Satin Ballet Flats Are the Prettiest Shoe You’ll Ever Wear

Since fashion collectively toned down the emphasis on heels in favour of flat-footed shoes, I’ve been curating my flats collection with care. First came supple leather pairs, followed by velvety suede iterations, but now I’ve landed on the fabrication that feels more elevated than the rest: satin. Specifically, satin ballet flats.

Elsa Hosk wears pink satin ballet flats with a satin two-piece and a pink bag.

There’s something about satin’s glossy finish that transforms a simple silhouette into something infinitely more polished. Satin ballerinas shimmer softly, lending a graceful luminosity that makes them feel extremely pretty and more dressed up than their leather counterparts.

@annelauremais wears a pair of white Miu Miu satin ballet flats with burgundy socks and blye jeans

Of course, their charm lies partly in nostalgia. Reminiscent of the pointe shoes dancers pirouette in, satin ballet flats carry a certain romantic vibe that makes them a joy to style. By proxy, they also have the ability to make the more basic items in your wardrobe—jeans, leggings and the such like—feel more special.

And while it’s easy to find them in delicate shades of blush and powder pink, this season’s take has evolved. I’ve spotted versions in rich chocolate browns, moody jet blacks, and jewel-toned shades that offer a striking alternative to the classic pastel palette.

Hailey Beiber reaches into her bag wearing black satin ballet flats with a black leather jacket.

The fashion set has already embraced them wholeheartedly. Miu Miu’s satin ballerinas, in particular, have been spotted on Hailey Bieber, Alexa Chung, Rosalía and Amelia Grey. And while Miu Miu might be leading the charge, plenty of other brands have followed suit, putting their own spin on the trend.

Influencer @iamsaraouardii wears a white satin skirt with a whit4e blazer and satin ballet flats.

From H&M’s glossy satin Mary Janes to Reformation’s sumptuous jewel-tone pairs, there’s a style to suit all. Below, I’ve rounded up the prettiest satin ballet flats worth slipping into right now.