The Perfect Piece: Mary Jane Ballet Flats
Building your uniform with a perfect version of a ballet flat.
The Perfect Piece series is built around a simple method: instead of overbuying different versions of the same thing, find the one perfect piece—an essential approach to uniform dressing. The goal is to simplify your wardrobe to only the things you truly love and wear.
A few years ago I bought the Alaia studded ballet flats on a whim. I have never been a ballet flat girl but these ones were more fashion with the studs and I liked the shape. Turns out I wore them ALL THE TIME. I hadn’t realized what a hole my closet had without them.
A couple months ago it was time for an update. I considered many options- I wanted something more timeless and non de script. I knew I needed to stick with a mary jane style as its so much more versatile than a regular ballet flat (more on that below).
I landed on this pair from The Row. Initially, I loved the butter soft suede and the perfect almond shaped toe. But as I have been wearing, I’ve fallen in love with all the perfect details. The upper cut around the foot is perfect- shows just enough skin on top of your foot- but not too much- I prefer a slightly higher vamp with a strap that sits equally distance between your ankle and the inside trim of the shoe. They are beyond comfortable- could and did wear them all day for multiple days. The support of the leather sole is the perfect amount with a sliver of extra support under your heel. The suede holds its shape but also sort of melts around your foot. The back seam doesn’t dig in to your heel and the leather strap sits across your arch smoothly without needed to be too tight to hold in place. They are perfect!
STYLING IDEAS
Cotton drawstring waist pants and a simple knit tank. The almond toe shape works great with a full-length baggy pant.
Workwear-ish but in the LA Way. These pants have a lot of shine so work well with the suede texture. The oversized button down and wide, cropped leg proportions of the pant work well with a higher vamp shaped shoe.
Straight double-faced skirt in navy with a (perfect) polo. The mary jane shape works great with a skirt or dress so you don’t have too much skin from hem to shoe. I like how the suede dresses the outfit up here as well.
What I would like to be wearing this Spring….
A cream and black combo- all grounded with the suede ballet flats. More silk drawstring pants and a knit vest with pointed collar. You can pair a tee underneath the vest too.
Also, this oversized and playful Rosie Assoulin bracelet is under $100.
And a PSA: Sarah Shapiro predicted in Puck’s Linesheet Newsletter that Toteme’s prices will go up soon, so now’s a good time to buy. I love their T-lock clutch, this new one for summer is so good with the woven detail.
For the cold weather people: I wore these flats around Paris for 3 days and was so happy in them from 8am-midnight. City styling ideas here.
ALTERNATIVES:
Noting a few pairs I love in addition to The Row’s. Everyone’s version of “perfect” is different!
LE MONDE BERYL- They make a great ballet flat. Great shape, colors and textures. This brown suede would be great for spring paired with creams/neutrals.
ALAIA- I still love his flats. If I re bought I would go for this studded style.
CHANEL- the OG ballet flat. A slight more rounded toe and lower vamp than the others. I have been tempted by this gross grain style too many times. It’s girly in a great kind of way.
COS- Great price for quality. I love the higher vamp on the shape around the foot-they will look great with cropped pants, dresses, or skirts- since they show a little less skin.
Lastly- THE ROW IN THIS BUTTERY TAN TONE- so pretty but will scuff up in two seconds!
See you next week,
xo
ali
I have the Row ones and wear them *allll* the time. They get packed for every trip (currently wearing them in Madrid) because they pack flat and are walkable. Great recommendation as always!
What is the sizing like on these? Love them!