This Specific Color Makes Ballet Flats Look 10 Times More Elegant

Over the past couple of years, there has been a ballet-flats renaissance, which I have embraced wholeheartedly. This has extended far beyond the black ballerinas that Kate Moss lived in in the '00s, and trending styles have included Miu Miu's ballerina-coded satin pairs, Maison Margiela's split-toe Tabis, and Alaïa's fishnet flats. The ballet-flats movement shows no sign of losing momentum, and there is one color, in particular, that I am noticing in every new-in section—a rich chocolate brown.

An earthy color palette always dominates in fall and winter, with shades mirroring the changing landscape. This year, however, there has been a rise in dark-brown suede accessories. It is as versatile and easy to style as black but adds warmth and a more luxurious feel to even the simplest outfits. The likes of The Row, Manolo Blahnik, and Prada have created brown slipper flats in shades varying from sandy brown to deep mahogany. Unsurprisingly, this has had a ripple effect across more affordable retailers, and brands such as Free People, Massimo Dutti, and Madewell all have ballet flats in deep shades.

In terms of styling, these shoes will go with any outfit year-round, but they look particularly elegant when worn with a pair of straight-leg jeans and an oatmeal- or khaki-hued knit. Scroll for an edit of the best brown ballet flats, Mary Janes, and slip-ons.

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