I got this question the other day: “Do ballet flats still exist?” Just then I pointed out the repettos on my feet\u2014a 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. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n