Ladies, it’s time to give those heels a rest. This year’s must have shoe is as foot friendly and comfortable as it is stylish. What is it? It’s the women’s ballet flat and it goes almost anywhere. This little wisp of a shoe will truly make you feel like dancing as you step into it for the office and for parties.
What is a woman’s ballet flat and why is it one of the most important shoes of the season? Ballerinas and professional dancers have known about them for years and have worn them as their standard ballet exercise shoe. Now the little ballet flat has come into its own and can be found in a variety of sophisticated materials including suede, satin, velvet, and even patent leather. They’ve been embraced by top shoe designers including Christian Dior and Marc Jacobs who have given them that magical designer touch. Best of all, these simple little shoes can be worn with almost anything from jeans to a little black dress.
The one question that seems to vex most women is the problem of how to wear ballet flats. There’s the misperception that only women who are super slim and tall can wear women’s ballet flats. Nothing could be further from the truth. The secret is in knowing how to select ballet flats that are right for your build and how to coordinate them with your wardrobe. When you discover how good these shoes feel, you’ll be glad you discovered them.
If you don’t quite have the physique of a runway fashion model, it’s probably best to invest in a pair of dark women’s ballet flats without a lot of details. Black is an excellent choice as it will coordinate so well with the other items in your wardrobe. Because ballet flats have a tendency to make your legs look shorter, you’ll want to lengthen your body by wearing them with a coordinating monochromatic outfit.
Try pairing your black ballet flats with black opaque stockings or leotards and a simple, straight, black skirt, or dress. Because of the leg shortening effect, you’ll want to wear a skirt or dress that’s slightly shorter to add the illusion of leg length. A straight black skirt, black stockings, and a long straight, turtle neck sweater will give you a casual, yet office friendly look. Your feet will thank you at the end of the day for giving them a break from those heels.
Women’s ballet flats are also a natural with Capri pants, straight cut jeans and pants as well as leggings which are so popular this year. Again, a monochromatic look in a dark color will add leg length and the illusion of height. A cute look for the younger set is to don a pair of leggings and a shorter dress worn as a long shirt. Put on a one of the new thick belts that are popular this season and add a pair of coordinating ballet flats. This is a very artsy and comfortable look for a variety of occasions.
Once you know how to wear ballet flats, you’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again because they’re so versatile and comfortable. They’re a great way to look stylish while giving your feet a rest.
