Back to school is often that time when we realize that our chunky sports sneakers are no longer enough to add depth to our looks. We want comfort, of course, but also a more chic silhouette to accompany suits, long skirts and straight jeans. And there, a hybrid sneaker is seriously starting to establish itself on the streets and on the catwalks.
This season, the answer can be summed up in two words: ballerina basketball. Between a flat sneaker and a couture ballerina, it is already seen as the it-shoe for fall, supported by its cousins, the Mary Jane sneakers with straps. Enough to say a real “farewell” to the classic sports sneaker, without sacrificing comfort.
Ballerina sneakers: the hybrid sneaker that changes everything at the start of the school year
The ballerina sneaker keeps the relaxed feel of a flat sneaker, but adopts the codes of the ballerina: rounded toe, low upper, light silhouette, sometimes pleated. The result is a shoe that immediately dresses up an outfit without using heels, perfect with tailored pants or a midi skirt.
Its other asset is the fashion details. For some brands, the sole is ultra flexible and split, the material plays shiny satin and contrasting suede, the colors oscillate between chic khaki, powder pink or autumnal shades like chocolate, burgundy and khaki. We remain in the world of sneakers, but visually we are clearly closer to a dress shoe.
COS, Maje, Vans: three visions of the ballerina sneaker
At COS, satin ballerina-style sneakers feature smooth satin contrasted by suede. The split and very flexible sole gives a light and modern approach. Available in khaki or powder pink, they stand out completely from the classic white sneaker. The price remains below $100, with a model at $99.
Maje takes a more fashionable route with a multi-lace nylon sneaker. Double leather and nylon lacing, matte suede inserts, gold heart charm and gathered finish at the ankle make up a statement pair, designed as a real investment piece at $225. Vans, for its part, offers a refined version with lightweight canvas and a thin sole that is directly reminiscent of a ballerina, ideal for a more minimal style.
Mary Jane sneakers and look ideas to adopt the trend
Alongside the pleated ballerina sneaker, the Mary Jane sneaker is gaining ground. Almost all major sports brands offer this model of sports shoe with a strap on the instep. Adidas, Skechers, Puma, Hoka and Nike x Skims offer their version, while designers like Tanner Fletcher or Grounds have imposed it on the catwalks, up to Tokyo Fashion Week, often worn with long skirts, layering and very feminine accessories.
To integrate these hybrid sneakers into a back-to-school wardrobe, a few ideas work for sure:
- At the office: pleated suit pants, short jacket and satin ballerina sneakers.
- In casual chic mode: straight jeans, oversized shirt and Vans-style canvas model.
- Refined sporty version: training type set with jogging cuts but suit material, combined with a Mary Jane sneaker.
Suede or velvet sneakers in chocolate, burgundy or khaki shades go easily with these looks and extend the back-to-school spirit. The retro running models inspired by the 90s and 2000s, in gray, silver or beige, or the minimalist square-toe sneakers, respond to the same desire: to offer a more elegant alternative to the white sneakers that dominated our closets for ten years.
What exactly is a ballerina sneaker?
The ballerina sneaker is a flat sneaker that adopts the codes of the classic ballerina: rounded toe, low upper and light silhouette, sometimes pleated, for a more dressy look.
How to wear ballerina sneakers back to school?
It goes just as well with tailored pants, straight jeans or a long skirt, playing with chic materials like satin, suede or velvet and autumnal shades.
What is the difference between ballerina sneakers and Mary Jane sneakers?
The ballerina sneaker combines a sneaker shape with a ballerina look, while the Mary Jane sneaker adds a strap on the instep, inherited from the traditional Mary Jane shoe.
Sources
- Grazia
“Goodbye sports sneakers, this sneaker is the one we need to be at the height of style at the start of the school year”
- Grazia
“Goodbye sports sneakers, this sneaker is the one we need to be at the height of style at the start of the school year”
