FROM THE STUDIO TO THE STREET

Photo by Becca Beckas

As the snow melts and the salt slowly leaves the sidewalks, you may start to hear the familiar pitter-patter of ballet flats jetéing across campus.

From wearing ‘90s minimalism on Monday to 2010s twee on Friday, it seems like ballet flats always come out on top as the best shoe to fit almost any of your style switch-ups. Dressed up or down, the ballet flat can fit almost any aesthetic.

Syracuse University sophomore Ella Castrillon tries to wear her flats to every event she can.

“They work so well with any business casual or professional outfit,” Castrillon said. “I have also started to wear them when I go out, both for the look and comfortability.”

SU freshman Ava Fiore says there is room for creativity when styling ballet flats.

“I like to play around with knee-high socks or tights,” Fiore said.

Have you ever thought “I wish my flats looked more like the cloven hooves of baby deer?” If so, then, boy, do we have the shoe for you! The tabi splits the classic ballet flat down the middle—a seemingly recent trend. However, they were first worn in 15th century Japan, where it was thought that separating the big toe would promote balance for whoever wore the shoes.

Sophomore Dylan Marshall, who considers all five of her pairs of ballet flats to be closet essentials, said ballet flats are the gateway shoe into wearing tabis. Even though many people, including her own friends, don't understand the appeal of the shoe, Marshall says they can spice up any outfit.

“@Mananamariee on TikTok or Drew Joiner on YouTube are who influenced me to style my first pair of tabis,” Marshall said. “However, inspiration for wearing flats is everywhere. They go along with anything you want them to.

Jerks, let's channel our inner Zooey Deschanel this spring by jumping into the ongoing ballet flat revolution!