The ever-adorable ballet slipper stepped outside the mirrored walls of the dance studio several seasons ago, pounding the pavement in satiny styles tied up in a bow. The fabulous flat then tossed aside the classic shape for trendier takes on the ballerina silhouette, giving the toe a point and the body every costume it could handle.

But this time around, after not missing a beat since its arrival, the ballet flat has placed the satin and the bows back under the spotlight where they belong. The girlier the better with this shoe, so let the glitz, shine, stripes and polka dots grab you by the hand and twirl you in.

Ballet Flat Style

Unlike the pencil-thin stiletto that gives your butt a lift and your legs a slim, the ballet flat isn't a failsafe flatterer. This heel-free shoe has the potential to shrink and squash your frame when paired with the wrong ensemble, but thankfully only a few items fall into the steer-clear category. Everything else in your closet will love to be linked to your sweet skimmers, from knee-kissing skirts to Bermuda shorts, creating a polished look that's as carefree as your toesies.

Flat Shoe Fashion

Few on-trend shoes give you both non-stop comfort and ceaseless style, so indulge in this miniature foot saver. Start the day by leaving your sensible pumps in the closet and slip on a sleek pair of ballet flats with your tailored suit, cuffed capri or knee-length skirt, sticking to slippers in clean styles and luxurious, rich fabrics. Without the added height of a heel, an ensemble that finishes up with a flat shoe needs to lengthen the body, so keep your silhouette lean with straight-cut trousers, a-line or pencil skirts, and slender cropped pants.

At night, step into a pair of ballet flats that have a glow of their own. Remember those racy, heated metallics that shook up last season? They've fallen from your handbag to your feet, emerging as high-shine ballet flats in gorgeous golds, beautiful bronzes and glossy, romantic fabrics. Wear these little jewels with today's favorite shapeless shifts and a-line tents, keeping your hem at or above the knee. A slim capri loves the ballet flat - look for styles that finish about a hand's length below your knee. Also try wearing ballet flats with long, cuffed shorts, but if you're doing denim, make it dark, and make it a straight cut.