9 Fresh Ways Fashion People Are Wearing Classic Chanel Flats

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(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

Trends come and go, but some pieces are forever. An example of such a piece? Chanel's oh-so elegant ballet flats. Debuted by Karl Lagerfeld in the designer's 1984 autumn/winter show, the simple ballerinas feel just as relevant today as they did the first time the world set eyes on them forty years ago.

It's easy to shrug high-end fashion off as extravagant and/or unwearable (we're looking at you, Balenciaga croc-heels), but these Chanel shoes—along with other timeless items such as the Hermès Birkin bag and Gucci's Horsebit loafers—prove it can be anything but. If you're in a position to make the investment (because let's face it: at around £800 new, these particular ballerinas cost a lot more than your average high-street pair), you'll be rewarded with a comfortable, long-lasting shoe that will go with just about everything you own. I really mean it—since the ballet flat renaissance of 2023, we've seen them styled with jeans, dresses, wide-leg trousers, mini skirts... the list goes on.

But if you're unsure where to start, the good news is I've come armed with seven inspirational outfits to share with you. Sourced from some of the best-dressed influencers out there, these effortless looks will no doubt convince you that Chanel ballet flats will slot seamlessly into your wardrobe.

How to Wear Chanel Ballet Flats in 2024:

1. Relaxed Tailoring + Shoulder Bag

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(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

Style Notes: Stick with the sophisticated feel of Chanel's ballet flats and team them with smart (but relaxed) tailoring. I love how Francesca has mixed a black blazer with cream trousers to keep things from straying into matchy-matchy territory.

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2. Textured Dress + Pearl Necklace

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(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Style Notes: You might say maxi dresses are the new midi, but I won't because I'm a midi dress loyalist. Even still, the ballerinas peeking out from under this long textured frock creates a look I can definitely get on board with.

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3. Pink Cardigan + Ecru Denim

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Style Notes: As a resident of the UK, I wear knitwear all through the year. If you're the same, take your cues from Emili and opt for a bright cardigan, styled with ecru denim to give it a summery spin. And of course, a lighter shade of the Chanel ballerina to round the look off.

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4. Slip Dress + White Tee

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Style Notes: We might sound like a broken record with how often we praise slip dresses, but they are SO versatile. I enjoy layering mine over a T-shirt for a more casual vibe, like Parisian influencer Anne-Laure. Speaking of Paris, you'll spot plenty of ballet flats on the feet of the French style-set.

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5. Tube Top + Wide-Leg Trousers

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(Image credit: @luciacuesta_)

Style Notes: Dip your toe into the Y2K trend with a streamlined tube top. To make it 2023 appropriate, simply add your go-to wide-leg trousers (I'm favouring linen styles right now) and the Chanel shoe in question. Easy peasy.

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6. Full Skirt + Blazer

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(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: I think Marilyn's look might just be my favourite. There's something so elegant and yet effortless about her fully skirt, blazer, scrunchie and flats look.

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7. Bomber Jacket + Split-Hem Leggings

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(Image credit: @hannamw)

Style Notes: Sleek and minimal, this all-black outfit brings an unexpected edge to the ballerinas. See? I told you they go with everything. The split hem is a key detail to make this ensemble feel as modern as possible.

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8. LBD + Top-Handle Bag

@symphonyofsilk wearing a LBD and Chanel ballet flats

(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

Style Notes: Nothing says "Chanel" more than an LBD. No matter the cut or style, a black mini will always look elegant. Simply follow TikTok's viral 'sandwich rule' and add a white top handle bag to match the dress and the two-toned Chanel flats.

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9. Boxy Blazer + Baggy Jeans

@tineandreaa wearing an oversized blazer, baggy jeans and Chanel Ballet Flats

(Image credit: @tineandreaa)

Style Notes: The classic blazer and jeans combo is my transitional season go-to, and I love the look of the more relaxed jeans with the pretty pink ballet flats. Opt for a pinstripe blazer style to contrast the tweed flats for a more elevated look.

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed Confused and Indie magazine.

A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.

In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.