The following are five options for summer's easiest and most versatile shoe – the ballet flat. The shoes range in price from splurge-worthy $500+ to affordable shoes under $100.
Lanvin Printed Ballet Flat
This white and blue (with touches of pink) patterned ballet flat features a flat blue grosgrain ribbon bow across the toe. The colors are summer-inspired and the shoe is completely flat, perfect for running around during warm weather.
The blue complements a pair of jeans, and also jazzes up an all-white outfit (a summer staple). This style of shoe also looks right with a summer dress, whether a simple sheath or A-line skirt.
Can these shoes still be worn once summer ends? Yes, with dark jeans and a chunky sweater, they’ll still look fresh. ($545, Barneys New York)
Isaac Mizrahi ‘Bella’ Flat
This peep-toe flat is available in tan kid leather, black kid leather or leopard print suede. Each features a bow tied across the toe. Each of the three fabrics makes for a very different shoe, but the tan kid leather may perhaps be the most versatile and summer-inspired.
The color is light enough that it’s appropriate for daytime and looks good with both nicer outfits and casual wear. Tan is a neutral, complimenting many different colors. There’s a slight lift to the heel, which makes it easier to wear with jeans or a pencil skirt. ($149, Zappos)
Geox ‘Donna Lola’ Flat
This beige flat features a black patent cap toe and a thin decorative buckle between the beige and toe. The fabric is waterproof so this would be a good shoe for those who live in climates that receive unexpected summer rainstorms.
It’s a professional-looking shoe that would be appropriate with office attire, but can also be “dressed down” with a casual pair of pants or dress.
The neutral colors make the shoe very versatile and it can also be worn throughout fall and next year. The style isn’t disappearing anytime soon. ($130, Piperlime)
Sam Endelman ‘Candela’ Flat
This classic ballet flat also features a ribbon on the toe,but this one is simple a thin bow. The Candela flat comes in three different colors of snakeskin print. The black and the purple are solid colored and rely more on the texture to make them interesting; they’re also easy to match with any outfit.
The third option, terracotta, is a medley of colors, made up of black, brown and tan. The mixture of colors makes this shoe a bit fancier looking and would compliment a party outfit. It could also be worn casually during the day, though the darker color does make it more appropriate for a summer night. ($99.95, Nordstrom)
‘Helen’ Buckle Metallic Peep-Toe
This pewter-colored leather flat features a silver buckle on the toe as well as black suede detailing around the edges. The ‘Helen’ shoe looks appropriate for a casual office setting, provided the office approves of open-toed shoes, because of its professional color and style.
Pewter looks fantastic with gray, and this shoe would go well with anything gray from slacks to a dress. The shoe is cushioned and though it’s a flat, the heel has a bit of a lift so that it’ll compliment jeans or a pencil skirt. This is another shoe that will last longer than summer because the color, buckle and suede detail transcends well into fall and winter with a dark-colored or all-black outfit. ($98, Banana Republic)
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