel Paris Fraise Flat
Carel Paris' line of flats is French fashion girl-approved, making them nearly impossible to come by. This pair of two-tone flats is (somehow) still in stock on their site, so now is the perfect time to snag some for yourself.
Maison Margiela Tabi Split-Toe Leather Ballet Flats
Maison Margiela's Tabi-style shoots divide the fashion industry right down the middle. Regardless, I'm this close to investing in pair of these split-toe flats.
Aeyde Delia Suede Ballet Flats
Suede can be tricky in the winter thanks to the constant rain and snow, which means they're perfectly suited for the spring and summer months. Plus, the brown color is a bit easier to style than black in the warmer months.
Sleeper Aristocrat Satin Ballet Flats in White
Are you the type of bride who doesn't want to wear heels on the big day, or at least not for part of it? Look no further than this pair of flats from sleepwear brand Sleeper.
Everlane The Mary Jane
Orange is one of my most favorite colors this season. This pair from Everlane comes in a few colors, but it's time to spice up your footwear collection.
Charles & Keith Check-Print Ruched Bead-Embellished Mary Janes
If you're investing in pieces like a preppy pleated mini skirt, why not get a pair of plaid flats to go along with them?
Sam Edelman Winslet Lace Up Pointed Toe Flats
This pair of flats from Sam Edelman has a bejeweled strap that makes them feel fancy. It's the little touches that matter!
Rothy's The Flat
These flats from Rothy's are machine washable (!) and come in 15 colors and prints. Say hello to your perfect wear-everywhere summer shoe.
Sarto by Franco Sarto Riva Flat
Some ballet flats are outfitted with a slinky slingback design, like this pair from Sarto by Franco Sarto. Classic, chic and easy to style!
Coach Vae Slingback Skimmer Flat
If you want to show a little edge in your footwear collection without going overboard, consider this pair of flats from Coach that is covered in micro-sized studs.
TOM'S Jutti D'Orsay Flat
Who says a flat needs to be one color, or a neutral color at that? This pair from TOM'S proves that prints can work just as well in your wardrobe.
FRAME Le Sunset Sliper
Go ahead, pick up a pair of (very fun) metallic flats this season. They even feature a tiny cutout detail at the top.
Linea Paolo Dean Pointy Toe Flat
The massive buckle on this pair of flats from Linea Paolo is actually adjustable (as in, it's not just for design), so if you have feet that are either thinner or wider, you'll find that these are supremely comfortable.
Jewel Badgley Mischka Juliana Pointed Toe Lace Flat
Another day, another reason not to wear a pair of heels to your next formal occasion. Flats like this are great if you have an outdoor wedding coming up because your heels won't sink into the grass.
Kate Spade New York Honey Glitter Ballerina Flats
Ballet flats remind me of my childhood, so I immediately fell in love with this pair from Kate Spade. They're like the grownup version of the princess shoes I used to play dress-up with.
The Row Ava Mary Jane Ballerina Flats
It's no secret that The Row makes some of the most lust-worthy shoes on the market, and these are no exception. The higher vamp on the front of the shoe is so trendy right now, but the classic black colorway and silhouette are truly timeless.
Zara Fabric Ballet Flats
If you're going for peak balletcore vibes, consider this pair of flats fom Zara that feature ties at the ankle.
VIVAIA Square-Toe V-Cut Flats
The knit upper on this pair of flats from Vivaia is made from recycled water bottles, but that's not the only thing to love about them. They also come in nine other colorways.
Jamie Haller The Ballet Slip
I love a classic shoe in a classic colorway, like this pair from cult-favorite brand Jamie Haller. These flats are handmade and are made from the softest-ever leather,
Minnetonka Anna Ballet Flat
If you're prone to slipping or live in a particularly wet climate, this pair of flats from Minnetonka are for you. Lightweight and perfect for keeping in your carry-on for quick trips, this shoe is for you.
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