Three ways to style red ballet flats 

Today’s post combines two of my favourite 2023 trends that I’ll be continuing to reach for this year: the ballet flat and the colour red. This French style classic has been a staple in my wardrobe for close to two decades, though usually in a more traditional neutral. Adding in a loud burst of colour is a great way to add a sense of playfulness and vibrancy to a simple outfit. Below, you’ll find three ways to style red ballet flats, in line with a more minimalist or classic approach to dressing.

That said, you can take these three tips and apply them to your outfits, regardless of your own personal style.

A colourful accessory is such a simple way to add personality, but also acts as a complement when paired with analogous shades or in direct contrast with another bright hue.

The flats I’m wearing in each look below are from Margaux, in the “wide” sizing (a godsend if you have wide feet or bunions like me!). Will be sharing an in-depth review on these in the next week or so if you’re curious to see more ways to style them.

#1 | Worn with a monochromatic outfit

Wearing: Everlane alpaca sweater, UNIK.Space cord trousers (old but these are similar), Margaux red ballet flats, St Agni woven tote (also available here)

Here, the shoe shines. It’s the hero that our eyes are drawn to, as the pop of red punctuates an otherwise monochromatic outfit. Against all black it feels like a bit colour hit – you could also opt for any other neutral or head-to-toe colour (stick with one to get that contrast element!). This is my personal favourite as it really calls on playing up the vibrancy of the shoe choice, which comes across as exactly that. A very considered stylistic choice.

#2 | Worn with your favourite dress and a cute bag

Wearing: DISSH white maxi dress, Margaux red ballet flats, Polene bucket bag

Most of us tend to have a small handful of shoes that feel effortless. They become a go-to for most outfits and oftentimes are styles and colours that are the most versatile. Switching out a black ballerina for a red one is a simple style swap with high impact – and you will find that these work with more outfits than you’d think! A good trick is to opt for styles in complementary colours or dresses that have a touch of red in the print to create harmony and balance. This was essentially what I wore yesterday with the simple style swap of a perforated mini tote in place of the sculptural bucket bag.

#3 | As the finishing touch to a classic Parisienne look

Wearing: Ganni t-shirt, Minima Esenciales jeans, Everlane blazer, Margaux red ballet flats, Rue D’egeunie bag

Search “French girl style” and one of the key items you’ll see as part of any outfit is a chic ballerina flat (which BTW, this piece by Emmanuelle Maréchal is a great reflection on the myth of “quintessential French style”). I personally love how the cherry hue pops against the indigo denim, and worn with a blazer, there’s a touch of formality which is mirrored in the elegant choice of shoe. It gives you a nice balance of saturation and colour, and makes a vibrant coloured ballet flat feel approachable.

If you’ve been focused at all on trends for 2024, you’ll have noted that “girl-core” or just bows in general seem to be one of the central themes. Highlighting femininity, prettiness, playfulness, whimsy. And that little bow detail at the vamp of any good ballet flat to me feels representative of this. A great little tip if you are wanting to embrace that trend or wear a piece that feels like a subtle nod to it. Will be sharing more on 2024 trends in an upcoming YouTube video HERE if you’d like to subscribe.