The 15 Best Satin Ballet Flats Are More Than Balletcore Icons

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It’s hard to resist the charm of the best satin ballet flats, whether they’re a staple silhouette in your wardrobe year-round or you’ve been lured in by the current balletcore buzz surrounding new styles (like mesh and modern Mary Janes). Combining the ease and practicality of flats with the more glamorous allure of special occasion footwear, this elegant shoe has remarkable versatility, spanning aesthetics and outfits of all kinds, from minimal to eclectic and casual to dressy.

Describing ballet flats as a “24-hour shoe,” Bloomingdale’s accessories and beauty fashion director Marissa Galante Frank explains they are both comfortable and versatile, and thus can be easily be styled for a conference or cocktails. “I love it when a long, relaxed jean is pared back to a ballet flat,” she tells Bazaar. And what better way to freshen up a tried-and-true staple like denim or a tailored suit than with a timeless ballet flat crafted from luminous fabric? (Bonus points for one embellished with a crystal strap, gold-tone studs, or glimmering buckles.)

“Anything that plays up the dichotomy between androgynous volume and the feminine ballet silhouette” is a favorite of Galante Frank’s. This goes beyond iconic designs with rounded toes and bow ties or more squared-off versions à la pointe shoes worn by prima ballerinas. Designer flats—like Maison Margiela’s Tabi, featuring a split toe—take the trend in an edgier direction, particularly when paired with a voluminous trouser. Or there’s Saint Laurent’s hybrid pointed-toe design, which folds down for slip-on style when desired, combined with leater.

The best satin ballet flats exude more than a ladylike sensibility—they have a sophisticated nonchalance that works for day or night, with laid-back attire and polished pieces alike. Read on to see our roundup.

Dream Ballerina Flats

“Mansur Gavriel’s dream ballerinas are a wardrobe staple,” Galante Frank tells Bazaar. “The pink satin is the perfect update for the season in a shoe we already know and love.”

Sizes: 5–12

Materials: Satin upper, leather lining and sole

Satin Ballet Flats

Simple and sophisticated, these square-toe satin ballet flats are a minimalist’s dream.

Sizes: 35–42 IT

Materials: Satin

Satin Ballet Flats

Rather than ribbon ties, how about Ferragamo’s modern take on ballet slippers, featuring gold chain ankle straps?

Sizes: 5½–10

Materials: Fabric, leather

Ballet Slipper Flats

Miu Miu is synonymous with ballet flats, from the label’s lace-up and multi-strap designs to this classic satin design with a logo-adorned elastic strap.

Sizes: 4–12

Materials: Fabric and leather upper, fabric and leather lining, leather sole

Tabi Ballet Flats

“The Tabi ballet from Margiela has a cult following,” says Galante Frank. “The sweet satin fabrication is such a fun contrast in a shoe that naturally has an edge.”

Sizes: 4–12

Materials: Fabric and leather upper, fabric and leather lining, leather sole

Landon Soft Ballet Flat

Skip the classic pale pink in favor of this sprightly yellow shade.

Sizes: 6–12

Materials: Textile upper and lining, leather sole

Mary Jane Pointe

These Sandy Liang flats flawlessly blend the satin ballet flat trend with Mary Janes. (And they are available in black and brown, too.)

Sizes: 35–43 IT

Materials: Satin and leather

Satin Ballerinas

These brown satin ballet flats are sweet in every way, from the chocolate color to the timeless rounded toe.

Sizes: 34½–41½ IT

Materials: Satin upper, leather sole, metal buckle, enamel logo

Off-White Frano Ballerina Flats

We love a good stretch. These satin ballet flats have an elasticized trim to ensure they stay put while looking sleek and luminous.

Sizes: 35–41 FR

Materials: Satin, jersey, leather

Hangisi Satin Ballet Flats

With a so-slight heel, Manolo Blahnik’s iconic Hangisi crystal-embellished design is an elegant way to embrace the satin ballet flat trend, especially for special occasions.

Sizes: 6–12

Materials: Fabric, leather, leather insole, leather and rubber sole

Rockstud Leather-Trimmed Satin Ballet Flats

Valentino’s signature rock studs toughen up the effect of these satin ballet flats.

Sizes: 35–42 IT

Materials: Satin and leather

Crystal Satin Ballerina Flats

With an exaggerated toe, this elongated silhouette brings a glamorous touch to any outfit, thanks to the crystal strap.

Sizes: 5–11

Materials: Satin upper, crystal-embellished strap, leather lining and insole, leather sole

Gabriella Satin Ballet Flats

This powder-blue satin ballet flat masterfully captures a balletcore vibe, with a toe box that resembles professional pointe shoes.

Sizes: 35–42 IT

Materials: Satin

Nour Slippers

These black satin ballet have a leg-elongating pointed toe and fold down in the back for easy slip-on style.

Sizes: 6–10

Materials: Satin and leather

Odin Ballet Flat

Live out your prima ballerina fantasies in this pair of pink satin ballet flats, featuring a modern ruched strap.

Sizes: 35–42 EU

Materials: 72% viscose, 28% silk

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