Flat-Out Fabulous

The ballet flat is about as timeless as blue jeans and a crisp white button down. Its relative trendiness comes and goes in waves, but the ever-growing desire for sleekness and comfort in fashion has created a market for newness - and a bit of nostalgia - as we continue to revive all things Y2K.

Inspiration for the trend arrived at the Tory Burch Spring runway show back in September, where flat shoes were all the rage. The brand – famous for smacking a giant “T” logo on their simple flats in the early 2000’s – took a fresh approach this time around. An unexpected array of mule and slingback styles, even T-Strap Mary Janes, in a variety of colors were present along with fun details like mesh, cutouts, and buckles.

Post Fashion Week, ballet flats have quickly migrated to the streets, taking on fresh variations of styles and colors, and securing their place as one of the top trending shoe styles of 2023. In observing a post pandemic world where comfort has become a priority in fashion, it’s no surprise heels are slowly being taken out of the equation.

Whether you’re glad flats are back or are peeving at the very thought of what you wore them with in 2004, there’s no denying the ballet flat offers convenience and comfort without sacrificing style.

Although they’ve been a part of mainstream fashion since the 1940’s, every decade offers a new and trendy twist. Below, we’ve added some of the best new takes on the classic style that might just have you ready to partake this time around.

The Greta Ballet Flat – Madewell

Price: $98

Madewell’s Greta Flat offers a simple, all leather style, that looks cute on your feet and fantastic with jeans. The subtle square toe creates a narrow and flattering look, and the top strap is elastic, allowing the shoe to cohere to the foot without being too tight.

Coming in at under $100, it’s sourced from a tannery that achieved a gold rating from the Leather Working Group (LWG), upholding the brand to its name. The flat comes in five colors and its buttery soft leather gives it slipper level comfort.

Size Range: 5-12

Material: Leather

Bow Logo Cap Toe Ballet Flat – Tory Burch

Price: $248

This new cap toe flat is a trendy twist on the flat we know and love, featuring a contrast cap-toe and flirty bow embellishment. A small “T” logo, the brand’s newly debuted signature, adds to their flair.

The fire engine red color is a trend in itself - seen up and down runways this season, with many fashion critics dubbing it the official color of 2023. Bright and trendy with a five-star rating on the Tory Burch website, these flats are a perfect pop of color for any outfit.

Size Range: 5-11

Material: Leather

Rhinestone Ballerinas – Mango

Price: $99.99

If you’re thinking of adding a hint of sparkle to your wardrobe - look no further. With their simple shape and chic sliver of a heel, Cinderella’s feet wish she wore rhinestone ballerinas to the ball.

The eccentric flat designed in Barcelona features a rounded toe, lining built for durability and comfort, and flexible rubber sole. Customers note the sizing is slightly small and suggest ordering a half size up.

Size Range: 5-11

Material: Mesh/Polyurethane

Maya Flats- Kate Spade

Price: $196

If you love a good embellishment, Kate Spade’s Maya flats offer a fun, floral, embroidered upper perfect for a crisp pair of pants. A go to for comfort, class, and elegance, the flats feature a button closure style vamp strap.

The flats’ pointed toe and slight platform create a feminine silhouette without sacrificing comfort in the process and is the perfect starter flat for those who still pine for a heel.

Size Range: 5-11

Material: Cotton

The Demi – Margaux

Price: $225

Accurate to Claire McCardell’s first adaptation of the ballet flat, this flat from Margaux is a modern take on the shoe we know and love. A working cord bow allows for an adjustable fit and high-quality Italian leather craftsmanship allows for the leather to mold to your feet with wear.

On the comfort spectrum, it features a 5-millimeter layer of foam on the insole that one reviewer describes as her “Holy Grail,” and is available in twelve distinct colors.

Size Range: Inclusive 3-14

Material: Leather