https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:32:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn/page/2#post-782277 Mon, 26 Nov 2012 17:52:27 +0000 Aziraphale 782277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have never had much use for ballet flats, since for one thing they don't really go with my vaguely rock and roll style, and for another thing they don't do much for my shape -- I often need a little volume added to the bottom half, and ballet flats are just about the worst type of footwear for that! It seems to me that you've got a bit of the rock and roll thing going on too -- sort of indie rock -- which is maybe why you're not wearing your ballet flats much. To my eye, the pointy ones with the zips and the black studded ones seem the best for your style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn/page/2#post-782218 Mon, 26 Nov 2012 15:29:43 +0000 rae 782218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Uh oh, I was going to say keep #3, because they look summer friendly and would be a good nude alternative. I hope those aren't the grandma ones! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn/page/2#post-782129 Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:47:23 +0000 Janet 782129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's good to know I'm not alone! So funny how something that seemed so "me" a year or so ago doesn't seem that way so much now. I can definitely stand to cut down this collection, and shoe storage is my main wardrobe storage challenge. </p> <p>I really do seem to go from sandals to boots with little in between. I think oxfords have a longer seasonal span because they're so wearable with or without socks, and I like the masculine edge they bring to an outfit. I've also started wearing Cons and lower-heeled booties, which suit my need for comfy-feet but casual days, and back when I bought all of these shoes, a pair of Cons had never touched my feet!</p> <p>One of these pairs of shoes was already on the chopping block since my husband said back in the spring that they looked a little grandma-ish. Interestingly, I think they're the ones that no one has picked as keepers. Unfortunately, they're also the most summer-friendly! But they're not my faves, and they still have some good life in them, so I'm going to let them and three other pairs go. </p> <p>The brown suede zipper pointy toes are a little tricky. They look very fall/winter to me. I may challenge myself to wear them this week. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn/page/2#post-782043 Mon, 26 Nov 2012 06:50:15 +0000 CocoLion 782043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I owned 3 pairs, got rid of 2 that didn't stay on my feet right or fit well. I am left with one pair that I keep for trips to the opera. If I park far away, I wear the suede flats walking multiple blocks then change into my sitting shoes. So for me they are travel shoes, completely functional and not about style. I look at them as a better option to running shoes, which I wore on my commute to work in the 80s. It used to be a common NYC sight to see women in skirt suits wearing athletic shoes, walking briskly along the avenues on their way to their corporate jobs. I kept my heels under my desk; we all did. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn/page/2#post-782039 Mon, 26 Nov 2012 05:57:47 +0000 Adelfa 782039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love ballet flats--the idea of them anyway. I don't wear mine much either. Sigh. I think for me it's mainly weather related. During our long, hot summer I don't want my toes boxed up. And our winter is just cold enough that booties or boots are more comfortable. So it seems as if there are a few weeks in the Spring and a few weeks in the Fall when I want to wear them. I need to remind myself not to sink money into this category of shoe. Hard because I adore the clean, classic vibe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-782030 Mon, 26 Nov 2012 05:08:33 +0000 Anonymous 782030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My ballet flats went unworn for an entire year, but I started loving them again this summer It's too cold for me to wear them now, but I plan to when spring arrives. </p> <p>I thought they were a bit too classic and girly for me for a while, but now i like wearing them to soften edgier looks.</p> <p>I love your flats! Especially jealous of #1! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-781952 Mon, 26 Nov 2012 02:31:00 +0000 Mochi 781952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, they're the perfect airport security shoe, are they not?</p> <p>Janet, I think the Giveable that I ended up with, and which I fell in love with on this site, is an exception. One, in that it's so comfortable, supportive, and stays securely on the foot. Two, somehow it's graphically interesting and not at all girly to me. The way Angie was wearing hers, they were so appealing, and so I took the plunge. As I've said, on principle there's something weird about this style, and I'm looking at pics of other examples to see if there's a way to toughen them up. I even saw a cool pair of Frye flats in some distressed leather pattern, but really, even if I like this shoe, there's another shoe out there I would like and wear more. So that's a long-winded way of saying, I still haven't figured it out but they're just not going to work out, just like a nice person you really don't want to date. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-781892 Mon, 26 Nov 2012 01:39:57 +0000 Suz 781892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such an interesting thread. </p> <p>I only own two pair of flats partly because they don't stay on my feet well, partly because they're seasonally difficult (how often do I get to wear them, really....they feel like a barefeet shoe to me and that means summer and that is sandal season....). But the biggest reason I don't own them is that they somehow don't feel like "me" even though I sometimes truly like the look on others. </p> <p>None of that helps you very much in your choices, but I think IK gives good counsel; keep half of them, and if those ones ALSO go unworn for a year, then purge even those away! </p> <p>Somehow ballet flats don't seem like the right shoe for your style. But at the same time, we sometimes need flats for travel, so owning a pair or two is not a bad thing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-781874 Mon, 26 Nov 2012 01:26:59 +0000 catgirl 781874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not looking at comments, the first three seem like you in style and color. The rest are all much girlier and I would never have expected them on you. :)</p> <p>I do not and have never worn ballet flats - in fact, they are a bit of a poison eye for me unless they are worn very deliberately rather than as a default (sort of like Angie's view on opaque black tights). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-781764 Sun, 25 Nov 2012 22:06:34 +0000 Ariadne 781764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Without reading any of the other comments, I like 1, 2, 4 and 5 for you because they have a bit of rocker edge. I would re-home the rest. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-781480 Sun, 25 Nov 2012 03:38:08 +0000 deb 781480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The three things I do not purge because they are unworn are shoes, belts and jewelry. If they are classic styles they will come around again. Box them and put them on a top shelf and dig them out in two years. You never know when you will need flats. A bum knee, twisted ankle or something else. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-781465 Sun, 25 Nov 2012 02:57:01 +0000 Janet 781465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great feedback, thanks! </p> <p>I don't mind a little toe cleavage. I know some others do, but it's never bothered me. I am leaning toward keeping one light colored option (1), 4, 6, and 7. #6 is probably the most comfortable of the lot (Born). I have a similarly colored pair of loafers, so I think the Borns have taken a back seat to the loafers recently, but they're classic and comfortable enough that I'm reluctant to let them go. Great shoes for travel.</p> <p>There is one other pair I photographed and didn't even bother to share because I didn't like the way they looked on my foot -- they've barely been worn, but they're going into the donation bag. I like 4 but somehow rarely have found myself reaching for brown shoes. I'd like to move them up in my closet though and see if they get a little love before I let them go. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-781452 Sun, 25 Nov 2012 02:02:14 +0000 Jaime 781452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also prefer oxfords to ballet shoes. I have two ballet flats I can think of and every now and then wear them but wear oxfords most days. Of these I would keep #7 (which is already a given) and #6. I like the color and shape. Even though I go for masculine style shoes, I also like pointy toes - go figure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-781434 Sun, 25 Nov 2012 01:18:51 +0000 cciele 781434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm thinking maybe a combo of weather, trends, and shift in style has moved you away from ballet flats. Perhaps oxfords feel fresh and more in keeping with your style.</p> <p>I like the pointy toe zipper ones the best out of what you've posted,</p> <p>As far as personal experience goes... I'm not a fan of ballet flats so have never owned any </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-781393 Sat, 24 Nov 2012 23:31:34 +0000 ironkurtin 781393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd suggesting getting rid of half if you're not wearing these. My votes for keepers are 1, 6, and 7 - those are classics that won't be dated by next spring. IMO anyway. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-781387 Sat, 24 Nov 2012 22:52:57 +0000 Caro in Oz 781387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Given what I've seen of your style:<br /> I LOVE #7 so glad you are keeping them.<br /> I can see #4 working with your style but if you would wear #7 in preference to them then let them go.<br /> #6 Although they have the bow (=girly) I think the colour makes them useful.<br /> The others don't speak to me........maybe it is the round toe? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-781212 Sat, 24 Nov 2012 15:46:44 +0000 Mochi 781212@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to say that bows put the shoe over the top in daintiness for me. And pointy toes. And how do you feel about toe cleavage, by the way? So flats are problematic (though I basically think most of the ones you own are well-designed, and have a lot of potential if you are willing to use them.)</p> <p>Strangely, since reading the Ines book, I have this completely weird lust for Roger Vivier flats with the huge buckles. Don't ask me why. I have this inner bourgeoise chichi Parisian woman that's trying to break out? </p> <p><a href="http://www.rogervivierla.com/roger-vivier-belle-de-nuit-patent-leather-ballerina-shoes-black-item-15.html?zenid=aa578c32723ceabb4dbd67512e5be538" rel="nofollow">http://www.rogervivierla.com/r.....512e5be538</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-781202 Sat, 24 Nov 2012 15:36:16 +0000 Raisin 781202@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like 1,2 and 7, although 1 may be showing a little too much "toe cleavage" for me. I don't like that for some reason. I'm not a fan of pointy shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-781193 Sat, 24 Nov 2012 15:22:31 +0000 modgrl 781193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I only wear mine in spring and summer. Aren't you a winter boot girl?<br /> Can you put your flats in holding until they are seasonally appropriate then make a decision? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-781187 Sat, 24 Nov 2012 15:17:36 +0000 Mo 781187@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I only skimmed the post, so correct me if I'm off base - to me the flats with the bows seem very girly for your style. By contrast, I love the zipper and stud ones for you. They are more rock n roll. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-781182 Sat, 24 Nov 2012 15:07:18 +0000 Janet 781182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I rounded up the flats for the perusal of anyone who is interested. I have an idea of some to keep, but I want to hear opinions too. My keepers would lean toward warm-weather wear, I think. </p> <p>I think one reason why I'm enjoying oxfords and even my one pair of loafers more than these shoes is because they have less tendency to slip off my heels. My feet are not fussy, but my narrow heels mean that sometimes flats are a little tricky to keep on the foot. </p> <p>Pic #7 is the one I absolutely know I'm keeping -- black Repettos. Well worn but they are very light and comfortable, and I throw them into my bag on almost every trip I take as an alternate/emergency shoe. More classic that my usual style would dictate, but they work for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-781168 Sat, 24 Nov 2012 13:41:09 +0000 rae 781168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I have never really liked ballet flats. I have my Crocs ones I bought for when my feet really need a break at work, but that's about it. They're never a style choice. I think I feel the same as Caro - they're really feminine/dainty, and that isn't something I'm looking for in footwear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-781152 Sat, 24 Nov 2012 11:48:04 +0000 Raisin 781152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I personally love flats, and am still wearing them! But that's more due to a lack of seasonal shoes other than high boots for fall. But if you hardly wear them, and you just went through summer, I don't see why not to cull a few pairs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-781103 Sat, 24 Nov 2012 03:55:21 +0000 Caro in Oz 781103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting that several of us are moving away from ballet flats. I'm finding that I didn't wear all my 'classic" footwear, like ballet flats &amp; brown riding boots anywhere near as much as my booties &amp; biker boots this winter. It is hard to tell whether I'll return to them or not but I don't have the space to keep very many things that I'm not wearing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-781083 Sat, 24 Nov 2012 03:25:53 +0000 annagybe 781083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a lot of ballet flats, expensive ballet flats. AGL, Burberry, DKNY, Ecco and random fancy Italian brands. I haven't worn them in over a year. I should probably purge and sell them. They hang in a shoe organizer in the spare bedroom, so out of sight out, out of mind. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-781040 Sat, 24 Nov 2012 00:25:55 +0000 Mochi 781040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, I'm completely unsurprised that your ballet flats are going unworn. It would seem that it's a style that's kind of young and gamine...or maybe not just that, because very sophisticated French women (just as an example) do pull off the look, but for some reason I also find it doesn't exactly suit me. I bought the Stuart Weitzman Giveables after seeing Angie rock them, and they are totally cool and gorgeous and fairly versatile (basic color-blocked in cream and navy), and furthermore, up until recently they were the most expensive shoe I ever bought and I'm trying to give them a wear now and then when the weather's cooperating, of course. But they're not quite me. I will never give them up, but they're the only ballet flat I own and probably will own. </p> <p>I'm admittedly surprised that you don't wear them with skinnies or straight legs, because I thought that this was the classic pairing. But in any case, I easily see you sporting oxfords and can't remember a WIW with a ballet flat. Maybe we should stretch ourselves and try to figure out how to incorporate them into more RATE or mod looks? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-780994 Fri, 23 Nov 2012 22:36:39 +0000 Jenava 780994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hm, I hear you, but you never know what you'll be in the mood for come spring and summer this year! If you have any pairs you are on the fence about then I'd let those go, but otherwise I vote keep! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-780978 Fri, 23 Nov 2012 21:36:48 +0000 Janet 780978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Caro, I suspect the "girly" thing is a factor for me too. And yes, I have space for a holding zone where I can put them to see if I feel compelled to drag them out. One pair in particular is quite fall-ish -- they're brown suede, and they have a zipper detail which I think is what attracted me to them -- but I have not felt like wearing them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-780969 Fri, 23 Nov 2012 21:21:09 +0000 Transcona Shannon 780969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think of ballet flats as completely seasonal footwear - especially where I live (although I was briefly eyeing a Stuart Weitzman pair). I only have one pair - my orange Borns - and they are definitely summery.</p> <p>I've been wearing my oxfords and my booties a ton and those are definitely my footwear choices for now.</p> <p>I don't know if I'd cull them just yet Janet - do you have a "holding" zone you could put them into until you are really sure you're over them? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ballet-flats-going-unworn#post-780967 Fri, 23 Nov 2012 21:18:38 +0000 Caro in Oz 780967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I culled my ballet flats last year (our seasons are opposite). I kept one nude pair. They felt a bit girly to me &amp; I also felt better in a more masculine type shoe. If you aren't sure &amp; have the room I suggest you put them away until spring. If you don't reach for them then you will know for sure. </p>