As the temperature falls, there’s no need to pack away your favorite ballet flats for the season. Winter may demand some sacrifices—like bare arms, daylight after 5 p.m., and guilt-free iced coffee—but your go-to shoes don’t have to be among them. With a little creativity, ballet flats can be perfect for colder days. Try pairing them with ribbed socks peeking out from your pants, opt for cozy shearling-lined styles that feel like warm slippers, or choose rich winter textures that add depth to the look. Here’s how to keep the most elegant shoes in your closet in rotation all winter long.
Vogue’s Top Ballet Flats:
– The Cherry Red
Mansur Gavriel Dream flats – $395 at NORDSTROM
– The Shearling-Lined
Staud Alba shearling flats – $450 at NET-A-PORTER
– The Embellished Mary Janes
Valentino Garavani Endouce flats – $980 at NET-A-PORTER
Styling Tips for Winter:
1. Add a Pop of Red with Shearling and Cords
Transition your fall ballet flats for winter by wearing them with chunky white socks. Balance the look with textured pieces like corduroy pants and a shearling jacket.
– Nour Hammour Drey jacket – $1,730 at NET-A-PORTER
– Costailored shirt – $109 at COS
– Alex Mill Camden pants – $195 at ALEX MILL
– Mansur Gavriel Dream flats – $395 at NORDSTROM
– Gap CashSoft socks – $16 at GAP
– Coach Gramercy tote bag – $495 at COACH
2. Shearling-Lined Flats with a Suede Jacket and Knit Pants
Staud’s fuzzy flats are ideal for winter. For a relaxed off-duty outfit, combine them with knit pants and a suede jacket.
– Blazé Milano Tatoosh jacket – $2,335 at NET-A-PORTER
– Guest in Residence cable turtleneck – $545 at SHOPBOP
– Gap relaxed sweater pants – $70 at GAP
– Staud Alba shearling flats – $450 at NET-A-PORTER
– Lemaire Croissant shoulder bag – $1,395 at MYTHERESA
– Elisa Johnson Jane sunglasses – $195 at SHOPBOP
3. Embellished Mary Janes with a Maxi Coat
Make your dressy flats winter-ready by wearing them with opaque tights. Add a dramatic touch with a long, sweeping coat.
– Liberowe wool coat – $3,190 at NET-A-PORTER
– J.Crew Cora lady jacket – $258 at J.CREW
– Cos pleated skirt – $169 at COS
– Valentino Garavani Endouce flats – $980 at NET-A-PORTER
– J.Crew sheer tights – $30 at J.CREW
– Ana Luisa Frida huggie hoops – $65 at ANA LUISA
4. The Sneakerina with a Cozy Set
Sporty ballet-sneaker hybrids are not only stylish but also practical for winter, thanks to their durable, water-resistant soles.
– Toteme felt coat – $1,490 at NET-A-PORTER
– Suzie Kondi Saba sweatshirt – $225 at NET-A-PORTER
– Suzie Kondi Tinos track pants – $225 at NET-A-PORTER
– Puma Speedcat Ballet sneakers – $80 at NORDSTROM
– Celine Triomphe 52mm sunglasses – $550 at NORDSTROM
– Dries Van Noten March tote bag – $1,255 at MYTHERESA
5. Classic Black with Stirrups and a Blazer
Stirrup leggings are a trendy alternative to socks or tights and look great with ballet flats. Complete the outfit with an oversized blazer for a proportional twist.
– Róhe double-breasted blazer – $905 at NET-A-PORTER
– Banana Republic cashmere turtleneck sweater – $250 at BANANA REPUBLIC
– Leset Rio stirrup pants – $160 at SHOPBOP
– Khaite Charlotte Ballerina flats – $920 at FWRD
– Mango geometric scarf – $36 at MANGO
– Prada tote bag – $4,600 at PRADA
6. Plush Flats with Jeans and a Luxe Jacket
Le Monde Beryl’s après-ski shearling flats aren’t just for the mountains. Wear them in the city with dark wash jeans and thick socks for a chic look.
– Yves Salomon shearling jacket – $3,435 at NET-A-PORTER
– Everlane The Boyfriend shirt – $118 at EVERLANE
– J.Crew feather jersey turtleneck – $45 at J.CREW
– Levi’s Low Loose jeans – $108 at LEVI’S
– Le Monde Béryl Après ski flats – $595 at NORDSTROM
– Cos silk socks – $25 at COS
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a helpful and clear list of FAQs about wearing ballet flats in winter
Beginner General Questions
1 Can you actually wear ballet flats in the winter
Yes absolutely With the right preparation and accessories you can wear them comfortably on dry cold days
2 Arent my feet going to be freezing
They can be but you can prevent this by choosing the right materials and adding warm layers like socks or insoles
3 What kind of socks should I wear with ballet flats
Opt for noshow socks made of warm materials like merino wool or thermal fabric For a fashionforward look try a thin fitted sock that peeks out slightly at the ankle
4 How do I keep my feet dry
The best defense is to avoid wearing them in rain slush or snow If you get caught in a drizzle a waterproofing spray designed for shoes can offer some protection
5 Are some ballet flats better for winter than others
Yes Look for flats made of leather or suede with a durable sole and a closed toe rather than open cutout styles
Practical Tips ProblemSolving
6 My flats feel too tight when I wear socks What can I do
If you plan to wear them primarily with socks consider buying a halfsize up You can also try using a shoe stretcher or wearing them with thick socks around the house to break them in
7 How can I make my flats warmer without bulky socks
Use thermal or fleecelined insoles They add a thin invisible layer of warmth that makes a huge difference without changing the fit of the shoe
8 What do I do if the ground is wet or salted
Wipe your flats down with a damp cloth as soon as you get inside to remove salt and moisture Stuff them with newspaper to help them dry and keep their shape Always let them air dry away from direct heat
9 Can I wear my ballet flats in the snow
Its not recommended The thin soles offer little insulation or grip and moisture will quickly soak through ruining the shoes and making your feet very cold
10 What outfits work best with ballet flats in winter
They look great with cropped or cuffed trousers skinny jeans and
