Last Updated on March 8, 2026 by Eve Dawes
Fashion & function, ballet flats are back in style meaning happy feet everywhere!
Are ballet flats for women still in style for 2026? The fashion editors and designers have spoken with a resounding yes and I’ve scouted out the very best ones for you from designer to affordable luxe for less styles. As seen at Proenza Schouler, Tory Burch and 3.1 Phillip Lim’s Spring runway shows to name a few. Women’s ballet flats or ballet slippers are a classic and practical closet staple but this year is probably the biggest resurgence we’ve seen in a while. So if you’re wondering if they’re in style, yes, ballet flats for women are back in style, from white to black ballet flats, designer to Steve Madden ballet flats, and one of the major women’s shoe trends for 2026.
They’re not just great for Summer but as a transitional shoe to see you into Fall/Autumn too. It’s easy to see why they’re so popular. They’re more supportive than slides, more practical than flip flops and more comfortable for walking around all day than slip on sandals and mules. Here’s what you need to know about this footwear trend and how to wear them for an effortlessly chic look. Along with the best ways to style them and the best designer ballet flats for women to luxe for less finds under $100.
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Are ballet flats in style for 2026
Yes ballet flats are having a major moment and are back in style for 2026. As seen on Bella Hadid, Katie Holmes, Julia Garner, Meghan Markle and most recently Kendall Jenner wearing The Row’s black ballet flats. However, it’s not just designer ballet flats for women that are in style, you can find some great pairs for under $100 that I’m sharing with you below.
Best ballet flats for women 2026
From trending ballet sneakers aka sneakerinas to ballet mules, designer to styles under $30, I’ve rounded up the best pairs in this edit. Yes, there’s lots from The Row, Miu Miu, and Bottega Veneta as they really do the best designer ballet pumps but there’s also Steve Madden, ASOS and H & M bargains.
What are the most on trend women’s ballet flats for 2026
Topping the best selling, most wanted list for 2026 are sneakerinas! These are everywhere right now! As seen on Zendaya, Chloë Sevigny, Phoebe Dynevor, Phoebe Dynevor, Bella Hadid, and at Louis Vuitton to name a few. Vivaia’s sneakerina’s are the next thing to purchase on my shopping list.
Chanel’s classic two-tone designer ballet flats for women version has and will always be a fashion staple and is my personal favorite way to wear the ballet pump trend. If you’re looking for something more classic these are the way to go.
If you care more about what’s trending than practicality Miu Miu’s logo satin women’s ballet flats first seen in 2016, and relaunched in 2022 are still dominating the fashion scene. For a more practical way to wear this trend, Miu Miu’s leather ballet shoes are a much more durable option!
If you’re looking for a statement pair, Sabato De Sarno’s Gucci Resort version looks like actual ballerina pointe shoes. With the addition of their iconic horsebit and minus the ankle ribbons.
In the past ballet flats for women have been more along the lines of pointed toe leather flats like Valentino’s or round toe Chanel’s classic two tone flats. This year everything goes, from those to styles that look more like actual ballet slippers. Think cute little bow lace-up details, mesh and woven leather styles like the cute woven Steve Madden ballet flats I’m wearing (above and below), Mary Jane straps, crystal and pearl details, elegant slimline silhouettes and even satin styles. Color wise, think red, green, leopard print, nudes, blush pinks, metallic and neutral color palettes.
Ballet pumps are the it-shoe…
Vogue
How to style ballet flats for women
For the most on trend ways to wear your women’s ballet flats this season. Style them with:
- Jeans, a crisp white T-shirt and ballet flats.
- Add a trench coat for Spring and Fall.
- With an oversized tulle gown.
- A la Carrie Bradshaw with a tulle skirt and bodysuit.
- An oversized blazer back with a crop top and jeans.
- With opaque tights in the colder months.
- With a blazer and shorts set.
- Style light colored ballet flats for women with any of your casual.
- Summer dresses, especially slip dresses.
- A sheer top, jeans and ballet flats for whimsy meets street style.
- With wide leg pants and a tank top.
The trending ballet flats for women to slip into
While slide sandals are my go-to flats for Summer, sometimes you don’t want to be trekking around in open toes e.g. walking around NYC or on cooler days. Some of the foldable women’s ballet flats are also perfect for popping in your bag for a quick change in and out of heels and a lot of other styles don’t fold.
If you’re planning on doing a lot of walking in them, go for buttery-soft leather. Miu Miu do a really on trend logo style and The Row are probably the most coveted low key designer style.
For Chanel-esque vibes for less the Vaneli Serene Flat quilted two tone ballet flats for women look a lot more expensive than they are! For the ultimate in practicality go for a foldable, waterproof flat. They’re easy to pop in your bag to swap out of your favorite satin or suede heels if you get caught in a sudden downpour!
The most flattering styles of women’s ballet pumps
If you’re petite or more muscular like I am sometimes this style can be hard to pull off. Pointed toe versions tend to be a bit more flattering than round or square toe with our body proportions. As well as V-cut vamps which tend to be more flattering. If you struggle with this dainty flats trend which offer comfort and chic all in one, try slide sandals or wedges instead.
Sarah Flint’s Natalie flat is the iconic leather ballet flat you’ve seen on Meghan Markle, Cindy Crawford and Jessica Alba. The pointed toe tends to be more elegant and streamlined than the rounded toe versions.
The best women’s ballet flats for 2026
These are my top picks for the women’s ballet pump trend for 2026 from designer to affordable styles to the best sale finds. Believe me, I’ve worn my fair share of ballet slippers. From actual ballet slippers as a professional ballerina to sensible flats for running around cities. So I definitely know what to look for and what to avoid when it comes to the design and features:
- For logos, celebrity favorite Miu Miu black leather flats.
- Best quilted 2 tone ballet flats Vaneli.
- Bottega Veneta best designer ballet flats for women.
- Best pointed toe ballerina flats for a more delicate silhouette Valentino.
- Best satin slippers for bridal parties.
- For classic style it’s hard to beat The Row.
- These Manolo Blahnik glam flats are giving us Carrie Bradshaw vibes.
- Alaïa for the best mesh ballet flats.
- For luxe for less, Steve Madden ballet flats are hard to beat for price and design.
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