As August turned into September, I was starting to feel a shopping itch I thought only a pair of brown suede sneakers could scratch. The hint of changing leaves and cooling temperatures had me racing to Marie Claire's fall 2025 sneaker trend report for a neutral pair and all sorts of cozy beige sweaters to go with it. That is, until Rihanna's ballet sneakers stopped me in my tracks.
On September 4, Rihanna paused her streak of rugby shirts and baggy jeans for the sort of outfit Sandy Liang or Sofia Coppola would approve. She matched what appeared to be a pink, plaid Loewe dress to peony sneakerinas by Puma. From just behind her dress, what looked like a coordinating pink top-handle bag just barely peeked out. It was decidedly anti-fall, but it spoke to me.
Rihanna built a pink outfit around her Puma ballet sneakers on September 4.
Rihanna's collection of Puma sneakers is unmatched, considering her longstanding Fenty design partnership with the brand. These pink sneakerinas spoke to me like no other pair has. Her all-pink outfit was sartorial sunshine on a busy weekday: unapologetically romantic and just plain fun. And while Rihanna decided to stick with a monochrome palette, I could just as easily imagine these pink ballet sneakers underneath wide-leg trousers or a pair of slouchy Gap jeans. The baby pink shade is just light enough to blend with my favorite fall neutrals, too.
Then again, if anyone could make me style a pink ballet sneaker with an entirely coordinating look, it would be Rihanna. Ahead, I've picked out seven more pairs I'm ready to jeté into this fall.
Shop Pink Ballet Sneakers Inspired by Rihanna
I've had my eye on these Puma ballet sneakers ever since Dua Lipa wore the silver version. This pair looks even more like a true ballet slipper with its criss-crossing straps. More importantly, it rings up for less than $100.
I was searching Anthropologie for fall boots when I stumbled upon Intentionally Blank's ballet sneakers. I'm glad my search got derailed: With its double straps and clean, rounded toes, this is the first sneakerina I've seen that can even appeal to anti-trend minimalists.
If it weren't for the rubber soles, I'd confuse Converse's ballet sneakers for a classic flat. That's a good thing: The prim and polished design says this pair is a match for dressier outfits.
I have a one-word reason for adding this blush pink ballet sneaker to my cart: texture. The trendy suede outers are amped up with white shearling stripes—which will be so cozy with a scrunched-up sock as temperatures drop.
Someone get Elle Fanning on the phone. These Coach ballet sneakers are perfect for her wardrobe, and anyone else's with a vintage-inspired streak. They're a cross between retro '70s runners and true sneakerinas, and they come with some extremely compelling five-star reviews.
Bella Hadid and Lola Tung agree: Vivaia's ballet sneakers are another pair made for twirling. The satin laces are an especially pretty touch.
