These timeless shoes are making a stylish return and we get it — they are fun, fashionable and most importantly, comfortable.
Ballet flats have been around for a while, and now they’re unsurprisingly back in fashion rotation once again. These cute, flat but stylish shoes have been in fashion cycles on and off since their emergence in the 18th century. After the last resurgence in the early 2000s, they’re back in 2025, still as cool as ever.
Unlike most fashion trends that were born on the runway, ballet flats made their way into fashion through the stage, earning their name from the art form that popularised the shoes. Ballet flats have long been a fashion favourite, beloved for their versatility and — dare I say — their comfort. These shoes make a delicate statement with their thin soles (usually no more than an inch or 2.5cm) and a rounded silhouette. Like most shoes, they are available in a variety of colours, materials and other specifications — like Tabi’s.
A brief history of the classic shoes
Ballet dancers used to perform in heels until the turn of the 18th century — early 1700s, when a ballerina, Marie Camargo, shunned heels for a particular performance and wore flats instead. Other ballerinas adopted this practice as the design allowed for more intricate footwork. However, the shoes didn’t really hit the market until it was further developed in the early 1900s by an Italian shoemaker known as Salvatore Capezio.
Capezio had a shop across from the Metropolitan Opera House and spent years repairing ballet shoes. Eventually, he ventured into creating his own — which became an instant hit. His magnificent work caught the attention of designer Claire McCardell, who showed his ballet shoes alongside her 1941 collection. This was how these shoes were then introduced to women who were not dancers, leading to the mainstream popularity of ballet flats.
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Since then, it-girls in the 1950s and 60s like Audrey Hepburn and Princess Diana have popularised them. After falling out of fashion, these shoes re-emerged in the 2010s as workwear and business casual began to dominate fashion. Celebrities like Taylor Swift and Rihanna were seen donning the shoes after Miu Miu debuted its version in 2016. As fashion is cyclical, ballet flats are once again back in rotation in 2025.
The re-emergence of ballet flats
There are many reasons why fashion items once again become trendy, and I have a few theories about why ballet flats are catching the attention of fashion it-girls in 2025.
A return to femininity and classic silhouettes
After years of oversized streetwear and chunky sneakers, there’s a clear swing back towards more traditionally feminine and polished looks. The recent resurgence of “traditional femininity” being repackaged for modern audiences has far-reaching implications, even in fashion trends. As the girlies are reverting to ideas of femininity, it’s no surprise that classic silhouettes are making a comeback. Ballet flats are a natural fit into this aesthetic.
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Strong sense of nostalgia (Y2K & 2010s revival)
Fashion is highly cyclical. The early 2000s and 2010s saw ballet flats as a staple for “it girls.” Designers and stylists are reinterpreting the past trends with a fun and modern twist. We’ve seen ballet flats with embellishments that elevate the classic Mary Jane look, and they even appear in fun new materials like mesh and crochet yarn.
Quiet luxury and minimalism
There’s a pointed focus on quiet luxury, minimalism and understated classic looks since 2024. Ballet flats perfectly embody this aesthetic. These flats are understated, elegant, often made from high-quality materials, and prioritise comfort and timelessness over overt branding or fleeting statements. Designers like The Row, Khaite, and even classic brands like Chanel and Repetto have minimalist or refined versions that are leading the charge.
The power of social media influencing
I’ve seen a rise in TikTok and Instagram fashion influencers styling ballet flats, reintroducing them as a must-have staple in mainstream fashion. Of course, the visual nature of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram is essential for trend dissemination. I also have to admit that I’ve been enjoying the fun new interpretations of these classic shoes.
New interpretations, materials and styles
The trend isn’t just about the classic silhouette. The fashion it-girls are exploring fun variations like:
Mesh ballet flats: The sheer, barely-there look adds a modern, often edgy twist.
Mary Jane ballet flats: The addition of a strap offers a sweet, sometimes retro, feel.
Chunky/Platform ballet flats: An edgier, more contemporary take on the dainty classic.
Slingback ballet flats: A more elevated and secure option.
“Sneakerinas”: A hybrid that blends athletic comfort with the ballet aesthetic.
Novel embellishments: Bows, buckles, pearls, metallic finishes, and even bedazzling.
How to style ballet flats
The inherent comfort and versatility of ballet flats allow them to be dressed up or down. It’s a matter of what you wear, how you wear it and how you accessorise.
To dress it up in a modern way, try a layered look — a short dress, baggy trousers, then accessorise to the gods: necklace stacking, a pair of trendy sunglasses, and a nice shoulder bag. Experiment with colour and textures to add dimension and a bit of a twist to the look.
@jademacj The perfect shoe for the season 🌺🎀🩰💐 #fashiongirl #balletflats #springsummer #tiktokfashion #tiktokblack #fashiontiktok ♬ Just2 – Sped Up – Gwamz
For a more understated and classic look, pair classic Mary Janes with socks, a bubble or skater skirt, a vest — either layered with a button down shirt, t-shirt, or not — and of course, accessories to elevate the look.
It’s clear that ballet flats are much more than a fleeting trend; they are a testament to fashion’s cyclical nature and an ode to enduring style, comfort, and versatility. Their journey from the ballet stage to mainstream fashion, their ability to adapt to diverse aesthetics, like quiet luxury and Y2K nostalgia, and their constant reinterpretation through new materials and styles, all speak of their timeless appeal.
As they continue to grace the feet of fashion enthusiasts in 2025 and beyond, one thing is certain: ballet flats have firmly re-established their place as a beloved and indispensable item in every wardrobe.
