If you ask me what shoe I’ve been reaching for lately, the answer is almost always ballet flats.

They’re comfortable enough to wear all day, easy to walk around in, and somehow make every outfit feel a little more put together. Whether I’m grabbing coffee, heading into the office, wandering around a new city, or convincing myself I’ll “just pop into one store” (which, let’s be honest, never happens), ballet flats are usually on my feet.

I also love that you don’t need to spend a fortune to find a great pair. In fact, don’t sleep on H&M’s ballet flats. They’re some of the least expensive shoes in my collection, yet they’re surprisingly comfortable and always come in the cutest styles. If you’ve been wanting to try the ballet flat trend without making a huge investment, I’d start there.

Somehow my collection has quietly grown over the past year, and honestly…I don’t see it stopping anytime soon.

White Soft Leather Ballet Flats from H&M

Every shoe collection needs a classic white pair.

These soft leather flats have become my go-to whenever I want something simple and timeless. I wear them with everything from jeans and a T-shirt to linen pants and summer dresses. They’re one of those pairs that quietly work with everything in your closet without demanding any attention.

Black Mesh Ballet Flats from H&M

If I could only keep one pair, these would be it.

I know mesh ballet flats have been everywhere lately, but I completely understand the hype. They’re lightweight, breathable, ridiculously comfortable, and somehow manage to feel both classic and trendy at the same time.

These are the pair I throw on without thinking because they go with everything. If someone asked me where to buy their first pair of ballet flats, these would be my recommendation every single time.

Black Studded Ballet Flats from Gap

Every collection needs a little personality.

These studded flats are my answer to days when a basic outfit needs something extra. I’ll throw them on with jeans and a white tee or an all-black outfit, and suddenly it looks like I put in a lot more effort than I actually did.

We love a shoe that does the heavy lifting.

Red Mesh Ballet Flats from Zara

If you’ve ever been nervous about colourful shoes, consider this your sign.

These bright red flats have become one of my favourite ways to add a little life to a simple outfit. Even if I’m wearing nothing more than blue jeans and a white top, these instantly make the outfit feel intentional.

They’re fun, they’re unexpected, and yes, people always ask me where they’re from.

Burgundy Leather Ballet Flats from Zara

I’m fully convinced burgundy counts as a neutral.

It goes with denim, cream, grey, black, chocolate brown…basically everything I already own. They’re a little richer than a classic black flat but just as easy to style, which explains why they’ve been getting a lot of wear lately.

Leopard Mesh Ballet Flats from Old Navy

Leopard print has officially earned permanent neutral status in my wardrobe.

These are probably the most playful pair I own, but somehow they work with almost everything. They’re the perfect finishing touch when the rest of my outfit is fairly simple, and they always make getting dressed a little more fun.

If you’re on the fence about leopard, this is me encouraging you to take the leap.

I know trends come and go, but ballet flats have earned a permanent spot in my wardrobe.

They’re comfortable enough to wear all day, practical enough for travel, and chic enough to elevate even the simplest outfit. For someone who values getting dressed without overthinking it, they’ve become the perfect shoe.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll probably be adding another pair to my collection before the summer is over.

Love, Laura