Not Sandals—Every Chic Dresser is Wearing This French Summer Shoe Trend With Dresses and Skirts
Our take
The cyclical nature of fashion is undeniable, yet certain staples possess an enduring appeal that transcends fleeting trends. The resurgence of ballet flats, as highlighted in recent reports, exemplifies this beautifully. Their continued reign isn’t merely a revival; it’s a testament to their inherent versatility and quiet elegance. We’ve observed a similar phenomenon with accessories, as evidenced by the enduring popularity of understated, high-quality bags – After Weeks of Searching, I Finally Found the Perfect Summer Bag—And Every Chic Woman Already Owns It. The ballet flat, much like a perfectly chosen handbag, speaks volumes about a considered approach to style, prioritizing timelessness over novelty. This shift reflects a broader cultural mood – a desire for pieces that offer both sophistication and effortless wearability, mirroring the understated luxury many are now embracing. Even in beauty, the emphasis is moving towards understated refinement; a classic nail color like the one gaining traction this summer – Editors Agree—This Pretty, Low-Key Nail Colour is Taking Over Summer 2026 – demonstrates a similar appreciation for enduring appeal.
The ballet flat’s current popularity isn’t simply about returning to a previous aesthetic. The contemporary iteration is refined, often featuring elevated materials like supple leather or intricate detailing, moving beyond the more basic versions of the past. It’s a shoe that demands thoughtful styling – paired with midi skirts and dresses, it creates a silhouette that is both feminine and modern. The ability to transition seamlessly from daytime casual to evening chic further solidifies its position as a cornerstone of the modern wardrobe. This adaptability resonates strongly with the modern woman, who seeks pieces that can effortlessly integrate into various facets of her life, whether navigating bustling city streets or attending a sophisticated soiree. The key is the curation; it’s not about accumulating trends, but about investing in pieces that possess lasting value and can be styled in countless ways.
This trend also speaks to a broader movement away from overtly maximalist styles. After years of embracing bold prints and statement silhouettes, there’s a growing appreciation for quiet luxury and understated elegance. The ballet flat, with its clean lines and minimal design, perfectly embodies this sensibility. It’s a rejection of the performative aspects of fashion, opting instead for a more intimate and personal expression of style. The recent interest in enhanced, yet natural-looking beauty routines – exemplified by products like the highly anticipated new mascara I've Secretly Been Testing Merit's New Mascara Ahead of Its Launch, And It Doesn't Disappoint – further underscores this shift towards a more refined and authentic aesthetic. The ballet flat, in this context, becomes a symbol of confident self-assuredness, requiring no flashy embellishments to make a statement.
Ultimately, the enduring appeal of the ballet flat suggests a broader recalibration within the fashion landscape. We anticipate a continued emphasis on timeless silhouettes, high-quality materials, and versatile pieces that can be styled across seasons and occasions. The question moving forward isn't whether ballet flats will remain relevant, but rather, how designers will continue to innovate within this classic framework, ensuring its continued appeal for the discerning modern dresser. Will we see the emergence of new textures, colors, or detailing that will further elevate the ballet flat’s position as a wardrobe essential, or will the focus remain on perfecting the fundamentals of this enduring style?
The reign of ballet flats is far from over, and the trend is proving to be one of the most versatile shoe choices across seasons. Hence, there's no better time for a compilation of summer outfits with ballet flats.
Like the mesh, Mary Janes, studs and woven flats of autumn and spring, summer has just as many potential outfit combinations that shine with this shoe type. Flats carry the sophistication of a heel, without the usual discomfort, and an elevated aesthetic that often surpasses that of more casual flip-flop and sandal styles.
I'll be honest—I've approached the current resurgence of ballet flats with scepticism. The last pair I wore were metallic pink with a chiffon bow, circa 2014. Of course, times have changed, and I'll be the first to admit that ballet flats bring much more to the metaphorical fashion table now. They're truly a workhorse of a summer shoe. Sarah Pidgeon styled hers with bootcut jeans recently, and fashionable French women have been pairing theirs with cropped jeans.
Yet, what I find most compelling about flats is how elegant they are without stifling your feet. Even though they feature a closed toe, they feel less stuffy than a loafer or high-vamp heel when it's hot out. It's clear their comeback is absolutely warranted.
Since these shoes are firmly planted in our wardrobes for the foreseeable, here are six lovely summer outfits to wear with ballet flats that you can turn to again and again all season.
6 Summer Outfits with Ballet Flats to Wear in 2026
1. Lace Mini Dress + Netted Mary-Jane Ballet Flats + Raffia Bag
Style Notes: Sometimes the simplest outfits are the most stylish, and that's certainly the case for a mini dress and ballet flats. In just two pieces, you'll feel put together, though the right accessories can make it feel all the more fashionable. Take it from Lisbon-based stylist Débora Rosa, who added a basket bag and oval sunnies to her outfit. Her choice of a romantic, boho-style dress and sleeker black flats also create the perfect level of contrast.
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A mini dress makes summer dressing so much simpler. This Dôen dress is one you can dress up or down.
The woven texture makes these black ballet flats feel fit for summer.
The black and white stripes make this basket bag fit for day and night occasions.
2. Linen Top + Balloon Trousers + White Ballet Flats
Style Notes: With balloon trousers trending, and linen shirts always returning each summer, I've been searching for options to wear with these other than flip-flops or sandals. Ballet flats are an excellent choice, as their low profile and chic silhouette don't compete for attention against the volume of a balloon trouser or laid-back appeal of linen—however, they still feel polished. This pairing looks exceptionally pretty in a tonal palette, too, as Oslo-based fashion creator Nnenna Echem has done.
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Wear this on its own or layered over top of a vest.
Balloon trousers look great with flats, sandals and heeled flip-flops.
These would work with so many styles of shorts, jeans, skirts, dresses and summer trousers.
3. Cardigan + Lace-Trim Shorts + Black Flats
Style Notes: One of the prettiest looks that has carried over from spring is the lace trend. Showing up in the form of lace-trim skirts, shorts and dresses, these delicate pieces look lovely with ballet flats. You can interpret this outfit in so many ways, whether you choose to maintain that romantic feel and wear mesh or light-coloured flats, or opt for flats that punctuate a lacy outfit, like a sleek black pair.
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A gorgeous choice for cooler summer evenings.
DÔEN's lace-trimmed shorts come in five pale hues that are perfect for summer.
The quaint strap box gives these ballet flats a more minimal appearance.
4. Check Top + Light Wash Denim + Colourful Ballet Flats
Style Notes: If you're looking for ways to create summer outfits with jeans, don't forget about ballet flats. With a high-neck camisole, especially one that's checked or gingham, and lighter-wash denim, you can create a look that feels summery whilst still incorporating jeans and flats. Consider flats in a similar tone that complement your jeans (such as light blue) or in a pale neutral that contributes to the lightness of the season.
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The square, high neckline feels so chic, as does the subtle gingham print.
You can make light wash denim feel modern again by choosing a trendy silhouette, like this balloon pair.
Don't sleep on more colourful ballet flats. Light blue works so well with all your jeans and is a nice alternative to neutrals.
5. Sheer Top + Bermuda Shorts + Mesh Flats
Style Notes: Long shorts are the look that keeps on giving, whether you're on board with the silk Bermudas trend or have found a number of ways to style Bermuda shorts to get the most out of having them in your summer capsule. But rather than just reserving them for heels and sandals, consider pairing them with ballet flats. If elegance is what you're after, I'd save New York-based fashion and beauty editor Aniyah Morinia's outfit for inspiration. An all-white ensemble with sheer textures is undeniably ethereal for warm-weather days.
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This gossamer cape top comes with a camisole, but you can also style it over a silk vest or lace bralette.
The length and slightly flared hem make this pair exceptionally chic.
It's hard to beat Dear France's Balla style, which is so beautiful because of its simplicity.
6. Cotton Maxi Sundress + Ballet Flats + Pendant Necklace
Style Notes: Meet the longer outfit counterpart to the mini dress and flats look. A maxi dress looks just as elevated with ballet flats and gives you a completely different look. Whilst many mini dresses are leaning boho and lacy, a long cotton sundress feels exceptionally minimalist. Pair with a structured handbag and simple jewellery pieces for a uniform that'll remain timeless for this summer and the next.
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Add black ballet flats and you have a fail-proof look.
You can wear this style from summer through to next spring.
This necklace may make a statement but the sleek shape and simple cord keep it minimalist-approved.
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