Flip-flops are quite predictable—this surprising flat alternative will elevate bikinis to a more sophisticated level.

Flip-flops are quite predictable—this surprising flat alternative will elevate bikinis to a more sophisticated level.

      Although summer hasn't officially arrived, I'm already focused on warm-weather outfits since I plan to spend a few weekends in the Hamptons and a week in Spain in August. One area of my wardrobe I'm sorting out is swimwear. I've got my classic black bikini and reliable one-piece, and I've recently added a contrast-trim bikini and a tankini—two of the top swim trends for 2026. In this category, I still need to figure out how to style these pieces in a fresh and elegant manner. One styling idea that I found on Pinterest and fully support is pairing bikinis with ballet flats instead of the usual flip-flops.

      You may wonder, who wears bikinis with flats and why? And that’s a fair question. The combination might seem odd at first, but upon further reflection, it actually makes sense. For several weeks, I've been discussing the importance of unexpected outfit combinations in creating an interesting and chic look for 2026. For instance, stylist Allison Bornstein's viral "wrong shoe theory" promotes the idea of selecting shoes that intentionally clash with the rest of the outfit, resulting in an effortlessly cool and eye-catching appearance. The bikini and ballet flat pairing exemplifies this concept.

      Whether on a secluded island or in the South of France, fashion influencers are endorsing this bikini-and-ballet-flats combination. Naomi Campbell was seen on the beach in Saint-Tropez wearing black mesh flats, a striped bikini, and a minidress. Bella Hadid shared vacation photos on Instagram, one of which featured her in a graphic tee matched with a red-and-white bikini and red ballet flats. Another recent sighting included content creator Lucy Williams, who sported a black bikini with a sheer long-sleeve tunic, minishorts, and turquoise high-vamp flats.

      It's important to note that not all ballet flats are equally stylish when paired with bikinis. The best options are summer-appropriate styles, such as those made from mesh, raffia, and lightweight leather, as opposed to heavy materials like suede or shearling. For more insight, keep scrolling to shop the best bikinis and ballet flats while discovering how these fashion experts are thoughtfully combining them.

      **How Fashion People Are Styling Bikinis and Ballet Flats**

      **Style Notes**: Bikini + Minidress + Mesh Ballet Flats

      **Style Notes**: Graphic T-shirt + Bikini + Red Ballet Flats

      **Style Notes**: Long-sleeve Tunic + Shorts + High-vamp Ballet Flats

      **Shop the Best Bikinis**

      **ZARA**

      Solid Underwire Bikini Top

      Don't miss out on Zara's swimwear that looks high-end.

      **J.Crew**

      String Bikini Top in Striped Towel Terry

      Contrast-trim bikinis are currently in vogue.

      **MANGO**

      Polka Dot Triangle Bikini Top

      I'm definitely interested in an itty bitty brown polka dot bikini.

      **Le Bop**

      Colorblock Bikini Top

      Shopbop's in-house brand Le Bop has just launched stylish swimwear that is already selling out.

      **Reformation**

      Viola Bikini Top

      This piece has a distinct French Riviera vibe.

      **Shop the Best Ballet Flats**

      **Nordstrom**

      Maddox Ballet Flat

      These flats resemble the trendy ones often worn by Kendall Jenner.

      **ZARA**

      Braided Ballet Flats

      These have a cool-girl aesthetic.

      **Rag & Bone**

      Poppi Ballet Flats

      Recreate Naomi Campbell's beach look with these mesh flats.

      **Madewell**

      The Remy Mary Jane Flat

      I love the contrast between the mesh and leather.

Flip-flops are quite predictable—this surprising flat alternative will elevate bikinis to a more sophisticated level. Flip-flops are quite predictable—this surprising flat alternative will elevate bikinis to a more sophisticated level. Flip-flops are quite predictable—this surprising flat alternative will elevate bikinis to a more sophisticated level. Flip-flops are quite predictable—this surprising flat alternative will elevate bikinis to a more sophisticated level. Flip-flops are quite predictable—this surprising flat alternative will elevate bikinis to a more sophisticated level. Flip-flops are quite predictable—this surprising flat alternative will elevate bikinis to a more sophisticated level. Flip-flops are quite predictable—this surprising flat alternative will elevate bikinis to a more sophisticated level. Flip-flops are quite predictable—this surprising flat alternative will elevate bikinis to a more sophisticated level. Flip-flops are quite predictable—this surprising flat alternative will elevate bikinis to a more sophisticated level. Flip-flops are quite predictable—this surprising flat alternative will elevate bikinis to a more sophisticated level. Flip-flops are quite predictable—this surprising flat alternative will elevate bikinis to a more sophisticated level. Flip-flops are quite predictable—this surprising flat alternative will elevate bikinis to a more sophisticated level. Flip-flops are quite predictable—this surprising flat alternative will elevate bikinis to a more sophisticated level.

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Flip-flops are quite predictable—this surprising flat alternative will elevate bikinis to a more sophisticated level.

Get them ready for your European summer.