I Just Found 9 Fresh Ways to Wear the Classy Flat Shoe French Women Swear By
There's just something about ballet flats. This classic shoe, arguably made famous by Chanel and their two-tone styles, just keeps coming back and proving its fashion credentials. When I was a teen, the shoe was starting to slip out of the popularity it enjoyed in the early Noughts, and suddenly seemed a bit too delicate and dated for daily wear. But over the past year or so, with flat shoes climbing back to the top of the footwear charts, this design has had a major resurgence, and is now firmly among the 2024 capsule wardrobe staples.
Part of its resurgence has involved an evolution in the aesthetic. While minimalist black styles and fresh versions of the nude-and-black-toe are undisputed classics that can work with a multitude of outfits, this season there's plenty of exciting new looks to explore. From Mary-Jane inspired flats with delicate cross-straps to patent designs with a contemporary square toe, there's a ballet flat to suit every personal style.
But how to style them? Well, our favourite influencers have been sharing plenty of enviable outfit inspiration that proves that a ballet flat can complete almost any outfit, whether you're wearing jeans and a jumper for running errands or dressing up in a long slip for an evening event. Here, I've picked nine of the best examples and found the best pieces to replicate these impressive outfits. Scroll on to get inspired to embrace this French women-approved classic.
9 Ballet-Flat Outfits We're Copying From French Women in 2024:
1. Jumper + Wide-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: For chillier days, balancing billowing white trousers with a cosy jumper is an ideal look. And the understated black ballet flat complements the subtle minimalism of the whole look—leaving you plenty of opportunity to get creative with other accessories, if you so choose.
Shop the Look:
2. Wide-Leg Jeans + Stripes
Style Notes: Why not go full Parisian and embrace the classic Breton stripe this autumn? Put a modern spin on the look by opting for a red stripe, and stay in theme with a wide-leg jean and black ballet flat. Very Jane Birkin.
Shop the Look:
Perfect for layering over your t-shirt, or tying over your shoulders.
I'm determined to get my hands on a Dragon Diffusion woven bag this year.
3. Maxi Dress + Cardigan
Style Notes: Tylynn's outfit proves that a ballet flat can be the dreamiest finishing touch for a dressier look. This slip maxi, cardigan and ballet flat combination could work for so many different occasions this season.
Shop the Look:
Mary Janes are another top shoe style this year, and this Aeyde pair is a brilliant ballet flat crossover.
4. Straight-Leg Jeans + Cardigan
Style Notes: Cardigans-as-tops, especially styled with jeans, is a Parisian-approved look that is quickly becoming a cult style this season. So of course you need a pair of ballet flats to complete the look. This outfit is particularly well suited to those who don't want to give up their favourite black pieces this autumn.
Shop the Look:
5. Mini Dress
Style Notes: Tamara has me longing for summer days with this look. Swapping sandals for two-tone ballet flats is such a chic way to elevate a simple, summery LBD.
Shop the Look:
Alighieri's delicate, textured gold jewellery is just as beautiful on its own as it is layered.
6. Black Trousers + Cardigan + Mesh Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Not such a fan of the classic leather ballet pump? Enter the mesh ballet flat, which has already been co-signed by the likes of Jennifer Lawrence and Sofia Richie. Alaïa's fishnet Mary-Jane ballet pump may be the original star, but thanks to its popularity there are plenty of new pairs to choose from.
Shop the Look:
7. Pedal Pushers + Trench Coat + Metallic Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Yes, pedal pushers really are back. If you want to go more Audrey-Hepburn-in-capri-pants than early Noughties pop star, you can't go wrong with pairing yours with ballet flats and an oversized trench. For a modern spin, follow Annabel's example by opting for a statement metallic shoe.
Shop the Look:
8. Jeans + Knitted Vest
Style Notes: A knitted vest is a loyal wardrobe friend for transitional season dressing, and while this look would also work with loafers, a ballet flat just makes it look that bit more polished.
Shop the Look:
One of my all-time favourite pairs of jeans.
9. Mini Skirt + Polo Top
Style Notes: This look is the fashion crossover of LA, London and Paris. The mini denim skirt, the polo shirt, and the ballet pumps? It's just so cool.
Shop the Look:
Jess Kelham-Hohler is a freelance writer, editor and content strategist. She has been a contributor for Who What Wear UK since 2023. Currently based in London following six years in Washington D.C. and New York, she was previously the Digital Editor for Soho House & Co, an international group of private members’ clubs for creatives. She has interviewed a range of artists, creators and more, including Alighieri founder Rosh Mahtani, photographer Misan Harriman and fashion editor Lindsay Peoples Wagner. Today, she writes primarily about fashion, travel and culture for various publications, and has worked as a copywriter and content strategist for brands such as Belstaff, Olivela and Equinox.
-
I'm in My 20s—Here Are 6 Style Lessons I Learned to Look More Polished and Grown-Up
Sophisticated styling 101.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
8 Copenhagen Street Style Trends I Plan to Replicate in New York
Pared back yet never boring.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach For These 2 Pieces When I Don't Know What to Wear
Ready in 10 minutes or less.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The Only 9 Jackets You Need for Spring, According to Fashion People
There's something for everyone.
By Remy Farrell
-
And Now, 5 Elevated Ways to Wear Your Jeans in 2024
Denim devotees, unite.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
After 5 Days in Aspen, I'm Officially Hooked on Western Pieces—5 I'm Loving RN
From cowboy hats to fringe accents.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
I Asked Over 2000 Women Where to Buy the Best White Shirts—They Love These 23
Your definitive guide.
By Elinor Block
-
Here's How French Women Are Styling Their Jeans Right Now
Take note.
By Courtney Falsey