CHLOE ISAAC
Edited by Lucie Kaskie
Shoe trends come and go, and sometimes investing in them is just not worth it. We’ve seen ballet flats appear (and disappear) as trendy footwear in the fashion scene time and time again, as they’ve been styled in numerous ways throughout the years. The 2000s saw ballet flats styled in a multitude of fashions, such as with skinny or flare jeans, as pictured on Kate Moss. Most recently, the emergence of “balletcore” has brought them once again to the forefront of pop culture.
“Balletcore” has emerged as a recent trend, popularising clothing pieces that are staples in ballerinas’ uniforms. This includes (but is not limited to) ribbons and bows, satin skirts, bolero cardigans, tights, and lastly, ballet flats. This trend grew popular on TikTok, and has since wormed its way into the catalogues of retailers, including Urban Outfitters. The Urban Outfitters website even has a section on their online catalogue dedicated to the trend. But is “balletcore” going to stick around?
The chances are that “balletcore” probably won’t be around for long. It seems that today’s collective attention span is too short for many trends to take root— “Balletcore” is a niche trend in itself. It’s likely that the “balletcore” trend will see the end of the year, but will most likely retire at some point in 2024. With that being said, if we are going to keep any element of the “balletcore” trend around, my vote is certainly for keeping ballet flats.
Why are ballet flats so ideal? I like to think of them as a comfier take on the dress shoe. High heels aren’t that functional when it comes to walking, but sneakers aren’t always up to stylish par. Flats serve as the perfect in-between, combining comfort with a subtle elegance that takes a “boring” outfit to the next level. As such, ballet flats are a great staple in any wardrobe. They can be worn casually with jeans, or can be paired with a skirt or dress for a classier look. They’re lightweight and portable, so they’re also great for travel. Therefore, the “balletcore” trend in its entirety might not be here to stay, but ballet flats themselves are the perfect timeless shoe.
Here are some ballet flats that are currently on the market:
- If you’re searching for a gorgeous cherry red pair of flats, check out these from Steve Madden: Vinetta Red Patent
- If comfort is key, this pair from Vionic might be what you’re looking for: Calisto Flat II
- For a lower budget, Call It Spring has you covered: Gyzelle Black Synthetic Smooth Ballet Flats
There are plenty of other ballet flats out there, available in a variety of different prints and colours for any occasion. Shopping secondhand, whether at the thrift or online like eBay, is also a great source for finding a unique pair.
Recently TikTok began popularising the “sandwich method” of styling outfits. TikTok user @petitelife_incolors explains that the “sandwich method” requires matching the bottom half of an outfit with the top (or an accessory), and having a different colour in between the pieces to break it up. There are variations of this method, including the idea of matching footwear and accessories to tie an outfit together. In the context of ballet flats, a coloured pair and a matching bag or jacket could take an outfit to the next level.
In conclusion, ballet flats are a cute, versatile shoe. Although they’re not perfect everyday footwear for the winter, they are a staple in the fall, spring or summer wardrobe, or a great option for nights out. Regardless of the reasons for why we have seen ballet flats go “out of style” in the past, there should be an effort to keep them on the scene. They will always be a useful go-to, portable shoe— and a great one to have in a repertoire.
Leave a Reply