Meet the New Wave of Ballet Flats
When everyone from Marni and Miu Miu to Zara and Steve Madden is getting behind a shoe trend, we can’t help but take notice—and take action. This is precisely the case with today’s topic: the new wave of ballet flats that have been a serious sartorial hit on the fashion scene. What makes these flats feel fresher than those of seasons past? The simple yet effective addition of ribbon ankle straps, most often made of grosgrain, nodding to the shoes’ original roots in ballet. Not only does this make them more comfortable (because how many times have traditional flats somehow spontaneously slipped off your feet?), but it makes them look more forward and elevated, as well. Additionally, with all kinds of color combinations available—whether it be navy and black or pink and white—there’s a style for every fashion type from edgy to ladylike.
Shop the shoes we know everyone will soon be wearing below!
These are the red version of Leandra Medine’s pair in the opener image of this story, and that girl knows her shoes.
We love this barely there style for both its feminine and flattering qualities.
If statement shoes are more your thing, go for this pair with embellished bows and crisscrossed ribbon.
We love the slight contrast between the flat and ribbon colors on this pair.
These are a hit in life and Instagram—what else could you ask for?
Leave it to Zara to have not one but two perfect takes on the trend.
Contrast straps make these simple flats so much more interesting.
Are you a fan of the new wave of ballet flats? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Opening Image: Man Repeller
Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2020, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch 90 Day Fiancé.
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