Ballet flats are back in a big way. While the timeless silhouette never really goes out of style, its relative trendiness comes and goes in waves — and with Gen Z’s insistence on reviving all things Y2K, we’re very much living through an “in” period. “They were so trendy when I was a kid, and at the time they seemed a bit too adult and too mature for me. So I’m really happy now that they’re in rotation again. I get to participate this time around,” says Natalia Spotts, founder of vintage store Funny Pretty Nice.
Considering the enduring popularity of all things balletcore and the furor that erupted last fall over the Miu Miu and Sandy Liang ballet flats, the trend clearly won’t be flagging anytime soon. If you’re ready to relive your early aughts style, we’ve polled a panel of stylists, editors, and actual ballet dancers about their favorite ballet flats right now. Their recommendations range from budget-friendly to designer options in a variety of materials including lush leather, sleek satin, and unexpected mesh.
Best ballet flats under $300
Camri Hewie also loves these Von Holzhausen flats, which have the very polished, dainty look of a classic ballet flat. She especially appreciates the brand’s focus on sustainability — though the material may resemble leather, the shoes are actually crafted from a biodegradable bamboo. They’re also fairly low maintenance; Hewie just “wipes them with some warm water” to buff away scuffs.
Link to the full article