Ballet Flats Are Back — 5 Pairs That Caught My Eye

Ballet flats have always had a special place in my wardrobe, I had a couple of pairs as a kid that I wore absolutely everywhere and now that they’ve well and truly made their way back into fashion, I’m very happy to see them.

They’re easy to slip on, practical, surprisingly hard-wearing and, most importantly, incredibly pretty. There are also so many variations that I genuinely think there’s a ballet flat for almost any occasion, they can make jeans and a simple top feel a little more put together or work just as easily with a dress for something more polished.

I already own three pairs, but lately I’ve been wanting to add something a little more colourful and interesting to my collection. So, naturally, I went looking.

These five caught my eye for completely different reasons, from powder blue and mock suede to velvet, patent burgundy and a very chic black-and-white pair, I wanted to find a mix that shows just how much personality can fit into such a simple little shoe.

A little note before we get into it: I haven't personally tried the five pairs featured below. I've researched each pair using the information provided by the sellers and picked them because they're styles I'd genuinely consider for my own wardrobe. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase through one of my links, at no additional cost to you.

The Powder Blue Pair

Unsurprisingly, these are my favourite of the five. Blue is my favourite colour, so I was probably an easy sell, but I love how soft and feminine they look without feeling overly sweet, the little bow is gorgeous, and I really like the smooth faux-leather finish.

They're also one of the more practical options I found as the listing describes them as lightweight and flexible, with a soft upper, foam insole and rubber sole designed to provide grip.

I can see these being incredibly easy to wear through spring and summer, particularly with light denim, white linen or floaty dresses, they're colourful enough to make an outfit more interesting without being difficult to style.

I'd wear them with: wide-leg jeans, a white blouse and a cardigan — preferably somewhere involving coffee and flowers.

https://link.amazon/B0jindnTR

The Olive Green Pair

I love how much more contemporary these feel, the muted olive green, mock-suede finish and square toe give them a slightly trendier look than a traditional rounded ballet flat.

They're made from synthetic materials with a rubber sole and the listing says they have a thicker insole with arch support, I particularly like seeing the latter in a ballet flat because cute shoes are significantly less charming when your feet hurt.

Green has made such a comeback lately, particularly these earthy, muted shades, and I think this is a really wearable way to introduce it into a wardrobe. They'd look gorgeous with denim, cream and chocolate brown — and I think they'd transition beautifully into autumn.

I'd wear them with: cream trousers, a knit and an oversized tote bag.

https://link.amazon/B04RB6RpL

The Caramel Velvet Mary Janes

These somehow give me mid-century modern vibes, but as a shoe — and I mean that entirely as a compliment.

The caramel-brown velvet finish feels warm and slightly artsy and I love the Mary Jane strap with its little gold buckle. The listing describes the upper section as a combination of leather and glossy velvet, with an adjustable strap designed to keep the shoe secure.

They also sound surprisingly comfort-focused, there's a thicker latex insole with arch support and a rubber sole with additional grip at the front and heel. Obviously, I can't vouch for how comfortable they actually are without wearing them but those are features I'd certainly be looking for if I wanted a flat for longer days.

I think these would be especially lovely through autumn with tights, skirts, corduroy and knitwear — basically anything with a little texture.

I'd wear them with: a midi skirt, tights and an oversized knit for maximum eccentric-art-teacher energy.

https://link.amazon/B07H5UHSt

The Burgundy Patent Pair

If the blue pair is my favourite, these are fighting hard for second place.

I adore the deep burgundy colour, it has been everywhere lately and shoes are such an easy way to bring a trendy colour into your wardrobe without having to build an entire outfit around it.

The listing offers the style in both patent and matte finishes with several colour options, they're described as lightweight and flexible with a rubber outsole and apparently they're even foldable enough to pop into a bag — potentially very useful as an emergency escape route from heels.

I'd wear them with: dark-wash denim and a cream top, or with an otherwise completely neutral outfit so the burgundy gets all the attention.

https://link.amazon/B05o1pyME

The Black & White Pair

These give me 2000s Paris and I can't quite explain why.

The contrasting black cap toe against the white upper is simple but incredibly chic, and the tiny white bow is just enough detail, they're probably the most sophisticated looking pair of the five.

They're another slip-on style and the listing describes them as lightweight, with a soft supportive lining and cushioned insole. I also think these would be incredibly versatile, they'd work with jeans and a white shirt just as easily as tailored trousers, a skirt or a little black dress.

If you're usually a neutral-shoe person but want something slightly more interesting than another pair of black flats, I think these are a good middle ground.

I'd wear them with: black trousers, a white tee, cardigan and sunglasses — somewhere in my imagination where I'm considerably more Parisian than I actually am.

https://link.amazon/B00aDKVGI

If I Had to Choose...

The powder blue pair would definitely be coming home with me first, I'm trying to introduce more colour into my shoe collection and between the shade of blue and the little bow, they're basically my perfect pair of ballet flats .

The burgundy pair would be dangerously close behind though, and I can already imagine the green pair becoming one of those shoes that somehow works with far more outfits than expected.

I think that's part of why I love ballet flats so much, a tiny change in colour, texture, toe shape or detailing can completely change the personality of the shoe. You can go classic, preppy, romantic, artsy or colourful without losing the practicality that made ballet flats so wearable in the first place.

Do I need another pair when I already own three? Almost certainly not.

Has that stopped me looking? Obviously not.