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9 Australian creatives show us how they style ballet flats

WORDS BY RUBY STALEY

Another unlikely trend returns.

Hated by many but loved by more, the ballet flat’s return is already eliciting some varied responses. Iterations of the style have existed since the 16th century, with the modern ballet flat first introduced by Rose Repetto upon Bridget Bardot’s request. It girls like Kate Moss, Alexa Chung and Sienna Miller popularised the style in the early 2000s.

Now, thanks to the revival of trends like indie sleaze and twee, the ballet flat is back. Miu Miu and Maison Margiela are spearheading the current trend revival, with the designers’ ballet flat styles becoming immensely popular with the fashion crowd.


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Because I’m still not convinced, I recruited some of my favourite Australian fashion people to show me how they like to wear their flats. Scroll on for inspiration.

Georgia Gordon, she/her, Manager at Irvrsbl and Owner of Guzzi Archive

I remember seeing a fashion forecaster on TikTok predicting ballet flats. I have to say, I didn’t want to believe her. Having said that, I got my hands on a pair of secondhand Miu Miu ones and they swiftly converted me! I’d always wanted a pair with ribbons back in the day, but never thought I’d find any within budget.

Now I’m very on board with the trend. They’re so comfortable, and is there anything they don’t go with? I’m really enjoying seeing all my high school trends come back around this year. I’ve had so much fun finding pieces – especially as the designer pieces are so old now, they’re going for a good price. As if high school me could’ve ever bought Miu Miu ballet flats…

@georgiagordon

Joely Malcolm, she/her, content creator

I actually wasn’t planning on picking up ballet flats, but my friend bought the Miu Miu ones on Vestiaire and they were too small. I saw them IRL and fell in love! They’ve been the easiest and coolest way to dress up my simple outfits, and also sparked a love of flat shoes in this platform-obsessed lady!

@joelymalcolm 

Jillian Arcenas, she/her, content creator and stylist

​​I was such a ballet shoe girl when I was younger, so naturally, I’m so excited for their comeback to the fashion scene. I love how trans-seasonal they are; perfect for the upcoming hot weather as they’re a great alternative to a summer sandal.

I’ve opted for a heeled pair from Camper, as I appreciate the dimension they give. I love pairing them with a long skirt and oversized blazer, it plays with the feminine touches the ballet shoes bring… this is probably what I’d wear if I went to Constance Billard (IYKYK).

@jillarcenz

Jacquie Alexander, she/her, content creator

I never thought I’d say I’m happy ballet flats have come back into my rotation – but here we are. When I was about 15, I used to wear them non-stop. My mum bought me this amazing pair that was bright pink and I loved them to death.

Fast forward to today, and I recently purchased a pair from Miu Miu that had been on my wish list for years. I never understood how to make them work until I tried them on in London. I went home and spent the night dreaming up all the different ways I could work them into my wardrobe.

I bought them the following day and am so glad that I did. Now instead of being paired with dresses and the like, I love them with baggy jeans, a long low-waisted skirt, oversized tees and even a short mini with white socks. Honestly, the list goes on. They’re super versatile.

@jacquiealexander

Jana Harvey, she/her, brand partnership and social media manager

Ballet flats are the new Marmite item. People love to hate them, and love to love them. I won’t lie, they really didn’t sit well with me at first – [they gave me] major flashbacks to my younger years. But something about satin ribbons and a dancer’s posture intrigues me. My advice is to wear ballet shoes, pumps or flats with a mid-heel. It elevates everything (makes you taller), and is a slightly more ‘grown-up’ version.

I’m planning on adding ribbons wrapped under the shoe with shorts for the ultimate balletcore aesthetic. If you like them, just wear them – but buy them secondhand if you can!

@paristexasbabe

Nousheen Manzur, she/her, content creator

Although I love chunky platform shoes, I’ve grown to appreciate the simplicity and daintiness of ballet flats. I found these particular ones at a vintage store in Penang, Malaysia this summer. I knew I had to have them right when I saw them. The double buckle detail is probably my favourite thing about them because I feel like they add a bit of edginess to the classic ballet flat. Styling these flats with socks or stockings is my favourite way to wear them at the moment, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. 

Ballet flats were a huge part of 2010s fashion. It’s interesting to see how they can be styled in a modern context with current styles – whether it be a summer dress, a pleated skirt or cargo pants. They’re not everyone’s cup of tea and that’s fine. With the accelerating trend cycle, we must be mindful of the things we buy and the trends we choose to participate in. Nonetheless, I will be rocking my ballet flats for years to come. 

@nousheen.manzur

Matea Gluscevic, she/her, Designer at Done by Matea

As a shoemaker, I really enjoy making sling-back ballet flats – and I definitely don’t mind wearing them! Given I’m in the studio most days and need a closed-toe style, I usually gravitate towards flat shoes.

Ballet flats are perfect – they’re flat, my toes are covered, I’m comfy and they’re easy to slip on and off whenever I feel like a break! Because it’s a style with such a simple silhouette, it also leaves more room for colour, details and soling to be central features. With these ones, I’ve elevated them with a square toe, custom colouring and a chunky black sole.

@donebymatea

Nish Mohil, she/her, Digital and eCommerce Manager at Rollie Nation

I’m truly excited to see the resurgence of ballet flats, particularly as someone who commutes to work daily on public transport. I work with the awesome team at Rollie, who have recently created their own version of the ballet flat – super soft to the touch and made for walking all day. [They’re] definitely a relief for me considering the majority of flats on the market are rigid, hard and provide little support for your feet and ankles.

I like pairing something feminine with something oversized to create an unexpected silhouette that’s both flattering and comfy. A ballet flat is a classic… so worth the investment.

@rollienation

Annie Abbott, she/her, Founder and Designer at Habbot

Apparently, there’s a flat shoe trend approaching… but I wouldn’t really know about that! I love change and experimentation with clothing but I’m no expert on trends, especially when everyone is so happy to dress as themselves these days. In my opinion, flats are always on trend. But if it’s a new concept to some and they’re embracing newfound flatness, I say get on board!

Once you go flat, you’ll never go back. I’m currently enjoying Habbot’s Rupert flats in scarlet. I love these shoes for their elegant, elongated toe shape and serious heel. It’s important not to play it too safe with the rest of the outfit to balance them out and express my less-serious side, so I always wear them with something chunky, humorous or colour-clashing.

@habbot

This article was originally published on October 12, 2022.

For more on styling ballet flats, head here.

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