https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:03:30 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1540191 Sat, 15 Aug 2015 18:09:38 +0000 viva 1540191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not sure about the miles of walking, but KellyGirl posted this find and they look like a nice alternative to ballet flats. </p> <p>ETA: In her post, she said they were "all day shoes from the get-go." Promising.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1540188 Sat, 15 Aug 2015 17:55:36 +0000 gradfashionista 1540188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I found a pair of ballet flats with great arch support and an elasticized heel. Most people would find them quite comfortable. They do exist! </p> <p>That said, I recently read that women in my profession--which has a pretty accommodating dress code--should avoid ballet flats and MJs because they are "too girly." The academic consultant who advised this is pretty sensitive to gender, race and queer issues, so it's not a flippant comment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1539841 Sat, 15 Aug 2015 00:10:02 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1539841@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am liking the flats with the pointy toe. &nbsp;They look more current than the rounded toe to me and still have the comfort. &nbsp;Even better is a 1" wedge for just a bit of height which is often more comfortable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1539764 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 21:04:04 +0000 Anonymous 1539764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Still liking ballet flats but they have to fit my low volume foot well and provide arch support. I don't wear shoes that are too hard on the soles of my feet so some degree of cushioning is essential.</p> <p>&nbsp;They're very expensive for a fairly casual shoe but I've been very happy with my Arche Laius flats, and they've lasted extremely well.</p> <p>Annagybe, I love your multi strap maryjane idea. Sometimes the single strap ones look too little girl look to me but the multi straps never do, plus you get a little more vamp coverage like a bootie but without the weight.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1539755 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 20:25:14 +0000 TylerAnne 1539755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi! I'm probably too late to this thread, but I wanted to chime in about the comfort of the Jeffrey Campbell shoes. I have a pair of the Jeffrey Campbell Muskrat booties, which look to be exactly the same as what you posted, minus the perforations. They are not comfortable. There's no padding in the foot and I had to buy heel inserts (stick on) to keep them from slipping off. Socks of any kind aren't really an option, as my foot just slides around more. I should have returned them, but they are too beautiful for me to bear parting with. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1539729 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 18:44:29 +0000 kerlyn 1539729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Suz and LisaP, I can't wear ballet flats. They don't stay on, and they don't offer the support I need. &nbsp;I do,however, have a pair of mary-jane style slip-ons that I will wear around the house with leggings or dresses. &nbsp; I believe Angie said that Mary-Janes will be on trend this fall, so I look forward to shopping for a new pair. &nbsp;For some reason, even though there is a strap across the top of the foot, my pair still reads as fairly low vamp and stays on my foot better! &nbsp;</p> <p>Good luck in your quest! &nbsp;I'll probably be wearing a lot of ankle boots and mid-calf boots, even though they may not be very leg-lengthening! I can walk miles in my mid-calf boots!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1539697 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 17:49:49 +0000 Anonymous 1539697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are low vamped cons you might consider.<br /> A delicate t strap is another option.<br /> The Franco sartos that Angie recommends look pretty cool too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1539675 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 17:06:01 +0000 jacquez 1539675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So, I've never been able to wear ballet flats, and my go-to shoe in their place has been boat shoes. &nbsp;I generally wear the higher-vamped versions, but there are lower-vamped ones out there.</p> <p>I don't like to hike in mine (although I have done light hiking in them), but for urban/suburban walkabouts they're fine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1534393 Thu, 06 Aug 2015 01:52:30 +0000 Anonymous 1534393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For the record , I can't figure out ballet flats either. Every few years I think I should have a pair , wear them once or twice , and then they drift to the back of the closet . I always feel like I walk really awkwardly in them, and feel like my feet come down so hard on the floor. But then sometimes I think I I look like Audrey Hepburn and want to be all cute and gamine , and the process repeats itself. I can't figure them out at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1534163 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 21:58:36 +0000 Vicki 1534163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in the minority here, because I really like ballet flats, for their comfort and simplicity. &nbsp;I can't wear d'Orsay flats, because I have low-volume, flat feet and there's not enough support and I feel like my feet are loose in this style.</p> <p>I prefer pointy-toed ballet flats and have an old pair of J. Crew ones with a leather bow, but they did take some time to break them in. &nbsp;I just ordered a nude pair by French Sole, which are quilted and have a more rounded, but not too-rounded toe, and I will see how these work out for me. &nbsp;I recently purchased the UGG "Izabel Mar" flats with ankle straps and I really like them. &nbsp;I also have some metallic Stuart Weitzman ballet flats, but don't wear them too often until the autumn.</p> <p>In summertime, I wear more open-toed shoes, like my Sam Edelman Gigi sandals (no support, however) or my cage heels by Vince Camuto. &nbsp;I also like a sandal with a slight wedge, which can add comfort and balance, as you say.</p> <p>Wishing you the best in finding what makes your feet and you happy!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1533602 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 03:29:02 +0000 Meow 1533602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have never been a big ballet flat wearer. Somehow they just don't suit my figure. I think you need to be really really slim and straight - like Audrey Hepburn. Otherwise you look like you have little feet. I guess - that's my thinking but I could be wrong. I just know Ballet flats don't work for some people.<br /> Now, I totally get why you would want a low vamp shoe. We are in a serious fashion deficit of low vamp shoes right now. They really do lenghten the leg line.<br /> Comfortable shoes are always hard to find. Shoes that you can walk for miles - ugh. I've only found tennis shoes with orthodics to work.<br /> If you find this magic combo of low vamp, fashionable, comfortable shoe let us know....I'll be first in line to buy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1533584 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 03:02:56 +0000 Suz 1533584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do like those cut out booties -- they look promising! I don't have experience of Jeffrey Campbell shoes for comfort, but if they work for you, why not give them a try?&nbsp;</p> <p>I also concur with Thistle about hunting down comfort brands. You had some great sandals a while ago -- I can't remember which brand they were. But anyway -- if that company also makes shoes, check them out for sure. You never know.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also wanted to comment on colours. I think your choices make perfect sense. A bright, a pattern (esp. one that somewhat bookends), a light neutral, and a dark.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1533481 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 00:56:57 +0000 Thistle 1533481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am also going to say I have had a lot of luck with mid range comfort brands like Clarks, Earthies, Born, etc.&nbsp; I know a lot of people here swear by Aquatalia, Paul Green and the like, but my feet don't think there's enough padding (Clark's, especially has spoiled me. Even my gladiators from them has an excellent foot bed) and find them a bit too constricting. Not tight, per se, just like the feel of Belle Vita's better.&nbsp; My pocket books is okay with it, and my feet are happy.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1533477 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 00:54:09 +0000 Thistle 1533477@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You live in a very different climate than me. I recently gave away my one and only pair of ballet flats, and they'd been used 2 maybe 3 times. With my climate, booties, oxfords and smoking slippers just plain work better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1533383 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 22:59:11 +0000 abc 1533383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Staysfit, I think you are on to something, too. &nbsp;As a child I needed inserts to help my gait. &nbsp; I should probably look into this again. &nbsp;Thanks for the forehead slapping inducing suggestion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1533382 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 22:58:05 +0000 abc 1533382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, as usual, you're on to something here. I have a pair of perforated booties, but I see them as more transitional/fall/winter, even spring but not summer shoes. &nbsp;Why? &nbsp;Our summer is not that hot. &nbsp;I need to bust them out, pronto. &nbsp;As a matter of fact at the end of last season I recall wanting to upgrade them as the ones I have are faux leather and don't breathe. &nbsp;I am now officially obsessed with this pair of Jeffrey Campbell booties (below-find) as a replacement for mine. &nbsp;Thanks for pushing me to think outside of the box. &nbsp;If you don't mind and check back on this thread, feel free to weigh in on your opinion of this bootie bc I know we have similar style leanings as well as comfort needs. &nbsp;Thx in advance :)</p> <p>Laura, usually that style doesn't fit my wide forefoot and for some reason I have a poison eye for smoking slippers and loafers ON ME :(</p> <p>kkards, thanks for the specific suggestions. &nbsp;AGLs are on my list of ones to try based on reviews I see for comfort.</p> <p>Greyscale, love the JJills, those may be an option, thanks.</p> <p>deb, good suggestion to try to adjust my eye.</p> <p>Manny, thanks, as usual!!!</p> <p>Jeez, Anna, just when I decide something is out for me, it's back in style! LOL &nbsp;I am SO behind the fashion curve it's not even funny. &nbsp;Off to check your links now.</p> <p>AG, I like those but they may read a bit edgy for my style. &nbsp;Funny, I had to mentally thank YLF when I took a spin in Saks the other day, I was browsing the shoe department and saw THE REAL ROCKSTUDS and was giving myself a pat on the back for my fashion knowledge, just knowing the name of that shoe, I crack myself up ;)</p> <p>Thanks to all for weighing in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1533220 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 19:04:39 +0000 catgirl 1533220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have never worn ballet flats - they do not suit my style or feet, which look like hooves in tbem. I wear slip on pointed flats or oxfords and lately, these Halogens. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1533211 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 18:42:16 +0000 annagybe 1533211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also menswear shoes seem to be trending big time this fall, oxford and even more so loafers. Most with with thick sole leaning towards platform. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1533200 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 18:18:25 +0000 Staysfit 1533200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In my climate, boots and booties will continue to rule. I have 4-5 pairs of AGL Ballet flats which I wear with a Superfeet insert or orthotics (yes I have some that fit in Ballet flats). Goodbye to the abnormal gait issue. I have one foot that pronates, one that supinates, plus very high stiff arches and a leg length discrepancy.</p> <p>It sounds like you pronate, (foot rolls inwards when walking). I'm not a foot expert, but from all the running I have done, I know that just adding a wedge or what looks like supportive shoes may not correct this issue, you may need to see a Physical Therapist or Podiatrist for some guidance. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1533194 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 18:00:22 +0000 annagybe 1533194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wouldn't dump them.<br />It fashion person Alexa Chung is bringing them back&nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://thezoereport.com/how-to-wear-ballet-flats/">http://thezoereport.com/how-to-wear-ballet-flats/</a></p> <p>Second pic<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.whowhatwear.com/photo-galleries/alexa-chung/page/2">http://www.whowhatwear.com/pho.....ung/page/2</a></p> <p>And ManRepeller</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.whowhatwear.com/photo-galleries/alexa-chung/page/2">http://www.whowhatwear.com/pho.....ung/page/2</a></p> <p>And more</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.whowhatwear.com/photo-galleries/ballet-flats">http://www.whowhatwear.com/pho.....llet-flats</a> </p> <p>ETA I'm kind over booties, now considering lace-up or multi-strap maryjane flats</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1533172 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 17:32:13 +0000 Maneera 1533172@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey ABC,</p> <p>I do have few suggestions. </p> <p>1) Square toe low heeled pumps. These are very comfortable. I do own a pair and that has no gold buckle. </p> <p>2) Comfy espadrilles! These are so cool....and also trendy....Atleast right now. They have soft soles and while you do have a wedge heel, it's not a 'hard' heel that makes your foot feel uncomfortable. I don't know if you can understand what I mean without trying one, though. I have a low wedge peep toe in nude, and I love it. I could run in those shoes! These shoes usually read casual, but I suppose 80% of your day to day activities are casual anyways, right? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1533171 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 17:31:55 +0000 deb 1533171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had to dump my ballet flats when I injured my leg two years ago. I really missed them at first but going cold turkey was my only option so the replacements took some adjusting to. I went with the higher vamp slip on sneakers, oxfords, and loafers. It did take time to learn to love them because I&nbsp;felt the same as you because of proportion issues.&nbsp;I say by a pair you really like and are very comfortable and work with them until your eye adjusts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1533155 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 16:57:15 +0000 Greyscale 1533155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I drifted away from ballet flats a year or two ago, also. My last pair reached the end of its life some time last fall and since then I've had pointed-toe flats. One pair very similar to the Vince d'Orsay shoe but with a tiny wedge, and one pair of skimmers from J Jill. They don't stay on my feet perfectly, but they'r at least as good as ballet flats ever were.</p> <p>I'm also in love with these Vince slipper flats, though they're not low-vamp. I'm stalking them to see if they go on sale but they seem to be selling out quickly.</p> <p>I posted the black versions but they both come in other colors too, though I don't know if they match your current selections.</p> <p>Update - oops - I realized the J Jill ones were discontinued so they only have black left, but their d'Orsday flats come in other colors still. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1533147 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 16:43:06 +0000 kkards 1533147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>yes, in the past year or so I stopped wearing my ballet flats....for casual I've transitioned to&nbsp;sneakers. for work, pointed toe flats....the kate spade, which i own in both the natural and black, are, at least for me, walk for &nbsp;miles shoes, but they do require a "break in period". the vince d'orsay's are very comfortable, and its seems get updated into new colors every season, but are a smidge too flat for me to call wall for miles shoes. I find the AGL loafers very comfortable, but tend to wear them less because i find the shape and color (I own them in a cream that has a pinkish hue) a little hard to work with. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1533145 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 16:36:16 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1533145@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been wanting to make this shift myself - round-toed ballet flats just don't look current to me anymore. I've got some pointy-toed ones, but they may not resolve your gait/support issues any. </p> <p>What about loafers or smoking slippers? I'm thinking of something that has a slightly higher vamp than ballet flats, but not so much as oxfords. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1533140 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 16:29:09 +0000 Suz 1533140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I never phased them out because I never phased them in...I cannot wear them, period. They don't stay on and don't offer enough support for me.&nbsp;</p> <p>Yet I understand the appeal of a lower vamped shoe (leg lengthening) and I also <b>TOTALLY</b> understand the need for a walkable shoe, since that is the story of my life. If I can't walk miles in it, I won't wear it. Period.&nbsp;</p> <p>So, in my climate, for much of the year, the answer is booties. They're brilliant because:&nbsp;</p> <ol> <li>They stay on.&nbsp;</li> <li>They can be had in colours that harmonize with trousers, thereby lengthening leg &nbsp;line despite high vamp.&nbsp;</li> <li>They can be found in a variety of heel heights/ toe shapes.&nbsp;</li> </ol> <br />For the rest of the year, the answer is sandals. Because of straps. They stay on, they come in low wedges, etc.&nbsp;</p> <p>But in your climate, that's not a solution unless you turn to a perforated bootie and/or sandal bootie in a near-nude -- a light beige or taupe. I <b>strongly</b> encourage you to experiment with this option. You might surprise yourself.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am thinking of something like this. Mine's black, but Shannon has a beige version. The heel is very walkable. The Munro version is said to be brilliant, too.&nbsp;</p> <p>Granted, not closed toe, but you can find closed toe options.&nbsp;</p> <p>Another option would be a low wedge with a sort of ankle strap. I think this would work brilliantly for you. They're not that easy to find (I've been looking for a wedge version of the Holt without success) but I'm hoping some might appear in the next year or so.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/out-with-the-ballet-flats-in-with-the#post-1533135 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 16:18:10 +0000 abc 1533135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie's blog post today was timely for me.</p> <p>I've decided I need to phase out my ballet flats. &nbsp;I am torn on this decision, but it probably is the best for my feet.</p> <p>I have four pair in heavy rotation. &nbsp;All are showing signs of heavy wear (bc I DO wear them a lot). &nbsp;I've also noticed wear on the inside heels, indicating that my stride is not correctly supported in these shoes.</p> <p>I have pondered this for a while and even discussed it with forum member Maneera, who suggested (brilliantly) wedge peep toes as an almost even exchange. &nbsp;I do have two pair of Cole Haan Air Tali peep toe wedges (sandstone/nude and snake print -- both in finds below). &nbsp;They're comfy but not as walkable as my ballet flats.</p> <p>I definitely want something with <b>low vamp</b> as these ballet flats help even out my proportions. As much as I like oxfords and brogues on others, they just don't make me feel (or look, IMHO) fab.</p> <p>I have decided a <b>small heel</b> or <b>wedge</b> helps balance my proportions as well. &nbsp;Hopefully this gives more stability and support to my foot/stride as well.</p> <p>The key here is they MUST be <b>comfortable</b>, <b>walkable shoes</b> (as in hours/miles of walking in one day).</p> <p>I am looking to replace these <b>exact colors</b>, as they are all workhorses in my wardrobe.</p> <p>Finds of my current lineup included below.</p> <p>1. Silver<br />2. Black/tan animal print - with gold accent if possible<br />3. bright red (favoring patent, my pair is sans buckle, just plain red patent ballet flat)<br />4. black and gold sequin (pic)</p> <p>Has anyone else phased out ballet flats? &nbsp;Why? &nbsp;What was your experience? &nbsp;Suggestions, specific items, tales of your shoe woes are all welcome. &nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks a million in advance! </p>