Ballet flats are replacing sandals with shorts this summer

Flat shoe sales were up nearly 20 percent versus the previous year in WWD’s tally, a jump tied in part to Alaïa ballet flats. The shift is visible in the way fashion people are dressing right now: with Bermuda shorts, crochet pairs, denim cutoffs, and knit hot pants, all softened by flats that feel lighter than sandals and far more polished than a flip-flop ever could.

Why flats suddenly feel fresher than sandals

The appetite for flat shoes has been building for more than a season. Net-a-Porter’s Libby Page called Alaïa ballet flats the “It” shoe of 2023, and still influential afterward. By spring 2024, ballet flats, Mary Janes, and kitten heels were already edging out sharper stilettos and party shoes, and by April 2025 the trio kept rising as brands leaned harder into comfort and inclusivity.

Shorts have changed too. Long denim shorts have become an unexpectedly versatile summer staple, and ballet flats pair easily with sporty shorts, oversize button-downs, relaxed denim, and minimalist separates.

Bermuda shorts and the easiest polished formula

Bermuda shorts are the cleanest entry point into the flats trend because the longer hem gives ballet flats room to breathe. The proportions work best when the shorts hit just above the knee or slightly longer, with a flat that has a low vamp and a slim toe to keep the leg line from looking chopped.

For this silhouette, skip anything too bulky on top. A crisp oversize shirt, a tucked tank, or a close-fitting knit polo keeps the outfit grounded, especially when the shorts are linen or tailored cotton. Bare ankles make the whole look feel modern, but if you want a little edge, a thin trouser sock in white, ivory, or black can sharpen a pair of black or satin flats without tipping the outfit into school-uniform territory.

Crochet shorts need restraint, not more texture

Crochet shorts are already the most tactile piece in the mix, with their open weave and handmade feel doing most of the talking. That is exactly why ballet flats work so well here: they calm the texture and stop the look from drifting too far into vacation mode. A sleek flat in mesh, satin, or woven leather gives the outfit a cleaner finish than a chunky sandal ever could.

Keep the top simple and slightly structured. A fitted ribbed tank, a sharp poplin shirt left half-open, or a polished little tee with a neat neckline gives the shorts a frame. If the shorts are airy and short, bare legs keep the line clean; if you want more styling tension, a whisper-thin sock in a matching tone to the flats can make the look feel editorial rather than crafty.

Denim cutoffs and long denim shorts call for contrast

Denim is where the ballet-flat shift feels most convincing, especially now that long denim shorts are showing up as a full summer staple. Cutoffs can veer too casual too quickly, so the answer is proportion and polish. A slim, flat shoe reins in the roughness of frayed hems, while a sharper top keeps the outfit from looking like it was assembled for the beach.

The best combinations here are the easiest ones: a boxy button-down, a neat tank with a structured blazer thrown over it, or a lightweight knit that skims instead of clings. Bare ankles work well with blue denim because they keep the outfit airy, but a sheer ankle sock can make the look feel more intentional with black flats or embellished pairs. The more distressed the shorts, the cleaner the flat should be.

Knit hot pants and sporty shorts need balance

Knit hot pants and sporty shorts are the hardest silhouettes to keep chic because both can slip into loungewear territory fast. Ballet flats solve that problem by bringing a dressier finish to pieces that are inherently relaxed. The trick is to avoid making the whole outfit read as all comfort, all the time.

With knit shorts, choose a top that has shape: a buttoned cardigan, a fitted tank under a crisp shirt, or a neat sweater tee. With sporty shorts, especially the athletic styles, a slightly oversized button-down instantly changes the mood. Go bare-legged if you want the look to stay easy; choose socks only when the flats themselves have a strong fashion point of view, like mesh, woven, or embellished finishes that can handle the extra styling detail.

The flats themselves matter just as much as the shorts

The strongest versions of this trend rely on texture. In summer 2026, mesh, satin, woven, and embellished styles are especially popular, and those surfaces do a lot of the work in making shorts feel considered. Mesh reads breezy and directional, satin feels evening-adjacent even in daylight, woven flats nod to summer without looking literal, and embellishments bring just enough shine to elevate denim or knit.

The safest shape remains the classic ballerina, but the finish should change with the shorts. For Bermudas, keep it sleek. For crochet, lean refined. For denim, choose polish over fuss. For knit or sporty shorts, let the shoe be the dressed-up part of the equation.