Forget Sandals—This French Summer Shoe Trend is Being Worn by Every Stylish Dresser with Dresses and Skirts.
The reign of ballet flats is far from finished, and this trend is turning out to be one of the most adaptable shoe selections throughout various seasons. Therefore, it’s the perfect moment to gather summer outfit ideas featuring ballet flats. Just like the mesh, Mary Janes, studs, and woven flats seen in autumn and spring, summer offers numerous outfit combinations that highlight this shoe style. Flats maintain the elegance of heels without the typical discomfort and provide an elevated look that often exceeds that of more casual flip-flops and sandals.
I'll be honest—I've approached the recent revival of ballet flats with some doubt. The last pair I owned was metallic pink with a chiffon bow, back in 2014. Naturally, times have shifted, and I readily acknowledge that ballet flats now contribute much more to the fashion landscape. They are truly a summertime staple. Sarah Pidgeon recently styled hers with bootcut jeans, while fashionable French women have been pairing theirs with cropped jeans. What I find particularly appealing about flats is their elegance without constraining your feet. Despite having a closed toe, they feel less confining than loafers or high-vamp heels during warm weather. It's evident that their return is well-deserved. As these shoes are set to remain in our wardrobes for the foreseeable future, here are six charming summer outfits to wear with ballet flats that you can rely on repeatedly throughout the season.
**6 Summer Outfits with Ballet Flats to Wear in 2026**
1. **Lace Mini Dress + Netted Mary-Jane Ballet Flats + Raffia Bag**
**Style Notes:** Sometimes the simplest outfits are the most stylish, and this certainly applies to a mini dress paired with ballet flats. With just two pieces, you’ll feel well put together, and the right accessories can enhance the look further. Take a cue from Lisbon-based stylist Débora Rosa, who accessorized with a basket bag and oval sunglasses. Her choice of a romantic, boho-style dress and sleek black flats creates an ideal contrast.
**Shop the Look:**
- **DÔEN** Lelia Embroidered Lace-Trimmed Organic Cotton-Voile Nightdress
- **H&M** Leather Mary Jane ballet pumps
- **Liffner** Single Handle Basket Black and Cream
2. **Linen Top + Balloon Trousers + White Ballet Flats**
**Style Notes:** With balloon trousers trending and linen shirts making a seasonal comeback each summer, I’ve been searching for choices to wear with them aside from flip-flops or sandals. Ballet flats serve as a perfect option, as their low profile and chic silhouette don't compete with the volume of balloon trousers or the relaxed nature of linen—but they still exude polish. This combination looks particularly lovely in a tonal palette, as shown by Oslo-based fashion creator Nnenna Echem.
**Shop the Look:**
- **With Nothing Underneath** The Weekend
- **Soeur** Trousers Vernon Ecru
- **Reformation** Buffy Ruched Ballet Flat
3. **Cardigan + Lace-Trim Shorts + Black Flats**
**Style Notes:** One of the most beautiful looks carried over from spring is the lace trend. Appearing in lace-trimmed skirts, shorts, and dresses, these delicate pieces pair beautifully with ballet flats. You can style this outfit in various ways—either maintain a romantic vibe with mesh or light-colored flats, or choose a sleek black pair to add contrast to a lacy look.
**Shop the Look:**
- **Reformation** Hannah Crew Cardigan
- **DÔEN** Iona Lace-Trimmed Silk-Satin Shorts
- **LE MONDE BERYL** Leather Mary Jane Ballet Flats
4. **Check Top + Light Wash Denim + Colourful Ballet Flats**
**Style Notes:** If you’re looking for ways to create summer outfits with jeans, don’t overlook ballet flats. By pairing a high-neck camisole, especially one in a checked or gingham pattern, with lighter-wash denim, you can create a summer-appropriate look while incorporating jeans and flats. Consider flats in a similar hue that matches your jeans (like light blue) or in a pale neutral to enhance the seasonal lightness.
**Shop the Look:**
- **Gap** Blue Check Eyelet Tie-Front Crop Peplum Scoop Neck Top
- **AEYDE** Tiby Bow-Detailed Suede Ballet Flats
5. **Sheer Top + Bermuda Shorts + Mesh Flats**
**Style Notes:** Long shorts are a continuously popular option, whether you’re embracing the silk Bermuda trend or finding creative ways to style them for summer. Instead of reserving them solely for heels and sandals, consider pairing them with ballet flats. For an elegant look, take inspiration from New York-based fashion and beauty editor Aniyah Mor
Other articles
Forget Sandals—This French Summer Shoe Trend is Being Worn by Every Stylish Dresser with Dresses and Skirts.
These summer ensembles paired with ballet flats are effortless to put together yet appear very stylish. Continue reading for ideas on how to wear ballet flats this summer.
