Now that summer is in full effect, the struggle of finding the perfect shoe is becoming even more dire. For many, sandals are the first footwear item you pull out of your closet, but for some of us, freeing our toes is just not the move unless we're heading to the beach. Which is why we’ve seen the ballet flat craze continue to shine every recent fashion cycle, leading the closed-toe shoe trends.
Whether you’re protecting your feet from the questionable street goo of a bustling big city or you’re just between pedicures, having a few pairs of staple ballet flats for your summer looks is a necessity. They’re not always easy to style, though, so I’ve gathered some fashion-forward outfit ideas for you to pair with your ballet flats.
Colour Wheel Core
Especially during the summertime, pairing bright colour combos with a neutral ballet flat is an instantly stylish outfit. The black pumps perfectly ground this blue tank top and vibrant green jeans. It's not only chic, but you probably have most of these items in your wardrobe already.
Jorts and a Strapless Top
Jorts and bermuda shorts are a major trend as of late. Wearing them with a strapless top and ballet flats adds a feeling of femininity to what is often quite a masculine fit. Up the ante with more is more accessories, like a Western belt.
An Oversized Tee and Midi Skirt
We’re all chasing that effortless look, and a fashion-forward way to achieve that is by slipping into an oversized T-shirt with a midi skirt – bonus points if it's a check print or other eye-catching pattern. It gives a very all-day comfortable yet stylish vibe.
A Blazer and Statement Accessories
When in doubt, let the ballet flats steal the show. Pairing some silver stud flats with a neutral blazer is an easy outfit combination that works great. Quirky accessories in the form of a funky hat and faux fur bag will earn you extra style points.
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Matching Shoes and Purse
The naked body dress in itself is a trend I can get behind, but pairing it with a matching purse and shoes is next level. The other elephant in the room here? Exactly how popular the tabi shoe is among fashion’s insiders – that’s just one more way to elevate your ballet look.
A Dress Over Jeans
Dress-over-jeans outfits aren’t just for the Disney Channel. Because Y2K aesthetics are here to stay, we’re seeing styles like this make their way back to the forefront. Locking into that combo with a simple ballet flat is a fun style option that still feels modern.
A Neutral Slip Dress
I am a huge proponent of one-layer outfits to beat the summer heat. So especially during the warmer months, throwing on a gorgeous, silky dress and some ballet flats is the way to go.
A White Dress and Contrasting Accessories
We all need a good white summer dress, and this mid-length one is a great example. It immediately makes you look like you’re summering in the Hamptons or the Amalfi Coast. And even if you aren’t, at least you can look the part while pairing it with elegant black ballet flats and a matching bag.
Aiyana Ishmael is the style editor at Cosmopolitan magazine. In her work, Aiyana focuses on the culture of fashion and how it intertwines and shapes the zeitgeist. She is an award-winning journalist from Miami, Florida, and a graduate of the historically Black university, Florida A&M. She is a 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30: Media honoree, and her debut romance novella PASSING GAME is set to release March of 2027 (831 Stories/Simon & Schuster).
