6 ballet-flat color trends that hot guys are wearing instead of black

I got this question the other day: “Do ballet flats still exist?” Just then I pointed out the repettos on my feet—a pair of purple patent-leather ballet flats. This has made me think. Yes, ballet flats are still going strong, but lately, whenever I see them, they’re not what you’d expect. Classic black flats and ruby-red Mary Janes are becoming harder to recognize. Instead, fashionistas are opting for unexpected prints and colors. Spoiler: Technicolor colors and animal prints are redefining the neutral shoe.

Just as the flats were upgraded, the styling rules were also upgraded. How to Wear Ballet Flats in 2026 That means pairing preppy footwear with oversized button-downs and baggy jeans, playing with prints and tights, drawing from Y2K activewear with baseball tees and yoga pants, and styling a white T-shirt with a lace-trim miniskirt.

This non-traditional ballet-flat color isn’t just a thing for me; From London to NYC and Madrid to Stockholm, fashionistas are also embracing the stunning colours. Inspired by my friend’s uncertainty about the ballet-flat trend, I dove deep to prove that this shoe is much more than a subway flat or a highly touted novelty.