Ballet flats are back in vogue: Experts share cool tips to style them
The classic ballet flats with round toes and delicate bows — dainty, flexible, and easy to slip on — are making a major comeback. This time, however, they come with an elevated style quotient.
Nishtha Parwani, a celebrity stylist, tells us, 'Ballet flats have reigned through fashion history since the 1950s, gracing the soles of icons like Audrey Hepburn, Coco Chanel, and Kate Moss.'
This footwear is now back in vogue. Pooja Karanam, a celebrity fashion stylist, tells us why: 'Their revival is because of fashion's ongoing obsession with Y2K, early-aughts nostalgia (the period from 2000 to 2009), and the need for chic shoes that don't kill your feet.'
A BRIEF HISTORY
Ballet flats originated from the soft, flexible slippers worn by ballet dancers. In the 1940s, French designer Rose Repetto adapted the traditional ballet shoes into streetwear, creating flats for her son, dancer Roland Petit. This marked the beginning of the ballet flats as a fashion item.
Actresses like Brigitte Bardot helped popularise the style when she wore Repetto's 'Cendrillon' flats in And God Created Woman (1956).
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Audrey Hepburn, a trained dancer herself, made ballet flats part of her iconic look in films like Funny Face. Grace Kelly also embraced the style, often pairing them with tailored outfits, reinforcing their refined yet effortless appeal.
SPOTTED ON RUNWAYS
Ballet flats made it big on the runways. Vikram Seth, fashion stylist and creative director, says, 'Square toes, strappy silhouettes, and woven textures dominated the recent runways of 2025 shows through brands like Chanel, Miu Miu, and Simone Rocha.'
Sandy Liang and Prada were also among the brands that featured ballets. Their strong presence on the runways drove celebrities too, to wear it.
Gigi Hadid
,
Aimee Lou Wood
, Alexa Chung,
Sonam Kapoor
, Ananya Panday, Kareena Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Anushka Sharma are among the celebrities who were spotted wearing the shoes.
Ballet flats are the perfect summer staple. They're lightweight, breathable and comfortable. Whether in breezy mesh, soft leather, or pastel satin, ballets add the right amount of polish without weighing you down. They pair beautifully with summer staples like linen dresses, shorts, or oversized shirtings
Nishtha Parwani, celebrity stylist
CLASSIC BALLETS WITH NEW STYLES
Square-toe: Chic, minimalist, and perfect for a modern vibe
Strappy: Think lace-up styles or Mary Janes
Woven: Breezy, natural textures that scream vacation
Mesh or transparent: It is like going barefoot, but make it fashionable
Satin or embellished: Dressed-up versions for night outs or summer weddings
HOW TO STYLE THEM
Pair classic ballet flats with floral dresses, cropped denims, and breezy co-ord sets
Opt for leather or designer ballet flats with monochrome separates, oversized shirts, and luxe athleisure
Pair strappy or embellished ballet flats with denim skirts, mini dresses, and Indian fusion wear
Pick square-toe ballet flats to wear below baggy jeans or cargo pants and crop tops for a Gen Z-approved spin
Layer your ballet flats with frilly socks for that 'cool girl in Tokyo' energy
Pair them with contrasting oversized pieces like blazers or cargos
(As suggested by Vikram Seth, fashion stylist and creative director & Pooja Karanam, celebrity stylist)
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