Chanel is one of my favorite luxury designers because they are known for their timeless, classic styles. In comparison to other luxury designers, their designs will work in my wardrobe years down the line, which is why I feel like the brand has been a great investment in my wardrobe. Recently, I purchased my first pair of Chanel ballet flats, so I wanted to dedicate this post to share a review of the different ballet flats and whether or not they’re worth the investment.
For more designer reviews, you’ll love this post HERE and HERE.
Chanel Ballet Flats Review
I purchased the classic Chanel cap-toe ballet flats in the beige and black lambskin combination. The ballet flats are a derivative of the original two-toned slingback pump, which was originally launched in 1957. Chanel designed these flats with a very careful eye. The ballet flats have a very subtle heel height of .4 inches to lengthen the leg, while the black cap toe was designed to make the foot appear smaller. The ballet flats have a rounded almond-shaped toe, which also helps to elongate your leg while still being a very traditional, classic style in comparison to the more on-trend pointed-toe or squared-toe styles we currently see right now.
This was my first pair of Chanel shoes, and was so excited to try them. I’ve loved their handbags for years, and they’re probably my very favorite of all my designer bags. So I was looking forward to seeing if the shoes lived up to their bags.
The Chanel ballerina flats have a little bow detail above the cap toe footbed, and it’s helpful to note that this will not untie, since it is sewn into place.
Are Chanel Ballet Flats Comfortable
Long story short, this pair of Chanel shoes is one of the most comfortable shoes in my wardrobe. I didn’t find any break in time necessary, since the lambskin leather is so soft to begin with. The first time I wore them, I went shopping all day. Toward the end of it, I did notice a little rubbing around my pinky toes, but I didn’t get a blister after hours of wear. I know I could have also prevented that by wearing a ballet sock to begin with!
The reason the Chanel ballerina flats are so comfortable is the design and the materials used. If you look at the top of a pair of Chanel flats, you will see the side of the shoe has more coverage around the top of your foot compared to other ballet flats. This gives the shoe more room to disperse any pressure areas while you’re walking throughout the day. They also run a little wider than other pairs of shoes in my wardrobe, so they are more bunion-friendly and don’t rub as much in that area.
Chanel Ballet Flats Sizing
I found the ballet flats to run true to size to slightly small. If you’re typically between shoe sizes, I would go with a half size up. I am typically a size 9 but occasionally an 8.5, and in the ballerina flats I got a size 9. Keep in mind the Chanel ballet flats are handmade and each shoe can vary in size slightly, so I would recommend trying them on in store if you can or purchase from a retailer that has a good return policy. For reference, I am usually a size 8.5 in Sam Edelman, and a size 9 in Steve Madden shoes.
One thing to consider when picking a size is the material of the ballet flats. The lambskin leather is more supple and can stretch slightly more than if you’re considering a flat made with calfskin leather. I’ve also seen the flats come in velvet and tweed options. With each of these textures, the flats will vary in comfort. I’ve heard the lambskin is the most comfortable choice, but they are also more delicate.
Chanel Ballet Flats Price
In 2022, Chanel flats currently retail for $850. Keep in mind Chanel sees routine price increases year after year.
Are Chanel Ballet Flats Worth It
I typically prefer to invest in designer bags over shoes, however I have no regrets since purchasing the Chanel ballerinas. I have already worn them so much and find them to be very comfortable, so I know my cost per wear through the years will be worth the price tag. They are a shoe that can easily be dressed up or down for the office or styled casually with jeans on the weekend. They’re also very comfortable, so I’m confident I’ll continue reaching for them over and over.
Another reason the Chanel ballet flats are worth it is because they are handmade with natural materials. So down the road, if they need any repairs, you can take them to a good cobbler and get them repaired. The flats are also a classic, timeless style, so you will be able to wear them for many years to come.
There are some downsides to the iconic flat that are important to note. Because of the delicate nature of lambskin, they will show wear and tear. I would be extra careful not to wear these in the rain. The good news is you can take them to a cobbler for a refresh, and you’d be surprised how good they can look again. While I was doing research on the flats myself, I watched a few cobblers restore them on Youtube and it was very interesting to watch.
Where To Buy Chanel Ballet Flats
I purchased my flats from Nordstrom and saved up my Nordstrom notes to go towards the purchase. Keep in mind most retailers only sell Chanel items in-store, but you can call to place a phone order if you don’t have a location near you.
- Saks Fifth Avenue
- Bergdorf Goodmen
- Neiman Marcus
- Fashionphile (second-hand website)
- eBay
How To Style Chanel Ballet Flats
I’ve only had my Chanel flats for a few months, but I’ve been surprised how much I’ve reached for them! They pretty much work with everything in my classic wardrobe, which makes me happy about the investment. Here are a few different ways to wear Chanel flats to give you some outfit ideas.
Wear To Work with Black Work Pants and a cardigan
This is a great business casual look that will take you through the fall and winter. To make the look more business professional, you can layer a blazer over your turtleneck instead of the cardigan. The cropped flare pants from Spanx make a versatile work pant. You can use code AMANDAJOHNxSPANX for 10% off your purchase at Spanx.
Wear with a White Dress during the summer
Before getting the Chanel flats I never paired ballet flats with dresses, however it’s quickly become a go to pairing of mine! Something about the flats are very figure flattering and elongate the leg. This feminine white dress was an end of summer sale purchase, but I found it available here. I linked some similar options for you to recreate the look.
Wear with wide-leg jeans and a white button down top
This classic look is styled with a white button down and high-waisted, wide-leg jeans. I sized down in the jeans to a 27, and love the feminine tie-waist detail. It’s the perfect look for a day of shopping and lunch.
Wear with your favorite dress to go shopping
I wore this outfit on repeat this summer. I found this Zimmermann dress on major sale and have reached for it over and over. I’m wearing a size 1 in the brand, but I occasionally take a size 2 and alter it to fit my waist. Oh the joy of being between sizes!
For the winter season, you can pair your favorite sweater dress with tights to make it more seasonally appropriate.
Wear with a little black dress for work
What I love about this style of ballet flat is its versatility. They can easily work in your work wardrobe, but also a more casual wardrobe as well. Here, I styled the ballerina flats for work with a little black dress and cardigan. I’m wearing a size XXS in the cardigan. I sized down 2 sizes from my normal and you can see a Juliette cardigan size review here. You can get 10% off my little black dress with code AMANDAJOHNxSPANX, I’m wearing a size small. To see a review and get a better look at the fit, you can watch this video.
Wear with a cashmere sweater and jeans for weekend errands
Recently I wore this outfit to run errands, and I was comfortable all day but still felt put together. These are all fall essentials in my opinion. I’m wearing a small in the cashmere sweater and my regular size 28 in the skinny jeans. If you’re between sizes, I suggest sizing down in the jeans because they do stretch with wear. Use code AMANDAJOHNxSPANX for 10% off this little black dress. You can see a review of it here.
Related posts: 10 Fall Essentials Every Woman Needs | Classic and Feminine Fall Capsule Wardrobe
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Honestly, I think these ballet flats can work for nearly any occasion, which is why I think they are worth the investment. Let’s put it this way, I think Chanel ballet flats are always a good idea.
Have you purchased designer shoes before? If so, which ones? Let me know in the comments below!
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