This Fall, Bid Farewell to Ballerinas as a New Flat Shoe Trend Takes Over.
The enduring appeal of classic ballet flats may be (slightly) diminishing. There's no doubt that flat footwear will maintain its popularity throughout 2025, yet for this fall, I have insights into the emerging trend of flats that may replace our cherished ballerinas. Enter derby shoes. These aren't as formal as loafers or oxfords, but they offer more sophistication than typical ballet flats, making them an unexpected new style that provides a touch of everyday elegance. In his inaugural Celine spring 2026 collection, Creative Director Michael Rider sent model after model down the runway sporting derby shoes. At first glance, the shoes resembled standard flats with their sleek soles and snug fits, but upon a closer look, they revealed lace-up accents. They came in black, white, and vibrant cherry-red tones, paired with flowy trousers and shift dresses, usually complemented by ankle socks for added texture. The collection achieved a blend of preppy and bourgeois styles, generating excitement within the fashion community regarding the house's innovative direction, indicating that this is a shoe trend that will certainly attract attention.
In terms of styling, these shoes are best worn with jeans, relaxed trousers, and maxi skirts rather than Capris or skinny pants, which is how I foresee fashion enthusiasts wearing them as fall approaches. Below, you can see how derby shoes were showcased on the Celine runway, followed by our selected picks of the trend for those wishing to stay ahead of the fashion curve.
**Derby Shoes on the Runway**
*(Image credit: Celine)*
*(Image credit: Celine)*
*(Image credit: Celine)*
**Shop the Trend**
- **Lemaire**
Leather Lace-Up Derby Loafers
Just picture these paired with flowing cream trousers. Stylish.
- **Mansur Gavriel**
Oxford Ballerina
The slim-soled shape is as close to a ballet flat as possible.
- **Kenneth Cole**
Justice Square Toe Oxford
Get this affordable option at Nordstrom now before it becomes popular (and sells out).
With a trend for retro 1970s-inspired track-and-field sneakers, it’s only a matter of time before derby sneakers like these gain traction as well.
More appealing than loafers but more sophisticated than regular ballerinas.
- **Vivaia**
Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina
If Charli XCX and Bella Hadid are on board…
- **Aeyde**
Black Isla Nappa Leather Derbys
Reminder that the Ssense sale section is particularly good right now.
These laces have a very unique style.
- **Jeffrey Campbell**
Zahra Woven Derby
The woven design is ideal for transitioning from summer to fall.
- **Repetto**
White Lucien Ballet Loafers
The French executed this style perfectly.
**More Flat Shoes We're Considering 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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This Fall, Bid Farewell to Ballerinas as a New Flat Shoe Trend Takes Over.
And it's even more advanced.