This Fall, Say Goodbye to Ballerinas Because This New Flat-Shoe Trend Is Taking Its Place

By Swedan MargenJuly 18, 2025

While perennially popular, the cult around classic ballet flats might be (ever so slightly) waning. There's no question that flat shoes will continue to remain on top for all of 2025, but as far as this fall is concerned, I already have the intel on the next It flats that are set to take the place of our beloved ballerinas. Enter derby shoes. Not quite as formal as loafers or oxfords but with more sophistication than your average ballet flats, derby shoes are the surprising new style that's just right for a dose of everyday polish.

In his debut Celine spring 2026 collection, Creative Director Michael Rider sent model after model down the runway wearing derby shoes. At first glance, the shoes appeared to be regular flats with their slim soles and glove-like fits, but upon closer inspection turned out to feature lace-up details. They arrived in black, white, and bright cherry-red hues, styled with billowing trousers and shift dresses, always with a layer of ankle socks to give extra dimension. The collection struck a balance between preppy and bourgeois and the fashion set was immediately abuzz about the house's fresh direction, which tells me that this is one shoe trend everyone will be paying close attention to.

As for how to wear them, well, these aren't the shoes to wear with Capris or skinny pants, but instead with with jeans, relaxed trousers, and maxi skirts, which is how I expect to see fashion people wearing them once fall arrives. Ahead, see how derby shoes appeared on the Celine runway, and then shop our picks of the trend if you want to be ahead of the curve.