Ballet Flats are the Foundation of So Many Elegant Looks—9 Outfits That are Extra-Elite

There's just something about ballet flats. This classic footwear style, arguably made famous by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel's spring/summer 1984 collection, has been a staple in the wardrobes of the chicest dressers for decades. Dating back to the 16th Century, the dance-inspired silhouette has remained a staple in the wardrobes of everyone from Jane Birkin to Alexa Chung, proving that when worn with the right pieces, ballet flats truly can elevate an look. So, what makes chic ballet flat outfits to begin with?

When I was a teen, ballet flats was starting to slip out of the popularity it enjoyed in the early noughts, and suddenly seemed a bit too delicate and dated for daily wear. But over the past year or so, with flat shoes climbing back to the top of the footwear charts, this design has had a major resurgence and is now firmly among the 2025 capsule wardrobe staples.

Part of its comeback has involved an evolution in the aesthetic. With Miu Miu reviving the look in its silky candy-coloured satin ballet in its autumn/winter 2022 collection, the pointe shoe shape quickly became one of the most covetable designer pieces of the year. Since then, minimalist black styles and fresh strappy versions are undisputed classics that can work with a multitude of outfits. This season, there's plenty of exciting new looks to explore. From Mary Jane-inspired flats with delicate cross-band to patent designs with a contemporary square toe, there's a ballet flat to suit every personal style.

But how to style them? Well, fashion people have been sharing plenty of enviable outfit inspiration that proves that a ballet flat can complete almost anything, whether you're wearing jeans and a jumper for running errands or dressing up in a long slip for an evening event. Here, I've picked nine of the best examples and found the best pieces to replicate these impressive outfits. Scroll on to get inspired to embrace this sophisticated classic.

9 Chic Ballet Flat Outfits to Wear in 2025

1. Wide-Leg Trousers + High-Neck Jumper

Style Notes: For chillier days, balancing billowing wide-leg trousers with a cosy jumper is an ideal look. And the understated black ballet flat complements the subtle minimalism of the whole look—leaving you plenty of opportunity to get creative with other accessories, if you so choose.

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2. Flared Jeans + White Long-Sleeved Shirt

Style Notes: Given the fact that it was Chanel who first brought the ballet flat to the mainstream, it's fitting that the low-profile shoe is a French fashion essential. From the City of Lights to the Côte d'Azur, you'll notice that ballet flat outfits will always consist of pieces that are considered wardrobe basics, like a long-sleeved shirt and flared jeans. Finish things off with a Breton stripe jumper and a basket bag à la the above, and you'll have an outfit template you'll return to time and time again.

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3. Maxi Dress + Cardigan

Style Notes: This outfit proves that a ballet flat can be the dreamiest finishing touch for a dressier look. This ankle-length slip dress, ballet flat and cardigan combination could work for so many different occasions.

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4. Straight-Leg Jeans + Cardigan

Style Notes: Cardigans-as-tops, especially styled with jeans, is a Parisian-approved look that is quickly becoming a cult style this season. So, of course, you need a pair of ballet flats to complete the look. This outfit is particularly well-suited to those who don't want to give up their favourite black pieces this autumn.

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5. Beige Jeans + Checked Shirt

Style Notes: Checked shirts are not only one of the most significant autumn trends, but one that every fashion girl in London and New York has been wearing non-stop. Pairing the utilitarian print with a more gentle shoe is a simple juxtaposition that will enhance any look.

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6. Black Trousers + Cardigan

Style Notes: Not such a fan of the classic leather ballet pump? Enter the mesh ballet flat, which has already been co-signed by the likes of Jennifer Lawrence and Sofia Richie. Alaïa's fishnet ballet pump may be the original star, but thanks to its popularity, there are plenty of new pairs to choose from.

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7. Capri Pants + Trench Coat

Style Notes: Yes, capri pants really are back. If you want to go more Audrey-Hepburn-in-pedal-pushers than early 2000s pop star, you can't go wrong with pairing yours with ballet flats and an oversized trench coat. For a modern spin, follow this example by opting for a statement metallic shoe.

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8. Cuffed Jeans + Crew Neck

Style Notes: A crew neck, especially one as eye-catching as this striped style here, is a style that's as casual as it is cool. With a slight '90s undertone, embrace the spritely and practical elements of the look with cuffed jeans and tie-up flats.

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9. Mini Skirt + Polo Top

Style Notes: This look is the fashion crossover of schoolgirl chic with French flair. The mini pleated skirt, cardigan, and the square-toe ballet flats contrasting against the red socks? Its part preppy fashion, part Parisian and entirely covetable.

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