by Fern Headley- Jordan

Once seen as outdated, ballet flats have gracefully pirouetted back into the fashion spotlight. According to google trends, searches for “ballerina flats” peaked in April 2025, proving that this timeless shoe has once again captured the public’s attention. But why?

A Brief History of Ballet Flats
Ballet flats have a long history that dates back to the 18th century. French ballerina Marie Camargo of the Paris Opera Ballet was one of the first dancers to wear non-heeled shoes, prioritising comfort and movement over fashion.
A century later, Italian shoemaker Salvatore Capezio opened his shop opposite the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. His work creating improved ballet slippers for dancers earned him fame, and by the 1940s, American designer Claire McCardell commissioned Capezio to make rubber-soled ballet flats for her wartime collection, due to leather shortages. This collaboration marked the transition of ballet flats from stage to street.

Hollywood Glamour and Everyday Elegance
The 1950s cemented ballet flats as a chic everyday staple. Audrey Hepburn popularised them when she wore a pair in the 1954 film Sabrina, pairing them with cropped trousers to create a look that was both feminine and practical.
Around the same time, Brigitte Bardot collaborated with French brand Repetto, asking for a ballet slipper with a hard sole. This innovation transformed Repetto into a globally recognised fashion brand. In the 1980s, Princess Diana became another iconic figure associated with ballet flats. She often styled her elegant daywear with flats rather than heels and famously purchased 12 pairs from French Sole in one visit.
The early 2010s saw yet another wave of popularity, led by icons like Alexa Chung and Kate Moss, who helped revive the shoe as a fashion essential.

The 2020s Revival:
The latest resurgence of ballet flats reflects a growing nostalgia for quiet luxury and feminine minimalism. In recent years, celebrities like Dua Lipa, Lily-Rose Depp, and Bella Hadid have been spotted styling ballet flats with everything from jeans to satin skirts.
Every brand has released their own version of ballet flats, with some of the most popular being the bejewelled Alaïa, the satin Miu Miu ballet flats, and of course, Chanel’s classic two-tone design.
The rise in popularity also aligns with the viral TikTok trend “#Balletcore,” which romanticises the aesthetics of ballet through soft silhouettes, sheer fabrics, and pastel tones. This digital movement has reintroduced the charm of ballet flats to a younger generation seeking both comfort and elegance.

Why Are Ballet Flats So Popular?
Despite fluctuating trends, ballet flats have remained a consistent wardrobe staple for decades. Their enduring appeal lies in their versatility, they can be dressed up or down, worn to the office, styled with denim, or paired with a delicate dress.
In a world increasingly drawn to comfort, nostalgia, and sustainable fashion, ballet flats strike the perfect balance between practicality and sophistication. They are lightweight, timeless, and endlessly adaptable, qualities that ensure they’ll never truly go out of style.

As fashion continues to cycle through trends, ballet flats remain a reminder that simplicity, comfort, and elegance often endure far longer than fleeting statements or novelty designs.