Are ballet flats a thing of the past? - YouLookFab Forum

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Are ballet flats a thing of the past?

4babiesMe

I have been noticing a lot of posts here about booties. Is that what's "in" right now? Is this the new ballet flat? What do you wear with skinny jeans (if not boots)? I don't know if I can pull booties off. I feel like the look would cut my legs off. Are ballet flats out now? I'm a newbie, so bear with me. I've spent the last 7 years in and out of maternity clothes and my "fat" clothes. LOL

Dressing

17 replies

Latest reply was from T-Rex

4babiesMe

I definitely need to read up on Angie's blog!

Charmian

Veteran

Welcome, 4babiesMe! Can't wait to see you post more.

I don't think ballet flat are "out"! They're classic items that will always look good, but they don't seem to be "trendy" at the moment, as high-vamp footwear seems to be moving into that space (spring 2013 trends).

Poke around for a bit -- Angie's blog has lots of good tips on how to style them. These three posts might help you get started.

Kristin SF

Veteran

I also think you're seeing a lot of bootie posts purely because of the season. It's hard (i.e., cold) to wear ballet flats in winter!

Come spring/summer, you might see folks posting WIWs with ballet flats.

They don't seem to be out of style. For example, GAP has some super cute flats right now, I want a pair in every color but they don't make them in 5.5.
http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=351416022

Also, check out how they're styling their skinny skimmer-length pants....with ballet flats!

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ElleH

Veteran

Welcome 4babiesme! I dont know if ballet flats are dated. I rarely find a pair that are comfortable for my wide feet.i can size up in boots & they dont fall off. Angie also has posts about alternative flats that aren't booties. Oxfords & slipper flats. Perhaps you can post the question in"Ask Angie" if you want her opinion.

Anonymous

I don't think ballet flats are dated either. There are lots of new styles coming into the shops now. I however, can't wear them as they just fall off my feet due to narrow ankles. I also prefer a slightly higher heel.

Raisin

Veteran

I hope not because I wear them ALL summer long! I think the more modern trend is the loafer or oxford though. I have a pair of each, but I am keeping my flats as well. They are just so darn easy and cute!

Thistle

Veteran

I am with Kristin SF. It really is seasonal. I think ballet flats are fab, and there are a ton for sale in the spring collections coming into stores.

That said, I won't be wearing spring clothes until May. Then summer will be here in June and I will reach or sandals for the few months we have summer.

Ballet flats tend to look best without socks, and with the three feet of snow on the ground, going to be a long while before I can go without socks.

4babiesMe

Phew. Glad to hear it. I love me a cute ballet flat.

Glory

Veteran

I agree with the other fabbers - they are great and if you can find a comfy pair that works definately go for it

rute

Veteran

No, not dated at all! This season we see a lot of loafers, but also ballet flats!

ironkurtin

Veteran

Not for me! I like the kind with the square toe in front, like they are actual ballet shoes only, you know, not.

bj1111

Veteran

i'm done buying them but not wearing them.

Emily

Veteran

I swapped my booties for ballet flats when I got to my desk this morning Definitely a seasonal thing.

T-Rex

Veteran

Ballet flats are classic, and don't go out of style. If you live in a warm climate, you can wear them during the winter instead of booties, and they will look just fine.

I really love flats with a pointier toe as an alternative to the ballet flat. I think they were called skimmers back in the 80's when they were all the rage. I had one pair in white, and another in tan woven leather. I think I wore them every day. I would love to own a couple pairs of those again.

Lisa

Veteran

I think ballet flats are still in, just not as one trend as booties right now.

Anonymous

For me ballet flats are seasonal too. Right now I'm wearing booties, oxfords and loafers more for added warmth, but each nice day when the temps rise, the ballet flats come back out.

T-Rex

Veteran

I like a little bit of heel with my skinny jeans if I'm not wearing boots or converse sneakers with them. I feel like the converse cut me off short, but they are fun, so it's pretty easy to get past that.

If you feel that flats aren't flattering with your jeans, try a low or mid heel shoe. My usual shoe choice with my skinnies are a pair of Born clogs with a high-ish heel (4 inches, but it's a platform so it doesn't feel that high) that are decorated with studs. I like the clogs because I can wear them with or without socks, so I can wear them during the winter. If you go with a heeled shoe, I would pick something substantial like that rather than a more delicate high heel. (And you definitely wouldn't need to go as high as my example in order to get the effect of an elongated leg.)

I couldn't find a pic of my shoes, but these are similar enough for show and tell. Just imagine them with a few more studs, and more of a biker vibe.

http://www.zappos.com/born-wen.....n-metallic

http://www.zappos.com/frye-aud.....ap_pdp_acc

I have no idea if they are trendy or fashionable. I just feel kind of tough when I wear them, and that's good enough for me.