There are a lot of cool shoe trends to get excited about this summer, and while we love the fun jelly shoes, embellished sandals, and nostalgic wedges that are dominating right now, we can’t help but notice the classic and timeless shoes fashion people are wearing on repeat. We’re talking about ballet flats. The simple shoes have become a fashion-person essential, adding a prim and polished touch to summer staples and statement pieces. We’re seeing them styled with basics such as slip skirts and sundresses, but fashion people are also wearing them in unexpected ways—contrasting them with sporty shorts and track pants for an of-the-moment look.
If you want more inspiration on how to wear your ballet flats this season, we’re sharing 10 specific pieces we’re seeing fashion people styling them with that will make your outfits look very summer 2026.
1. Capri Pants
Capri pants are the dominating style we’re seeing fashion people pair with their ballet flats, oozing a ’50s Audrey Hepburn vibe. Keep it current with a cool graphic tee or minimalist tank.
Open Edit
Stretch Twill Capri Pants
2. Knee-Length Slip Skirt
Nineties-inspired knee-length slip skirts are trending hard, and you’re either styling them with kitten-heel thong sandals or classic ballet flats. Either way, you’re going to look 100% on-trend.
LIONESS
Shoreline Sheer Cover-Up Skirt
Reformation
Layla Knee Length Skirt
Free People
My Little Midi Skirt
3. Sporty Shorts
One of the coolest ways to style ballet flats is with contrasting sporty shorts, adding an unexpected and fresh touch to your look. Opt for colorful, retro-looking nylon or track shorts, and finish with a relaxed button-down.
Collusion
Mini Track Nylon Shorts in Red
ZARA
Nylon Drawstring Shorts
superdown
Demia Track Short
4. Lace-Trim Skirt
Lace-trim skirts are everywhere this season, and fashion people are opting to style them with classic ballet flats for a charming summer look. Finish the outfit with a cami top or relaxed graphic tee.
Topshop
Satin Mini Slip Skirt in Lime With Pale Pink Lace
Wilfred
Henrietta Satin Mini Skirt
Reformation
Carolina Silk Skirt
LIONESS
Bella Lace Detail Satin Skirt
5. Track Pants
There is seriously nothing cooler than track pants with ballet flats—the perfect sporty-chic vibe.
LIONESS
Red Eye Track Pant
4th & Reckless
Tammy Tailored Trousers
DONNI
The Eco-Terry Stripe Crop Pant
6. Micro Shorts
For those of us loving the micro-shorts trend, ballet flats are the ideal shoes to wear with them, as they add instant polish and elevate the entire look.
Reformation
June Low Rise Short
EDIKTED
Eisley Striped Foldover Micro Shorts
Free People
Ana Printed Micro Short
7. Lace-Trim Shorts
Similar to lace-trim skirts, lace-trim shorts are a trend-forward option to style with classic flats. We’re spotting the combo all over Instagram.
Reformation
Fern Satin Short
zara
Satin Effect Lace Mini Shorts
Open Edit
Lace Trim Satin Shorts
Princess Polly
Parisse Lace Trim Satin Shorts
8. Sundress
If you want to make your sundress feel more elevated, then ballet flats are a no-brainer. It’s a chic pairing for day to night.
J.Crew
Lace-Trim Mini Beach Dress
ZARA
Poplin Godet Midi Dress
Esmee Curve
Tie Straps Shirred Beach Maxi Dress in Black & White Gingham
Quince
100% European Linen Mini Skort Dress in White
9. Denim Shorts
Denim shorts are inherently super casual, but adding a pair of ballet flats gives them a more sophisticated and grown-up look.
Topshop
Ultrashort Denim Shorts
ZARA
Trf Low-Rise Denim Mini Shorts
AGOLDE
Parker High Waist Denim Cutoff Shorts
10. Pull-On Shorts
Whether linen or cotton, easy and effortless pull-on or drawstring shorts will look even chicer when paired with timeless ballet flats.
Little Moon
Sail Linen Short
J.Crew
Cruise Drawstring Short in Cotton Poplin
ZARA
Flowy Shorts With Elastic Waist and Buttons
J.Crew
Beach Short in Hampton Linen-Blend
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