Jul 8

Jul 8 The Fashion Edit: Ditch the Stilettos, Ballerina Flats Are Having a Moment

There was a time when every woman swore that wearing ballerina flats to a wedding or any event was not an option.

It wasn't just a fashion faux pas; it felt more like a sin, as if it loudly announced to the world that she wasn't quite there yet in mastering the art of "becoming a woman" or understanding the unwritten rules of fashion. Flats are truly making a comeback, and it’s not just because they’re comfy. Young women are juggling all sorts of things — yoga/pilates sessions in the morning, work meetings in the afternoon, grocery runs, you name it — all in a single day, which is why flats have become our ultimate lifesaver for our jam-packed schedules.

When you think of classic ballerina flats in fashion, Audrey Hepburn should immediately come to mind. She was a trailblazer who ditched the Marilyn Monroe bombshell vibe — which was extremely popular at the time — and instead wore sleek black trousers paired with ballerina flats, embracing her sporty, slender figure like a true radical. Her roles in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1961) and "Funny Face" (1957) solidified the ballerina flat as a timeless style staple. If you need inspo for pulling off flats, Audrey Hepburn is your go-to fashion muse.

And the beauty of it? It's effortlessly chic - just throw on tight fitting black pants, flats, and sleek minimal top or blazer, and you've got yourself a Hepburn-approved look.

But even Christian Louboutin, the genius behind the iconic red-soled heels, thinks flats are timeless. He once said that 51 is the new 15, basically meaning age shouldn't dictate your style. Your outfit shouldn't be age-bound.

In today's pop culture scene, three major trendsetters — Hailey Bieber, Lily-Rose Depp, and Ariana Grande — have each put their own spin on the ballerina flat.

Just last year, Hailey Bieber wore ballerina flats in a campaign for her brand, Rhode, while promoting her viral lip treatments. Her style also mixes sporty vibes with classic chic, like wearing white socks with black ballerina flats, paired with a striped shirt and sporty shorts. It’s a cool twist on the traditional feminine image of ballerina flats, giving it a tomboyish edge.

This year, Ariana Grande has been all about diving into the balletcore trend, especially with her new album release Eternal Sunshine. In her Vogue feature on her 2024 Met Gala look, they snapped plenty of shots showing her rocking jeans, a cozy jumper, and some adorable ballerina flats.

And let's not forget Lily-Rose Depp, who's totally paving her own way for her generation, adding a splash of pure French Je Ne Sais Quoi to every look.

Known for effortlessly blending Parisian chic with American street style, her standout moment came in 2022 when she was snapped in ballerina flats, a purple mini skirt, and a simple white tank.

We think this picture sums up this trend perfectly. It's a powerful symbol of what the contemporary young woman is all about — feminine, comfy, sporty, and confidently owning her own style.