Recently, our favorite Latina Powerhouse, Jennifer Lopez matched a simple pair of flats with a gorgeous and bold cobalt blue Alexander McQueen dress during her honeymoon trip in Paris and this week, the recently married, Queen’s Gambit’s actress, Anya Taylor Joy was spotted in Los Angeles in a cute pink jumper dress with classic Christian Dior flats.
This year nostalgia ruled fashion, so many 90’s and Y2K past footwear trends were revived, platforms and Jelly sandals, heel thongs, chunky loafers and now ballet flats are making a strong comeback. With the fall season right around the corner, this loved shoe style is the perfect way to transition from sandals into boots.
Ballet flats in particular, were quite popular in the 90s and early 2000s. It was a wardrode staple for supermodel Kate Moss, who mastered how to wear this minimalist shoe style and look chic and trendy. Looking back, this classic shoe design has been worn by many style icons of our time, from Twiggy and Audrey Hepburn to first lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis.
To get inspo for this nostalgic trend, we looked back to see what brands or styles some of our favorite celebs have been wearing. Katie Holmes and Mandy Moore are big fans of the sustainable brand, Rothy’s and for years Meghan Markle has been wearing both Rothy’s and Birdies flats to important events, including past royal obligations. These star’s stylish choice of flats is proof that this trend will continue for years to come and that a great pair of flats is a wardrobe must for this fall season.
This elegant shoe style can be dressed up for formal occassions or down with a casual ensemble. From wearing flats with skinny jeans and cigarette pants, to dresses and mini skirts, ballet flats are so versatile that a pair could go with a variety of fall and early winter outfits.
Below are some of our favorite stylish, affordable and comfy options, from the above mentioned celeb-loved brands (Rothy’s, Birdies) to Zara and Mango, and a couple of brands we discovered and are digging.
© CourtesyRothy\'s - The Flat
We totally understand why top celebrities love these every day flats and why they have close to 4K reviews on their site! They are super soft, flexible comfy and beyond cute. Plus, they are machine washable, made from recyclable plastic bottles with carbon-free rubber soles. “The Flat” is the brand’s top selling round-toe style and it comes in over 25 solid and print colors and often the brand adds seasonal styles, such as this darling Cherry Pop red pair.
© CourtesyBirdies - The Starling
This trendy brand founded by two moms-entrepreneurs who promised style and comfort totally delivers. These Meghan Markle approved flat slippers are not only highly versatile, soft (with a footbed that has 7 quilted layers of plush and memory foam), they are perfect for any activity from running errands, wearing it to the office, or even out on a date to the movies. The Startling comes in 3 classic colors: Black and Latte Suede and Cheetah Calf Hair and a variety of seasonal colors/prints (over 12 options to choose from).
© CourtesyAllbirds - Women’s Tree Breezers
Allbirds is one of the most popular sustainable footwear brands to come out of Silicon Valley with tons of celebs like Camila Alves, Mila Kunis, and Jennifer Garner vouching for it. While it’s known for its super-soft sneakers made with a wool blend, they also have a ballet flat style, that is THE perfect go-to flat, for anyone that’s on their feet, running around town or traveling. The Tree Breezers flats are extremely lightweight and ultra comfy. The shoe is made with eucalyptus tree fibers and renewable materials and its cushion insole made with a Brazilian sugarcane called SweetFoam feels like walking on air. These minimalist designed flats are a wardrobe must, they can be paired with jeans, khakis and chinos. They come in 3 classic colors, as well as over 10 seasonal limited editions shades (from a Lux Pink and a Clarity Blue to a Thrive Yellow).
© CourtesyVagabond - Delia Flats
Another brand we have seen Katie Holmes and Gigi Hadid wear is Vagabond and we love their simple leather ballerina style, Delia. It has a minimal aesthetic with subtle square toe, which elevates it to a more sophisticated look. The Delia, comes in two designs the traditional ballet flat available in 4 colors (off white, brown, black and red) and a Mary Jane version in black and white.
© CourtesyFrankie4 - Poppy Flats
Another elegant yet comfortable option is the Poppy Flats from Australian brand, Frankie4. The brand was founded by podiatrist who wanted to innovative fashion and take wellness to the next level with a comfort and style that would empower women. The Poppy Flats have minimalist and chic design that goes with jeans, suits or dresses (award-winning podiatrist shoes that are actually stylish). While, not the most affordable pair in this list, according to their reviews, it’s well worth it as many buyers rave about its multi layer support and cushion system that provides top notch arch support.
© CourtesyZara - Animal Print Leather Flats
The Spanish fashion brand, Zara also has some great flats for this upcoming fall season. These animal print squared toe leather ballet flats are perfect to add a touch of print to all-black outfits.
© CourtesyMango - Bow leather ballerina
If you are looking for affordable flats to complete your balletcore style, these leather-blend rounded toe flats from Mango are perfect. They have the traditional decorative bow and come in four colors: chocolate, black, red and pastel green
© CourtesyIvy Cove - Beacon/Boathouse Ballet Slippers
If you are into well crafted luxury leather goods and supporting small brands, you will love these two ballet slippers from Ivy Cove, a new West Coast brand launched by designer Ivy Moliver. These shoes are upcycled from leftover materials and processed into beautiful designs that are comfortable, durable, and sustainable.
