Your Shoe Collection is Missing These Must-Have Black Ballet Flats
Carry the balletcore trend into the winter season with these chic black ballet flats.
By now, we are very well aware that fashion cannot seem to escape the continuous influence of ballet. From leg warmers to soft satin tops to tulle skirts, the dance world has taken over our closets. But all of all the balletcore essentials, there is perhaps no greater item that has secured a chokehold over everyone in fashion than the classic ballet flats.
For many of us, we're likely getting a sense of déjà vu as we have vivid core memories of the mass appeal of flats during our middle and high school days (all thanks to the Gossip Girl effect). Now, flats have come back with a vengeance, unquestionably claiming the title of the It shoe to have for 2023. Ballet flats were spotted all throughout the Fall/Winter 2023 runways, followed by a massive presence for street style.
The ballet flats obsession is forecasted to continue next year, given their continued appearance on the Spring/Summer 2024 runways. If you're now convinced that ballet flats are the shoe of choice for the foreseeable future, you may be asking how to hop on the trend in a practical fashion. Enter: Black ballet flats.
Unlike their more colorful counterparts, black ballet flats while on-trend are extremely versatile due to their adaptable colorway that can be styled with nearly any outfit. Because black is a muted color, this also leaves room for experimentation with details and design choices, with some flats leaning into the edge with metal hardware while others go for total minimalism with zero embellishments. Regardless of where you find yourself on the black ballet flats spectrum, there's a pair out there for everyone.
Top hop onto the trend for last-minute winter wardrobe preparations, L'OFFICIEL has curated the best black ballet flats worthy of your shoe rotation.
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An elevated take on black ballet flats, these shoes bridge the classic silhouette with Mary Janes — delivering flats that are both preppy and feminine. The perfect pair to sport for a French Girl-inspired look, try pairing it with light-wash jeans, a cardigan, and a bold red lip this winter season.
Women's Bridge MaryJane Ballet Flats, $160, Cole Haan
Feminine with a touch of sportiness, Charles & Keith's black ballet flats reimage the classic style with criss-cross buckled straps that ensure a perfect fit. Featuring a barely-there heel for a slight lift and a signature bow adornment, these shoes can be worn on the go while running errands or a go-to shoe for day-to-day office outfits.
Margot Crossover-Strap Ballerinas, $53, Charles & Keith
The supple, buttery leather, the cushy sole, the gentle square toe — these black ballet flats were made for comfort. Shoes that you could quite literally walk miles in, even when wearing all day there are no signs of chafing or aching. To amp up the edge, we suggest styling it with baggy jeans and a leather jacket.
Prato Black Ballerina Ballet Flat, $195, Maguire
Prefer something a bit more fashion-forward? This innovative flat is a hybrid between a ballet flat and a mule. The slip-on style is ultra comfortable thanks to its cushioned footbed, though it's still incredibly stylish with standout design elements like the square toe and bow accent. It's the perfect shoe to wear into the office, and can even be cold-weather friendly with the help of tights and a warm maxi coat.
Jacquemus Black Le Chouchou 'Les Mules Plates Ballet' Mules, $665, Ssense
If you're on the hunt for chic ballet flats, no one comes to mind faster than Sandy Liang. These Mary Jane-inspired black ballet flats will last you through many trend cycles to come, not to mention they're uber comfortable with their pin buckle strap and padded leather insole. Lean into the balletcore trend completely by pairing it with leg warmers, a bodysuit, and a lace maxi skirt.
Mary Jane Pointe in Black Nappa, $550, Sandy Liang
If you're leaning towards a simple flat that can go with just about anything, you can't go wrong with Prada. Its black ballet flats are minimal, sleek, and chic, with a leather insole that becomes more comfortable after each wear.
Prada Leather Ballet Flats, $995, Saks Fifth Avenue
Channel your inner Upper East Sider with Tory Burch flats that even Blair Waldorf would approve of. A great feminine alternative to the boyish loafer, they are simple enough to be worn with nearly every outfit. As for comfort, these flats easily support all-day wear.
Tory Burch Bow-Embellished Leather Ballet Flats, $248, Saks Fifth Avenue
If Wednesday Addams was a ballerina, these sweet but sleek black ballet flats would most definitely be in her closet. The shoes are pared down with no embellishments beyond a subtle logo, which makes it the perfect cross-seasonal shoe to wear year-round. The cushioned memory foam insole guarantees a blister-free experience and is versatile to style for day and night.
Blair Ballet Flat In Black Patent Leather, $315, Larroude
The sweet style gets edged up, merging its inherent femininity with a touch of punk. These Alexander McQueen flats feature a metal accent at the square toe which instantly elevates the classic design with a contemporary twist. Not-your-everyday ballet flat, lean further into the edginess by styling it with cargo pants and a mesh top.
Alexander McQueen Punk Leather Ballet Flats, $890, Saks Fifth Avenue
Every It girl, fashion nerd, and industry insider seems to be wearing these fashion-forward flats from Ganni. A true reimagined take on ballet flats, it comes with an array of standout features: large metal buckles, slingback straps, a pointed toe, and a flat squared block heel. If you've been searching for go-to shoes to update your casual office outfits, consider these flats the answer you've been looking for.
Black Wide Welt Buckle Ballerinas, $395, Ganni
Miu Miu knows how to make a pair of must-have ballet flats, so much so that its satin pair completely took over the street style during fashion month for the Spring/Summer 2024 season. To hop on the Miu Miu train, but in a fall and winter-friendly fashion, we suggest snagging this leather pair of flats. Made of goat leather, it is the epitome of comfort with its cushy sole and has all the traditional feminine touches including a soft elasticized strap and tonal bow.
Miu Miu Leather Logo Ballet Flats, $950, Saks Fifth Avenue
