There are a lot of cool shoe trends to get excited about this summer, and while we love the fun jelly shoes, embellished sandals, and nostalgic wedges that are dominating right now, we can’t help but notice the classic and timeless shoes fashion people are wearing on repeat. We’re talking about ballet flats. The simple shoes have become a fashion-person essential, adding a prim and polished touch to summer staples and statement pieces. We’re seeing them styled with basics such as slip skirts and sundresses, but fashion people are also wearing them in unexpected ways—contrasting them with sporty shorts and track pants for an of-the-moment look.

If you want more inspiration on how to wear your ballet flats this season, we’re sharing 10 specific pieces we’re seeing fashion people styling them with that will make your outfits look very summer 2026.

1. Capri Pants

Capri pants are the dominating style we’re seeing fashion people pair with their ballet flats, oozing a ’50s Audrey Hepburn vibe. Keep it current with a cool graphic tee or minimalist tank.

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2. Knee-Length Slip Skirt

Nineties-inspired knee-length slip skirts are trending hard, and you’re either styling them with kitten-heel thong sandals or classic ballet flats. Either way, you’re going to look 100% on-trend.

3. Sporty Shorts

One of the coolest ways to style ballet flats is with contrasting sporty shorts, adding an unexpected and fresh touch to your look. Opt for colorful, retro-looking nylon or track shorts, and finish with a relaxed button-down.

4. Lace-Trim Skirt

Lace-trim skirts are everywhere this season, and fashion people are opting to style them with classic ballet flats for a charming summer look. Finish the outfit with a cami top or relaxed graphic tee.

5. Track Pants

There is seriously nothing cooler than track pants with ballet flats—the perfect sporty-chic vibe.

6. Micro Shorts

For those of us loving the micro-shorts trend, ballet flats are the ideal shoes to wear with them, as they add instant polish and elevate the entire look.

7. Lace-Trim Shorts

Similar to lace-trim skirts, lace-trim shorts are a trend-forward option to style with classic flats. We’re spotting the combo all over Instagram.

8. Sundress

If you want to make your sundress feel more elevated, then ballet flats are a no-brainer. It’s a chic pairing for day to night.

9. Denim Shorts

Denim shorts are inherently super casual, but adding a pair of ballet flats gives them a more sophisticated and grown-up look.

10. Pull-On Shorts

Whether linen or cotton, easy and effortless pull-on or drawstring shorts will look even chicer when paired with timeless ballet flats.