If you've recently rewatched Black Swan, you're not alone. The ballet aesthetic is taking over our social media feeds, and since last spring, TikTok users have been trying to master the trend that's being called 'Balletcore'. It started with leg warmers worn with anything and everything (even Jennifer Garner is into it). Now wrap skirts are back, too, along with the popular but simple shoe trend of the late '90s: ballet flats. Basically, everyone wants to dress like Lily-Rose Depp, including Katie Holmes.
Holmes was recently spotted out in New York wearing the Maskc plaid kN95 that's now sold out (she is, no doubt, part of the reason) with a pair of flare jeans layered with a red plaid jacket, A.P.C.'s Grace bag, and a pair of baby blue Yuni Buffa ballet flats. While Holmes has a knack for starting unexpected trends by accident, this was no coincidence. She's probably just as influenced as the rest of us by all of the platform Miu Miu and classic The Row ballet flats on social media.
The great thing about ballet flats, unlike something like clogs, is that they're relatively uncontroversial. Sure, they fell out of the trend cycle for a while, but they were also notoriously worn by Kate Moss, and nothing ever worn by the style legend herself could ever be up for debate. Alexa Chung never stopped wearing hers either, which is further proof that ballet flats are, without a doubt, a timeless look.
And if you don't fit into your worn-in pairs from middle school, the other great thing is they're relatively affordable to buy new. These Lucky brand flats at Nordstrom, for example, are $59, and they look just as expensive as the kind that's styled on supermodels on the runway. If you want to go more high fashion, Louboutin makes an unconventional square toe ballet flat, as does Frame (for a couple hundred dollars less). Tory Burch's have a pearl detail and are a little bit more whimsical, not to mention, they're also currently on sale. And if you do want to cause a bit of a stir, Maison Margiela's famous tabis (a personal favorite!) come in ballet flat form.
Basically, in 2022, we're channeling our childhood dreams of becoming a ballerina through practical footwear. Natalie Portman who?
Khaite Logo Ballet Flat Shop now: $236 (Originally $590); nordstrom.com
Tory Burch Charm Ballet Flat Shop now: $187 (Originally $278); nordstrom.com
Lucky Brand Emmie Flat Shop now: $59; nordstrom.com
Christian Louboutin Mamadrague Square Toe Ballet Flat Shop now: $595; nordstrom.com
Chloe Scalloped Ballet Flat Shop now: $495; nordstrom.com
Mansur Gavriel Square Toe Ballerina Flat Shop now: $237 (Originally $395); nordstrom.com
Rag & Bone Elly Ballet Flat Shop now: $195; nordstrom.com
The Flexx Riseco Quilted Ballet Flat Shop now: $100 (Originally $140); nordstrom.com
Sam Edelman Meg Flat Shop now: $78 (Originally $130); nordstrom.com
Frame Le Sunset Square Toe Ballet Flat Shop now: $195 (Originally $325); nordstrom.com
Madewell The Adelle Ballet Flat Shop now: $118; nordstrom.com
Maison Margiela Tabi Flat Shop now: $650; nordstrom.com
Ara Belinda Ballet Flat Shop now: $175; nordstrom.com
Prada Mary Jane Ballet Flat Shop now: $725; nordstrom.com
Tory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet Flat Shop now: $228; nordstrom.com