How to Style Ballet Flats

Resist the urge to lean into balletcore.

For more of the Cut’s favorite fashion, beauty, and home finds, sign up for the weekly Cut Shop Newsletter.

Ballet flats are great for a New York fall activity like “a chic bodega run,” says the Cut’s fashion director, Jessica Willis. Sandy Liang’s viral ballet flats are the star of this look.

The viral shoes go from precious to grungy using her three style words: edgy, timeless, and functional. It’s a look you’ll want to wear daily — no bows required. Keep reading for the anatomy of this look.

With ballet flats, resist the urge to lean into balletcore

While you might feel tempted with these pretty pink flats to wear tones and textures we associate with ballet — white tights, leg warmers, Sandy Liang’s signature ribbons, bows — you shouldn’t. Consider these a neutral and you’ll get more wear out of them.

Sandy Liang Mary Jane Pointe In Ballet Satin

$550 at Sandy Liang

Add an easy bottom

Pleats Please are known for their body-contoring pieces that are comfy to wear: “It stretches, so it will always fit you, and it’s flattering on all bodies.”

Pleats Please Issey Miyake Basics Skirt

Contrast the girliness with some grunge

Look deep in your closet for your old T-shirts from years ago or hit the thrift-store racks for that worn-in, distressed look. (Willis opted for a tee from Interior.) Plus the shirt is matte, contrasting with the sheen of the shoes. “So it’s not so shiny and dressed up,” Willis says. “It throws it off a little bit, so it doesn’t feel so precious.”

Interior The Mandy T-Shirt

Go for gold accessories

This look calls for “forever jewelry,”: a.k.a. the pieces that you never take off, that have become part of your personality. Willis opted for gold pieces by Cartier, instead of silver, because it adds a different tone to the look. But consider the necklaces and rings that you’ve worn forever — gold or silver both work.

Cartier Clash de Cartier Earrings

$4350 at Cartier

Cartier Clash de Cartier Necklace

$2670 at Cartier

Cartier Love Bracelet

$4750 at Cartier

Get the Look

Here are five pairs of ballet flats to get you started.

Miu Miu Satin Ballerinas

Adorned with the Miu Miu logo and tiny bows, this pair is a good option if you want something just pretty. You can also grab it in a few more muted tones.

$950 at Miu Miu

Polo Ralph Lauren Silk Satin Ballet Flat Silk Satin Ballet Flat

Skip the nudes and pinks and shop these satin flats that pair just as well with your casual looks.

$398 at Ralph Lauren

Tod’s Gommini Bow Satin Ballet Flat

Inspired by ballet flats and driving shoes, these satin flats in a lovely beige have a slightly more substantial sole.

$675 at Nordstrom

Repetto Sophia Satin Ballerinas

Add a bit of interest with these cult fave flats that feature satin-ribbon ties.

Circus NY Women’s Zuri Ballet Flat

If ribbon isn’t for you these criss-cross flats are a good alternative for adding a little interest and edge. They’re also available in a number of colors.

$70 at Amazon