This Fall, Bid Farewell to Ballerinas as a New Flat-Shoe Trend Emerges to Replace Them.
While still very much in demand, the allure of classic ballet flats may be (albeit slightly) diminishing. It's clear that flat shoes will continue to dominate throughout 2025, but for this fall, I already have the scoop on the trending flats poised to replace our cherished ballerinas: enter derby shoes. These styles are less formal than loafers or oxfords, yet more sophisticated than typical ballet flats, making them the unexpected new choice for a polished everyday look.
In his first Celine spring 2026 collection, Creative Director Michael Rider showcased model after model on the runway sporting derby shoes. Initially, the shoes seemed like standard flats due to their slim soles and glove-like fit, but on closer inspection, they revealed lace-up details. They were available in black, white, and bright cherry-red, paired with flowing trousers and shift dresses, often complemented by ankle socks for added depth. The collection balanced preppy and bourgeois styles, sparking excitement among fashion enthusiasts about the brand's fresh direction, indicating that this shoe trend will garner significant attention.
As for styling, these shoes aren't suited for Capris or skinny pants; instead, they pair best with jeans, loose trousers, and maxi skirts, which is likely how fashion-forward individuals will style them as fall arrives. Below, check out derby shoes on the Celine runway, and explore our trend picks if you want to stay ahead of the fashion game.
**Derby Shoes on the Runway**
*(Images credit: Celine)*
**Shop the Trend**
- **Lemaire**
*Leather Lace-Up Derby Loafers*
Just picture these with flowing cream trousers. Stylish.
- **Mansur Gavriel**
*Oxford Ballerina*
The sleek silhouette is the closest to a ballet flat you can find.
- **Kenneth Cole**
*Justice Square Toe Oxford*
Grab this budget-friendly pair at Nordstrom now before they sell out.
With a growing interest in retro 1970s-inspired track-and-field sneakers, it won't be long before derby sneakers like these gain traction too.
More appealing than loafers, yet more refined than regular ballerinas.
- **Vivaia**
*Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina*
If Charli XCX and Bella Hadid endorse them…
- **Aeyde**
*Black Isla Nappa Leather Derbys*
Just a heads-up: the Ssense sale section is particularly good right now.
These laces are quite on-trend.
- **Jeffrey Campbell**
*Zahra Woven Derby*
The woven texture makes them ideal for transitioning from summer to fall.
- **Repetto**
*White Lucien Ballet Loafers*
The French truly nailed it with these.
**More Flat Shoes We're Eyeing for Fall**
- **Reformation**
*Kaylee Loafers*
- **ZARA**
*Open Toe Slingback Shoes*
- **Shopbop**
*Schutz Courtney Flats*
- **Jamie Haller**
*The Boat Loafers*
- **Sperry X J.Crew**
*Authentic Original Two-Eye Boat Shoes in Roughout Suede*
- **Reformation**
*Britt Ballet Flat*
- **ALAÏA**
*Leather-Trimmed Suede Ballet Flats*
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