The Spring Flat Edit
Why a white ballet flat works with everything—and the best pairs in every color and material.
As we start to get glimpses of warmer days ahead, I’ve been pulling out all of my transitional shoes. A little bit of skin, bare ankles, lighter layers — all very exciting stuff!
In New York, where we’ve been hit with multiple snowstorms lately, it hasn’t exactly been ideal ballet-flat weather. But on the drier days, I’ve still managed to make them work with a good pair of cozy ribbed socks. Not only is it practical, but I love how it looks. It’s such an easy way to introduce a contrasting color or a bit of texture.
I’ve always been drawn to a white shoe. It feels fresh and crisp, adding a bit of optical contrast to an outfit while still functioning as a neutral. I have an old pair of glove flats by Martiniano and this more ethereal mesh pair. Ever since seeing Michael Rider’s lace-ups in the Celine show, I’ve been on the hunt for a great pair of oxfords for myself. I briefly considered investing in the Celine version—I tried the black pair on at a preview and was very tempted. But when I spotted this pair for a fraction of the price while shopping for my kids’ clothes, I decided to give them a try.
They are shockingly well made: very soft, glove-like leather, with a perfectly rounded toe shape. The kind of shoe that instantly feels broken in.
There’s something about a white leather flat that feels both chic and slightly unexpected. It brightens an outfit in a way that black doesn’t, but it’s still incredibly easy to wear.
Ballet flats are one of my favorite transitional shoes for spring because they’re feminine, light, comfortable, and incredibly versatile. They work with virtually everything and they make an outfit feel effortless in a way that heels sometimes don’t.
I’ve rounded up some of my favorites this season across a range of colors, materials, toe shapes, and toplines.
This Season’s White Flats
Here are my top picks across every pricepoint, to keep things accessible, and of course a few splurge-worthy picks, in case you are so inclined!
It’s refreshing to see flat shoes on the runway, and I just loved how these lace-up flats were styled in the Celine Resort 2026 show. Back to jeans, tailored trousers, dresses, and on both men and women. I tried them on at the collection’s preview just for fun, and it just got me excited for the hunt for my pair. Is it the Celine ones, or is there something easier on my wallet? Turns out there’s something for every budget and construction or toe-shape preference!
I was compelled by the rounded toe-shape and the soft glove-like leather of this pair. They looked unlined and super buttery, and when they arrived, they did not disappoint. They have a thin rubber sole (which I love for a shoe I know I’ll be walking around in), and a very soft construction. I popped them in my bag for a photoshoot last week, and it was the shoe we used the most. It just looked cool, easy, fresh and modern. (Note: when ordering, check their size chart, as their conversion is slightly different and I order a size smaller than my usual US women’s size to get the correct EU size, which fit TTS).
One of my immediate go-to’s was Repetto, known for it’s authentic dance footwear. This oxford was actually created for the dancer Zizi Jeanmaire, Rose Repetto’s daughter-in-law, and worn by Serge Gainsbourg in the 1970s! They have a 2cm stacked heel, so aren’t as flat as the others, in case you prefer a little height. In my experience Repetto runs on the small side, and I go up a full size. These are the OG, a true classic.
Soeur makes a really nice leather shoe, and this rounded toe lace-up pair are well-crafted from a soft lambskin leather from Leather Working Group, which I believe warrants the elevated price. They are unlined and comfortable and don’t require breaking in.
This pair are the closest I’ve seen to the Celine shoes, but at a fraction of the price. I love the eyelets and the fuller toe-shape. Check the sizing chart for conversion, and order your EU size.
Jamie Haller is known for her beautifully crafted, made in Italy footwear. I love her take on the oxford, with the delicate laces, the signature glove construction, and a sturdy rubber outsole. They run TTS.
These are a great option for under $120. I love the extra cushioning on the footbed, and the subtle squared-off toe shape that elongates and feels a little more delicate.
I’d been waiting for these Wales Bonner shoes to launch and they are here! I’m obsessed with the combination of the toe shape, the high vamp, and the laces. I am highly considering these but on the fence about which color to get….
Loewe’s signature square toe oxfords have a broader toe shape and I found a pre-owned pair here.
This pair is so soft; they pack flat. Unlined, buttery leather. Delicate stitching and back loop details make it feel refined. The surprise is at the bottom, where it has a separate heel from the fore-part of the sole. Also made from Leather Working Group leather.
I have a pair of these flats with the elastic strap detail and have to say they are one of the most comfortable shoes I own. They were soft and mushy right out of the box, have a nice padded insole, and they are flexible, soft and durable with a leather outsole that features rubber inserts for comfort and a non-slip experience. (Use code JOYCE15)
These are a splurge, but I can attest that they are worth it. The timeless classic upper, the sacchetto glove construction for pure comfort and luxury. They are TTS, and stretch out ever so slightly with wear. The entire flats range is pretty incredible.
I love every shoe I’ve tried from Le Monde Beryl as they use the most beautiful leathers and their footwear is constructed in such a luxurious way. I love how these elasticated topline creates a gathered look and a comfortable and snug fit. These feature a leather outsole and small heel.
I have a few pairs of shoes from Margaux and have loved all of them. Always true to size, high quality materials, and most importantly, truly so comfortable. When I put these on, I can feel the extra padding they add to them, but they never look like they’re supposed to be comfortable!
These look really nice for the price, and I love that they have a removable ankle strap. They are leather lined, and super soft, and come in whole sizes only.
This is my pick for a splurge-worthy pair. I’d like to have a small collection of Alaia flats, and can safely say that they are pricey, but the way they feel have made it worth the price for me personally. When I got the rhinestone maryjanes, I truly didn’t realize how much I’d wear them, and that I am still wearing them after 3 years. I just found this mesh pair on a resale site and can’t wait to wear them as soon as it’s warm enough.
One of the most divisive flats out there, the Tabi. I love them in white.
This pair is a close alternative if you don’t want to go all in.
I thought these felt like an interesting higher vamp version with a small heel.
The high shine of patent is a little extra!
And for a subtle nod to the split-toe, this pair is under $200, with a soft lambskin upper and a leather outsole.
When Phoebe Philo released these flats, I knew I needed them. In putting this newsletter together, I have both colors in my cart, and I need to make a decision. Again I am on the fence, as I know I will wear the black a ton, and I may go for the white in the Wales Bonner… I’ll keep you posted. What I love about them is the super high cut of the topline, the stitched seam detail, and the glossy leather. It also has a built-in 10mm wedge that offers support and added comfort.
I also have been considering this pair at a fraction of the cost, almost more like a hybrid of the flats and the club slipper.
Ok, a quick note before we get into the rest of the guide…
These shopping guides take quite a bit of time behind the scenes — researching brands, reviewing dozens of styles, testing as many as I can, and narrowing everything down to the pairs I actually think are worth buying.
For this newsletter, I’ve created an expanded version of the guide for paid subscribers. The full guide includes 25 additional styles across all the black, mesh, colored, under -$180 finds, and a few splurge options I’ve curated this spring — everything I’ve vetted so you don’t have to spend hours hunting for the right flats.
THANK YOU to everyone who already subscribes (free or paid) — it truly allows me to put my creative energy into this work and be part of such an incredible community!
The Complete Spring Flats Guide
