:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/how-to-style-ballet-flats-GettyImages-2158648765-79a0b39dcfc14b73ab7f74706882d355.jpg?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "11 Ways to Style Ballet Flats")
The ballet flat is an icon worn by everyone from Brigitte Bardot—who’s credited with bringing this practical-but-chic flat from the dance room to the sidewalk—to JLo who wore a pair last week. They’re miles more pragmatic than towering heels, but still evoke a femininity that’s hard to match.
“The ballet flat is the epitome of timeless fashion—it never fully goes out of style, and it always comes back,” says Libby Edelman, co-founder and fashion director at Sam Edelman and Sam & Libby. “It’s both polished and comfortable, and so perfect to wear all day, every day.”
Another perk? There are endless ways to style ballet flats and you can wear them year-round. Here’s some inspiration so you can wear this timeless and practical shoe, too.
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Dress Them Up With Trousers
A sleek blat ballerina shoe looks chic and elevated with a pair of wide-legged trousers and fitted black top. The black and white theme keeps the look simple and effortless while still looking polished.
Add Some Wide, Relaxed Jeans
“I love pairing my ballet flats with wide denim,” Edelan says. “I’ll pick a fun color, and they’ll peek out from my relaxed jeans.” Add a camel-hued blazer over a plain white tee and you’re set.
Get Glam with a Dress
The thing about ballet flats is you can wear them casually with jeans or take them up a few notches with the right dress. This off-the-shoulder black maxi looks great with a pair of cognac-hued flats and matching bag.
Try Monochromatic Mode
An easy way to style flats is to stay within the same color family. Here, shades of cream and brown create cohesion and dimension at the same time.
Couple ‘Em With a Linen Dress
For a fit you’ll wear all summer long, pair some silky black ballet flats with a crinkled, cream-colored linen dress. A small bag and gold necklace complete the look.
Wear Ballet Flats with Denim
In place of wide-leg jeans, consider throwing on an all-denim dress and then adding a pair of ballet flats in a bright hue, like fire engine red.
Pair Them with Frilly Socks
“You can have fun and pair them with socks to make a statement,” says Edelman. Plain socks work, but lean into the girly vibes with a frilly set.
Go East Coast Money
You don’t have to live on the coast—or even travel there—to siphon a little nautical inspiration. This preppy look sticks to red, white, and black with fitted trousers, shiny red ballet flats and matching Chanel bag, oversize sunglasses, and a sweater tied casually around the neck.
Add a Flowy Blouse and Skirt
These shiny silver ballet flats add the right amount of zhuzh to this pale blue skirt and flow blouse. Style it with a statement necklace and a woven bag.
Sweater and a Short Skirt
Edelman says wearing ballet flats with a skirt is a classic choice. Add a cozy sweater on top and some gold or silver jewelry.
Take Them to the Office
Yes, ballet flats work for your 9 to 5, too. Take your inspiration from this fit by pairing white ballet flats with a nice pair of shorts or trousers, fitted black top, and a matching blazer.