The ballerina shoe: this one suits you best
You know a trend is officially ‘on’ when you spot it on models in Paris AND at Zara. Enter: the ballerina shoe. You know, that flat, subtle shoe that balances somewhere between girly and casual. Cute, but with a bite – if you style it right, that is. The ballerina shoe has never really gone away, but the comeback is harder than your teenage crush on Zac Efron. And no, this time not just in classic black with a bow. Think: metallics, mesh, patent leather, chunky soles, and even studs – for those who want to bring out their inner punk ballerina.
The ballerina shoe goes with (almost) everything in your closet
First up: what's great about the ballerina shoe? They are the ultimate outfit whisperers. A wide pair of jeans? Add ballerinas and you’re instantly a French influencer. A fitted midi dress? Check. An oversized blazer with bare legs? Oui, madame. A ballerina shoe makes your outfit stylish in one fell swoop. And the best part? They do it without shouting. Here are three simple versions of the shoe.
The Parisienne has been wearing ballerinas for years
We really need to talk about it. The Parisienne. That eternal style icon in a trench coat with a perfectly messy bun, effortlessly moving past the Eiffel Tower with an espresso in one hand and a cigarette in the other. That’s her – she wears ballerinas.
Très chic without trying too hard. Who wouldn’t want this? Oh yes, and say hello bye bye to your blisters. Let’s be honest: after a few seasons filled with loafers with soles thicker than my Sunday morning pancakes, it’s a breath of fresh air to have something subtle on your feet again. And ballerinas? They are soft, stylish, and ready to go – no band-aids needed.
From pearls to studs: the ballerina has it all
Check. Is a black ballerina just a bit too tame for you and would you rather take a step further? Then you’ll be happy with this news: there are so many fun variants with studs, pearls, mesh, and other nice details that make your inner French heart beat faster. Less nonchalant, more “Omg, look at her shoes” – of course pronounced with a French accent. And that’s exactly what you want, non? Below are my favorite pairs.
A bit of fashion history: how the ballerina became a fashion hit
Originally, ballerinas were inspired by – how could it be otherwise – the ballet shoe. But rest assured, you don’t have to do a split in them (you can, but you don’t have to), they are not meant to actually dance in. Around 1950, things really started to bubble in the fashion world. Women began to hit the streets en masse in these graceful shoes. And rightly so.
Which style ballerina suits you?
Okay, all nice and well, but what if you’re the one who always says: ‘Those chic shoes really don’t match my style’? Well, ballerinas are no longer the good little sister of your shoe closet, you know. Thanks to the huge variety of colors, materials, and details, they can be quite spicy. Whether you’re the minimalist cool girl, a sucker for romance, or more into the street style genre – there’s always a ballerina shoe that complements or enhances your look.
Are you going for classic and timeless? Then opt for a black or nude ballerina with a subtle bow. Perfect under a pair of jeans with a white blouse or with a chic pair of trousers and a blazer. For the Parisienne-in-training, so to speak. A timeless wardrobe? Shop these items from Zara.
Are you more into the boho vibes? Then ballerinas in suede, with embroidery or a little animal print are really something for you. Combine them with a flowy maxi dress, messy hair, and sunglasses on ‘I’m looking right through you’ mode – and you’re ready. More boho vibes? Check out this shopping.
For the streetwear queens among us: ballerinas with chunky soles, studs, or in metallic shades work great under cargo pants, jorts, or an oversized blazer. Think: balletcore meets urban. Here’s how to style a dress in the coolest way.
Even for a night out there’s a ballerina to be found: go for patent leather, a pointed toe, or a model with a slingback. Comfortable AND stylish – and you don’t have to take your shoes off halfway through the party. What more could one want? Uhm, yes, no hangover the morning after. Here you can read the best hangover tips and life is perfect again.
Fun facts about the ballerina shoe
- The ballerina shoe became really popular when Brigitte Bardot asked in 1956 for a dance shoe that you could also wear on the street. Thus, the Repetto Cendrillon was born.
- Not just for good girls, nowadays you can find them with studs, buckles, pointed toes, platforms, and in metallic. Think: punk meets Parisienne.
- Ultimate French fashion item: The ballerina is as French as croissants and a red lip.
- From dance floor to catwalk: Originally intended for ballerinas on stage, now a staple in the collections of Chanel, Miu Miu, The Row, and Zara.
