You’re much cooler than I remember.
By FP contributor, Caitlin Madden.
Flash back to the early ‘00s, the first time ballet flats entered my wardrobe. I’ve never been one to pass up a trend, and this was at the height of prep-school-chic outfitting, ala Gossip Girl. The fashions were overtly tailored, classic and put together.
Unfortunately, the trend trickled down into my own high school wardrobe with little of the same effect. The dress code at my public school was much more casual than the private institutions of the fictionalized Upper East Side, and thus the preppy trend did not translate as well. So, we all ended up wearing ballet flats with skinny jeans, cardigans, and statement necklaces — another abandoned trend of the time.
To be honest, we all looked more like we were cosplaying preschool teachers (no offense!) rather than Blair Waldorf.
Ballet flats then became relegated to my teenage version of an “I want to look professional” outfit. Saved for job interviews, college visits and family dinners. They were pushed to the back of my closet in favor of my “cooler” shoes— chunky boots, sneakers, platforms and the like.
Flash back to the early ‘00s, the first time ballet flats entered my wardrobe. I’ve never been one to pass up a trend, and this was at the height of prep-school-chic outfitting, ala Gossip Girl. The fashions were overtly tailored, classic and put together.
Unfortunately, the trend trickled down into my own high school wardrobe with little of the same effect. The dress code at my public school was much more casual than the private institutions of the fictionalized Upper East Side, and thus the preppy trend did not translate as well. So, we all ended up wearing ballet flats with skinny jeans, cardigans, and statement necklaces — another abandoned trend of the time.
To be honest, we all looked more like we were cosplaying preschool teachers (no offense!) rather than Blair Waldorf.
Ballet flats then became relegated to my teenage version of an “I want to look professional” outfit. Saved for job interviews, college visits and family dinners. They were pushed to the back of my closet in favor of my “cooler” shoes— chunky boots, sneakers, platforms and the like.
And there they stayed for a long time. But like every good trend: what goes around comes back around.
Flats started making a comeback on runways and street style with celebrities and influencers, and they looked much more stylish than I remembered. And because I can’t pass up a trend, I knew they’d make their way into my wardrobe eventually. I just had to figure out how to style them…again.
It seems like 2023’s version of ballet flats is much less preppy than years before, coming back hand in hand with other throwback trends like cargo pants and loose-fitting denim. I’ve seen them paired with wide-leg trousers for a classic look, silky slip skirts for something more femme — even denim shorts to keep them casual.
The styles are totally different too. The ballet flats I was used to were all rounded-toe styles in shiny leather — without much variation other than color. Now, there are so many styles to choose from in tons of different silhouettes, fabrics and finishes. There are flats with buckles, wrap details and straps. There are the tried and true preppy styles, more casual styles and even flats with a little extra edge. It seems like there’s a flat to fit with everyone’s personal style and that they’ll have a lot more staying power this time around.
They feel like the perfect transitional shoe, too, as we move into spring. I’m ready to trade in my boots, but not quite ready for sandals, so I find myself reaching for ballet flats. They look great with my relaxed-fit jeans, easy dresses, and even on-trend maxi skirts. Plus, they make every outfit look a little more polished and put together, but not in a stuffy way. I can see myself reaching for them for years to come, so they’ve definitely earned a spot in the front of my closet now. Trends can come and go, but some things become staples for a reason. Now, if only we could find a way to make chunky statement necklaces cool again…
Flats started making a comeback on runways and street style with celebrities and influencers, and they looked much more stylish than I remembered. And because I can’t pass up a trend, I knew they’d make their way into my wardrobe eventually. I just had to figure out how to style them…again.
It seems like 2023’s version of ballet flats is much less preppy than years before, coming back hand in hand with other throwback trends like cargo pants and loose-fitting denim. I’ve seen them paired with wide-leg trousers for a classic look, silky slip skirts for something more femme — even denim shorts to keep them casual.
The styles are totally different too. The ballet flats I was used to were all rounded-toe styles in shiny leather — without much variation other than color. Now, there are so many styles to choose from in tons of different silhouettes, fabrics and finishes. There are flats with buckles, wrap details and straps. There are the tried and true preppy styles, more casual styles and even flats with a little extra edge. It seems like there’s a flat to fit with everyone’s personal style and that they’ll have a lot more staying power this time around.
They feel like the perfect transitional shoe, too, as we move into spring. I’m ready to trade in my boots, but not quite ready for sandals, so I find myself reaching for ballet flats. They look great with my relaxed-fit jeans, easy dresses, and even on-trend maxi skirts. Plus, they make every outfit look a little more polished and put together, but not in a stuffy way. I can see myself reaching for them for years to come, so they’ve definitely earned a spot in the front of my closet now. Trends can come and go, but some things become staples for a reason. Now, if only we could find a way to make chunky statement necklaces cool again…
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