Luxury and trendy ballet flats

Origin and history of ballet flats: from dance shoe to fashion Icon

Ballet flats, as the name suggests, did not originate from the genius of a high-fashion designer, but rather to support and serve dancers. In 1947, Rose Repetto, an artisan and entrepreneur of Italian descent living in France, designed and created the first pair of ballet flats based on the needs of her son, a classical dancer and choreographer. From the combination of her craftsmanship and her son's artistic experience, the first ballet flats were born: lightweight, flexible, and durable, with a flat sole and open arch, perfect for accompanying movements with elegance and freedom.

A few years later, ballet flats found their way into cinema, thanks to actress and former dancer Brigitte Bardot, who reached out directly to Madame Repetto to commission a pair. The actress wore the "Cendrillon" flats, specially made for her, during the filming of And God Created Woman in 1956, and also sported them in her free time. From then on, ballet flats became a symbol of femininity and the object of desire for many women. Audrey Hepburn herself chose to wear them shortly afterward in the film Cinderella in Paris, further boosting their popularity and desirability. The flats worn by Audrey Hepburn were made for her by Ferragamo, with a rounded toe and a shell-like sole, establishing them as shoes not only of refined elegance but also of simple lines and absolute comfort.

The desire to emulate the great actresses of the time, along with the distinguishing features of ballet flats, such as comfort and versatility, allowed these shoes to spread quickly and win the hearts of many girls and women. These very qualities continue to make them trendy shoes with eclectic style, suitable for various looks and styles today.

Trendy ballet flats models:which ones to choose?

High-end brands have reinvented and elevated ballet flats, playing with unique shapes, materials, and details. The trendiest models of 2025 move away from classic round-toe ballet flats with bows and take on innovative, cutting-edge characteristics. The first noticeable change is in the shape of the toe: it no longer remains round, but embraces sharper, square, or pointed designs, adding modernity and bold character. This detail is the turning point that has brought ballet flats back into fashion, making them true it shoes.

Among the top models of 2025 are slingback ballet flats. The strap behind the ankle makes them perfect for the Spring/Summer season, adding an unconventional and stylish touch. Not only are they particularly comfortable and airy, but slingback flats also serve as a great alternative to more formal shoes like pumps or mules, offering more versatility in creating trendy looks. Another popular style seen on high-fashion runways is the Mary Jane ballet flat, featuring one or more straps across the foot. High-end brands have infused creativity into these straps, adding details such as studs and buckles, elevating the classic simplicity of ballet flats into a more intricate shoe that commands attention.

The luxury ballet flat selection at Divo Boutique

Divo Boutique offers an exclusive selection of designer ballet flats, carefully chosen with a keen eye on current trends and the distinctive, innovative elements of each pair. Sustainability in materials and craftsmanship is also a key factor in the selection process, ensuring the luxury ballet flats are eco-friendly and perfect for women who are conscious about sustainable fashion.

Ganni, which has gained popularity in recent years thanks to its iconic ballet flats, presents various models for the Spring/Summer 2025 season. These range from pointed slingback ballet flats adorned with straps and studs in animal print or bicolor patterns to truly innovative designs like lace-up ballet flats with a square toe. When it comes to ankle straps, Versace and MM6 Maison Margiela have created several Mary Jane ballet flats, which may seem more classic at first glance but have a contemporary and bold character. Versace’s square-cut toe adds a sharp edge, while MM6 Maison Margiela’s design follows the foot’s more fluid, curvaceous lines.

Uma Wang and Jil Sander, on the other hand, focus on a more minimalist and streamlined design for their ballet flats. Both brands place emphasis on the cutouts they create on the foot, showcasing geometric shapes and overlay effects. Far from conventional are the ballet flats from The Attico, which features slingback ballet flats with pointed toes and intricately woven suede, enriched with jewel-like studs that add a touch of light and unmistakable style. Stella McCartney also adorns her Mary Jane ballet flats with small silver studs, perfect for attracting attention in a discreet yet elegant way.

How to style ballet Flats: Outfit Ideas for Every Occasion

After highlighting the coolest ballet flat models and brands of the season, it's inevitable to wonder how to best showcase these shoes in various looks, whether you're going for bolder styles or more romantic and elegant outfits. Choosing the right pair of ballet flats is essential to elevate your wardrobe with class and character, while staying on-trend and ensuring you always feel the center of attention.

For a casual-chic style, perfect for shopping days or moments of relaxation, try pairing a soft blouse in muted colors with skinny jeans and Mary Jane ballet flats. These are ideal for adding a distinctive touch to your outfit while maintaining comfort, thanks to the practical ankle strap. If you're looking for a more modern and sophisticated look, we recommend pairing oversized garments like wide-leg trousers and a blazer with pointed-toe slingback ballet flats. This creates a fashionable and impactful contrast between loose and tight silhouettes. For romantic and elegant outfits, opt for jewel-embellished ballet flats paired with midi dresses or skirts. This combination will enhance the refinement of the look, adding shine and lightness.

No matter your style, we’re confident you'll find the perfect pair of luxury, on-trend ballet flats to elevate your outfits with an iconic shoe and exclusive details. Explore all our luxury ballet flats from the most renowned high-fashion brands and choose only the best with our curated online selection.