The Ballet Flat Glow-Up We Didn’t See Coming

There’s a shift happening on the streets, in the front rows, and all over our feeds. The sky-high platforms are taking a little breather, and in their place? Ballet flats — but not the sweet, preppy pair you wore in middle school. No, 2025’s version is sleek, sculptural, and seriously chic. Leading the charge? Alaïa. And trust me, these are not the dainty, forgettable flats of the past.

TOP FASHION FINDS

Emily In Fashion

9/12/20252 min read

From Barre to Runway

Let’s rewind. Ballet flats have been around forever — originally designed for dancers in the 16th century, reimagined for everyday wear in the 1940s (hi, Brigitte Bardot), and revived again in the early 2000s during the indie sleaze meets Gossip Girl era.

But somewhere along the way, they got… a little boring. They were practical, sure, but they lost their spark. Fast-forward to now, and designers have decided the ballet flat deserves her main character moment again — and she’s showing up with an edge.

Balletcore, But Make It Fashion

The 2025 ballet flat isn’t just a “cute shoe.” She’s versatile, feminine, and — dare I say — cool. Think soft leather that molds to your foot, unexpected cut-outs, bold straps, and silhouettes that read less “school uniform” and more “off-duty model in Paris.”

Paired with puddle pants, they’re laid-back chic. With a micro mini, they’re very fashion week. Even with oversized tailoring, they feel ironic in the best way. Balletcore now isn’t about dressing like a ballerina — it’s about taking the essence of it (the elegance, the minimalism) and blending it with street style grit.

The Alaïa Effect

And then there’s Alaïa. Trust this: if ballet flats are having a renaissance, Alaïa is painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Their flats are a masterclass in contrasts — soft yet sculptural, delicate yet bold.

You’ve got supple leather that hugs your foot like a glove, dramatic cut-outs that make you do a double take, and that perfectly squared-off toe that whispers designer from across the room. They’re flats you plan an outfit around — the kind that make you rethink what “feminine” means in 2025.

In an era where “comfortable” often gets confused with “casual,” Alaïa is proving you can have both comfort and couture energy in the same step.

Why the Fashion Crowd Is Obsessed

Part of the magic is their versatility. You can wear ballet flats to brunch, to the office, to a gallery opening, even to date night — and they’ll fit the vibe every time. They travel well (goodbye, blister-inducing heels in your carry-on), and they instantly pull a look together without screaming for attention.

Plus, they tap into our current craving for nostalgic pieces with longevity. They’re timeless, but not stuck in the past.

Check Out Emily In Fashion´s Favorite Ballet Flats

Styling Notes

With Denim: Cropped straight-leg jeans + Alaïa flats + an oversized blazer = model-off-duty energy.
With Dresses: Midi slip dress + dainty flats + chunky jewelry for balance.
With Tailoring: Wide-leg trousers grazing the floor with a peek of a flat = quiet luxury perfection.

Final Take

Ballet flats aren’t just back — they’ve been rebranded. And Alaïa is making sure they’re on every editor’s wish list. They’re proof that elegance doesn’t have to mean sky-high heels, and femininity doesn’t have to mean fragile.

So, yes, it’s balletcore season again. But this time? She’s grown up, she’s got edge, and she’s ready for her spotlight.