In middle school, all the cool girls in my grade had the same pair of black Tory Burch ballet flats, which my mom refused to buy me. My feet would grow, she said when I told her I would save up my allowance, and I would no longer wear them. Or, if my feet didn’t grow, she couldn't guarantee that I would even want them the following year. While she was right in one way—my feet did, eventually, grow—she was wrong about her other point: I never really got over my love of ballet flats. Now that they’re officially cool again, I can wax poetic about all of the very best ballet flats I cannot get enough of for 2023. (ICYMI: Ballet flats are one of the biggest shoe trends for Spring/Summer 2023.)
While leather versions have trended in the past, balletcore-inspired flats are everywhere for the seasons ahead. “What's striking about the ballet flats that are emerging this season is how closely they resemble actual ballet slippers—lace-up details, box toes, slim and elegant silhouettes—leaning into 2023's overarching themes of novelty and fantasy,” says Jessica Richards, a trend forecaster and and founder of JMR Trend + Creative. But, compared to 2023’s other whimsical trends like puffy silhouettes and 3D floral creations, ballet flats that look like literal ballet shoes are on the tamer side of things.
“Because they are novel but still very much wearable, this styling gives a sense of whimsy to a more traditional look—say, denim, which has been a popular pairing for this silhouette—or it can be the finishing touch on a more eclectic point of view that's resonating this season, like oversized tulle for a real ballerina street style moment,” Richards continues over email.
While satin and silk ballet flats are popular among the street style and influencer set, they cropped up in a variety of different styles on the Spring/Summer 2023 runways. At Tory Burch, Chanel, and Jacquemus, slingbacks were fashioned from leather, crystal-encrusted, and made in a true blue denim fabric. At Sandy Liang, Mary Jane-style flats came in both satin and leather. Finally, Simone Rocha showed pairs that came in floral satin and were covered in dainty straps, alongside chunkier metallic versions with treaded platform soles.
If one thing was made clear this season, it’s that ballet flats have been fashionably updated. Instead of lusting over one single pair or silhouette, designers are offering a choose-your-own-adventure approach to the once-simple style. Ahead, I rounded up my personal favorite pairs of ballet flats. Shop satin options from Miu Miu and Maison Margiela—which have been co-signed by Marie Claire’s Style Editor Emma Childs—as well as leather options from brands like Loeffler Randal, Mango, and more.
- Best Affordable Ballet Flats: Amazon Essentials Women’s Belice Ballet Flats
- Best Splurge-Worthy Ballet Flats: Miu Miu Logo Strap Satin Ballet Flats
- Best Black Ballet Flats: Mansur Gavriel Square-Toe Mary Janes
- Best Non-Basic Ballet Flats: MANGO Bow Leather Ballerina Flat
- Best Ballet Flats for Different Foot Widths: Sam Edelman Felicia Ballet Flat
Deals on The Best Ballet Flats
The Best Ballet Flats
Need a pair of ballet flats that cost less than $50 and will arrive in basically no time at all? Meet this simple under-$20 pair from Amazon Essentials. Available to shop in 36 colors and patterns, you may as well pick up a few pairs while you’re shopping. But don’t take my word for it: They have over 35,000 five-star reviews on the site. While reviewers give these top marks for comfort, they note that they might not work for you if you have wide feet.
Customer Review: "I needed a pair of flats that I was going to have to do a lot of moving around in and I didn't want to spend a ton of money - these were great for my purpose and fit the bill!" — Amazon
You can shop this pair of Mary Jane-style ballet flats from Loeffler Randall in a whopping 13 colors and fabrications, including burnt orange crushed velvet and this classic black version. They’re available to shop in sizes 5 through 12, run true-to-size, and have a non-adjustable elastic strap across the front for bonus comfort points. The brand notes that they sit in the middle of the spectrum between thin and wide, so it might be well worth trying them on before you buy, if you can.
Customer Review: Not available.
These classic ballet flats from Sam Edelman are available to shop in a whopping 38 different colors and prints, so you’re bound to find one that suits your fancy. It comes with a padded sole and is made from buttery soft leather, too. They’re available in sizes 4 through 14, so they’re great if your foot runs on the smaller side. They also come in three widths (Narrow, Medium, and Wide), so they’re one of the most customizable pairs on this list.
Customer Review: Not available.
Luxury brand Miu Miu is no stranger to a great pair of ballet flats, but this sweet-feeling satin pair has taken the fashion set by storm this season. They’re available in sweet shades like white, copper, and black, and will add a delicate touch to your fall and winter outfits. Plus, they’ll work just as well next summer with a pretty dress. However, they won’t be great for all-season wear due to the delicate satin fabrication, so they’re best reserved for special occasions.
Customer Review: Not available.
"My go-to ballet flats, without fail or exception, are Rothy's The Point flats. I love these shoes so much, I've written endlessly about them for this very site—including a full review at the link above—and own them in four colors, including a limited-edition white that I'll be wearing to my wedding. That isn't a joke; I literally will be wearing them under my dress when I get married this September. Never doubt my commitment to what I, a biased person, believe to be the ultimate flats." — Jenny Hollander, Director of Content Strategy
Customer Review: "The best part about this (besides recycling) is that it's washable. i like looking polished even on casual wear days and part of that is keeping shoes clean. thanks, Rothy's!" — Rothy's
"I was on the hunt for a classic pair of black ballet flats, and this pair fit the bill. I love the little cutout at the front, and the leather has worn in beautifully despite the fact that I wear them pretty much every single day in the spring and summer. I didn't have to break them in at all—major plus!—and they go with just about everything. Consider these the perfect French-girl inspired shoes." — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor
Customer Review: "The leather is very buttery and supple. Very comfortable from the get-go Can't believe how well the printable size chart worked! I have flat, wide feet AND bunions, so I was really worried about ordering them. But I loved the style so much, so I gave it a try. Goes well with a lot of clothes I already own. Great to wear with tights as well." — Maguire
"At the intersection of "horse girl who never quite grew up" and "fashion-obsessed freak," you'll find me wearing Margiela's baby pink Tabi ballet flats. These babies are a relatively new purchase for me (and quite a hefty splurge, too, at that!), but I already consider them a wear-every-week staple. They possess just enough stylish quirk to satisfy my individuality complex (the hoove toes are not for everyone, admittedly) but also a surprising versatility. Depending on my mood, I wear them with a billowy midi dress or my favorite grunge-y baggy jeans." — Emma Childs, Style Editor
Customer Review: None available.
“The ultimate chic girl meets goth girl pair is the Repetto Sophia leather ballerina in black. I love how it feels exactly like a ballet slipper; but with attitude for the street. Black is definitely the must have color to own in this styling. It's instantly adding that level of coolness, kind of a good girl gone bad, but also wearable enough that the season's extra details like an elasticated cross-strap or even tie-up laces feel chic and not costumey.” — Jessica Richards, Trend Forecaster and founder of JMR Trend + Creative.
Customer Review: None available.
Some things don't change—I'm still obsessed with ballet flats from Tory Burch. This time around, though, I prefer these sleek red Mary-Jane style ones for the new season. Available in this oh-so-trendy fire-engine red colorway, the subtle square toe harkens back to that ballet-slipper-inspired look while still feeling modern. Shop them in this shade, a soft ivory, or a classic black option, too.
Customer Review: None available.
If you like the look of lots of buckles but don't want to fuss with having to do them up every single time you want to wear them, consider this under-$100 pair from Mango. The buckles are all decorative, so they're a great, easy option. The tan colorway works for all seasons—wear them with tights now and with sun dresses later—while the sleek pointed toe is effortlessly stylish. You can shop them in sizes 5 through 10 (and in half-sizes!).
Customer Review: None available.
If you're prone to slipping or live in a particularly wet climate, this pair of flats from Minnetonka were made with you in mind. Lightweight and perfect for keeping in your carry-on for quick trips, this pair of ballet flats are available to shop in sizes 5 through 11 and come in three colors. The brand notes that they run on the smaller side, so I would recommend choosing a pair that’s half a size smaller than you would normally wear.
Customer Review: "These replaced a pair that wore out after many years of wear. Super comfortable and well made. My favorite flats by far!" — Minnxetonka
How to Style Ballet Flats
Styling your ballet flats is super easy, says Richards. "To lean into the eccentric novelty of the season, pair it back to an oversized tulle gown for a way to bring that dress into day wear, as we're truly living it up this season but in wearable ways," she says.
If you like to keep your color palette neutral but prefer to play with shape, Richards says she loves the "concept of extreme silhouette mix and match." To nail this look, she recommends that you "try an extra oversized blazer back to a crop top, oversized denim, and sleek and chic ballet flats for proportion play." Finally, Richards recommends turning your ballet flats into the perfect transitional footwear by styling them with other fun seasonal accessories. "While the temps are still low, start playing with mini skirt silhouettes by pairing opaque or novelty tights and a clean ballet flat," she says.
Meet The Expert
Jessica Richards is a trend forecaster, style storyteller, and founder of JMR Trend + Creative, whose synergistic focus inspires what is now and next. With an extensive background in forecasting, concepts, and design for major North American retailers, she brings a forward-thinking yet commercially and brand-right viability to projects across the fashion and wellness
industries.
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