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It's time the ever-present, always polished, and oft-overlooked ballet flat gets its due. To BAZAAR fashion and accessories editor Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, ballet flats always outlast fleeting shoe trends because they're seasonless and adaptable to any wardrobe. "There’s nothing I love more than a versatile shoe," she tells me. "Ballet flats are both elegant and comfortable—they quite literally tie your look together with a bow."
Of course, only the best pairs of ballet flats will last through years, even decades, of outfits. Sarah Flint, the designer behind a namesake line of comfortable flats and heels, says fit and materials are the top two components of any ballet flat worth wearing. At her label, "We use 6mm of discreet padding, a soft lining, and a more flexible heel counter to ensure day-long comfort," Flint says. For comparable quality at other brands, look for memory foam padded-soles and responsibly-sourced leather for ballet flats that mold to your feet (and look polished doing so).
Once you have your flats in hand, the styling comes naturally. "I love vintage fashion, so I like to pair ballet flats with ’50s-inspired pieces like cigarette pants and A-line dresses," Flint tells us. The ballet flats' materials will guide the overall vibe: Cohen says suede ballet flats are best for laid back outfits with denim, while ankle-tie pairs pair with floating skirts and mini dresses. Choose from 17 timeless pairs ahead, then let the outfits follow.
