You Should Invest in Ballet Flats: The Trend Is Here to Stay

Few wardrobe items call to mind fashion icons the way that ballet flats do. The shoes—closely tied to the classical dance style it’s named for—can conjure images of Audrey Hepburn in Salvatore Ferragmo pairs designed specifically for the young ingenue. They suggest Brigette Bardot in the French Riviera wearing demure ballet shoes with a sultry beauty look. For some, they even reference the wardrobe of one of modern day fashion’s forever-favorite It girls, Alexa Chung.

However, don’t chalk up the sweet slipper as simply a comfortable style that’ll never go away (although, it won’t). Thanks to a range of trend-propelling luxury labels such as The Row, Bottega Veneta, and Loewe, ballet flats’ most recent interpretations feel undeniably fresh, modern, and unexpected. They’re occasionally bold and glamorous, too, serving as evening alternatives that are equally as festive as any heel. And even the most casual dressers among us who rely heavily on a rotation of denim and T-shirts can’t deny the power of a Chanel cap-toe slip-on that instantly polishes any ensemble.

Decades from now, we’ll likely still reference Hepburn and Bardot when it comes to any mention of ballet flats, however the present-day options offer much more beyond these examples. Ahead, find five of the latest iterations that are as chic as ever.