Move over sneakers — ballet flats are taking center stage again, and this time, they’re stepping out of the rehearsal studio and into the everyday wardrobes of fashion’s biggest names. Balletcore, the viral aesthetic inspired by delicate silhouettes and performance wear, has evolved. And who better to usher in the era of grown-up ballerina chic than Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid?
In recent days, both supermodels have been spotted in this season’s hottest shoe trend: the ballet flat. But what’s making headlines isn’t just the shoe itself — it’s how differently each star styled it, signaling a wider shift in how balletcore is being interpreted in 2025.
Kendall Jenner’s Quiet-Luxury Take on Balletcore
Always one to channel pared-back sophistication, Kendall Jenner was photographed wearing a pair of the Eva black square-toe ballet flats from The Row, exuding minimalist elegance. She styled them with Khaite’s straight-leg Danielle Stretch Jean, a sculptural knotted-hem top, and an oversized leather tote, the Nuance Hobo Bag also from The Row. Her accessories — rectangular sunglasses and small gold hoops — kept the look grounded in the quiet-luxury aesthetic she’s come to embody.
Her flats, retailing for over $1,000, are already trending among luxury shoppers and minimalists alike, selling out from The Row. With their structured silhouette and elevated finish, they reflect the new balletcore: less sugar plum fairy, more Olsen twin sleek.
Gigi Hadid Brings Street Edge to the Satin Slipper
Meanwhile, Gigi Hadid took a totally different route, styling her Miu Miu olive satin ballerinas, retailing for $1,020, with Ralph Lauren camo cargo pants, a loose white, long-sleeved tee, and a coral pink Chanel 22 Bag. Her look leaned more streetwear-meets-edge, complete with an anklet and pearl necklace that added an ironic softness to the utilitarian trousers.
While Hadid’s look was more eclectic, it still echoed the balletcore spirit — only filtered through a Y2K lens. It’s Gen Z-coded, yes, but it’s also wearable, comfortable, and undeniably cool.
The Balletcore Shift: Less Tulle, More Utility
So what does this say about where balletcore is heading?
If 2022’s version of the trend was driven by TikTok’s obsession with ribbons, wrap skirts, and pink blush, 2025’s evolution is far more grounded. Today, balletcore is less about recreating the costume and more about channeling the spirit of ballet: effortless elegance, fluidity, and movement — with real-world adaptability.
The shoes are key. Ballet flats are now being embraced for their practicality — flat, packable, polished — and for their fashion cred, with brands from Miu Miu to The Row, Repetto to Sandy Liang releasing their own elevated iterations.
Get the Look: Grazia’s Picks
Want to reimagine balletcore your way? Whether you gravitate toward Jenner’s quiet-luxury or Hadid’s off-duty model edge, these flats have range.
Shop Kendall Jenner’s sophisticated vibe:
- The Row Square Ballet Flat — $1,008.49
- Jenni Kayne Charlotte Flat — $385
- Shop-Pêche Odina — $89
Channel Gigi Hadid’s cool-girl energy:
- Miu Miu Satin Ballerinas — $1,020
- Repetto Lisbeth Ballet Flats — $460
- Reformation Buffy Ruched Ballet Flat — $198
Pair them with straight-leg denim, cargos, or even tailored trousers — and don’t be afraid to mix soft and strong elements. Ballet flats are officially back, but it’s not about dressing like a ballerina anymore. It’s about reinterpreting femininity on your own terms.
