Over the past few seasons, brands have been taking inspiration from the beautiful world of ballet: from sleek bodysuits to whimsical tulle skirts, it is now easier than ever to channel your inner ballerina!
One ballet-inspired trend that has caught my eye in particular, though, is lace-up ballet flats, specifically flats with ribbons that tie around the ankle like ballet shoes. And, ever since I saw the gorgeous high-end versions by designers such as Miu Miu and Ballet Beautiful, I knew I had to get a pair for myself!
Luckily, more affordable retailers such as Zara and ASOS have started selling their own versions of lace up ballet flats, making it easy for everyone to participate, regardless of budget.
Keep scrolling to see four ways to style lace-up ballet flats that will inspire you to incorporate ballerina fashion into your wardrobe.
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Lace-Up Ballet Flats: Outfit #1
Products: Dress – Gap, Cuff – Barneys Warehouse, Necklace – Nordstrom Rack, Hat – Kohl’s, Flats – Saks Off 5th, Earrings – Nordstrom Rack, Bag – Forever 21
Whether you’re running errands or meeting some friends for brunch, this laid-back but trendy outfit is the perfect way to integrate tie-up ballet flats into your everyday wardrobe.
I chose these pretty pale-pink ballerina flats because they look very much like traditional ballet shoes, and would look great with just about any outfit.
As for the rest of the look, simply throw on a casual t-shirt dress, grab a chic white bucket bag, and accessorize with dainty jewelry; this delicate cuff bracelet (which, at the time of writing, is 40% off its sale price of $29), this boho star-and-moon lariat necklace, and these cute stud earrings are perfect for adding some subtle sparkle to your ensemble.
Lastly, don a straw panama hat to protect your face from the summer sun.
Lace-Up Ballet Flats: Outfit #2
Products: Dress – ASOS, Earrings – Nordstrom Rack, Nail Polish – Macy’s, Liquid Lipstick – Colour Pop, Bracelet – Nordstrom Rack, Clutch – Accessorize, Flats – Topshop
Who says that flats have to be casual? If you have a special event and don’t like wearing heels, a pair of satin lace-up flats are just as dressy; not to mention that they’re infinitely more comfortable!
For a fun look that’s sure to stand out (in a good way!), pair these muted blue-green ballerina flats from Topshop with a girly bright pink fit-and-flare lace dress. (Note that this one is a splurge, but if your style is feminine and you have a lot of events coming up this Summer, I’d say it’s definitely a worthwhile investment.)
Next, add some unique pavé curved bar studs and a gemstone bracelet with a modern-antique feel.
Pick up a pale neutral-toned clutch to keep the attention on your shoes and dress, and finish off the look by swiping on some pink matte liquid lipstick and a subtly shimmery baby blue nail polish.
Also read: My Shoe Obsession: Pointy Toed Flats
Lace-Up Ballet Flats: Outfit #3
Products: Top – Bloomingdale’s, Sunglasses – Nordstrom Rack, Belt – shoes.com, Shorts – Gap, Necklace – J.Crew Factory, Bracelet – Nordstrom, Earrings – Nordstrom Rack, Flats – Zappos, Bag – Nordstrom Rack
This outfit is the perfect example of how to wear ballerina flats to class, if you’re in school for the summer semester, or even just out and about. Plus, this look, with its unique denim lace-up flats, is a great way to test out denim accessories if you haven’t already.
Start off by tucking a sophisticated ruffled blouse into a pair of high-waisted denim shorts. Add a pretty bow belt to emphasize your waist.
Now on to jewelry: I chose this chic statement necklace because it’d look great against the blue tones in the outfit; gold crystal-embellished marquise earrings and a cool hook-detail bracelet add further visual interest to the ensemble.
Put on a pair of classic black sunglasses and grab a goes-with-everything faux leather bag, and you’re all set to go!
Lace-Up Ballet Flats: Outfit #4
Products: Dress – ASOS, Nail Polish – Target, Bangle – Nordstrom Rack, Earrings – BaubleBar, Clutch – Lord & Taylor, Flats – Lord & Taylor
I’ve saved the most dramatic look for last, and, like Outfit #2, this ensemble is an example of how to wear ballet flats for a night out; in fact, these gorgeous gold-and-black ballerina flats look perfectly at-home when paired with a cocktail/black-tie outfit.
Although it’ll look like you spent a long time getting dressed up in this ensemble, it’s actually really easy to put together!
Just put on an elegant lace-and-tulle midi dress. (Like the dress featured in Outfit #2, this one is a little on the expensive side, but the fact that you can pair it with almost any accessories and wear it year-round makes it a smart splurge.)
Next, add a vintage-looking flower bangle and some classy pearl drop earrings.
A low-key black clutch is always a safe choice, considering that the tie-up flats I included in this outfit are more extravagant-looking (although feel free to choose a more boldly colored clutch if you’re feeling brave).
Finally, paint your nails in a classic true red for a little pop of color.
What do you think?
Would you wear tie-up ballet flats? Does the dance world inspire your wardrobe? If so, what kinds of dance are you inspired by? Let me know in the comments!