We're Ditching Our Ballet Flats This Fall & Wearing These Trendy French Shoes Instead

No fall closet is complete without a good closed-toe shoe to round out those shoulder-season outfits. Traditionally, ballet flats have been the perfect autumnal shoe, as they're comfy and cooler-weather appropriate without the drama of winter-ready boots. But in 2025, as more and more retro shoe styles are seeing a resurgence, we're casting our ballet flats to the side in favor of something a little more elevated. "Fashion trends are leaning toward gender-neutral styles this fall with an emphasis on clean, classic lines," explains Patrick Kenger, founder and lead personal stylist at Pivot Image Consulting. "With the open lacing and relaxed design, the derby shoe is a great fit for this aesthetic."

Not to be confused with the similarly chic but dressier closed-lace Oxford shoe, the derby shoe features an open-lace design. Historically associated with a gentlemanly look, this footwear offers a completely different dynamic from the timeless ballet flat, and we're seeing French fashion houses and designers like Celine and Repetto bring this trend truly to the fore. "The ballet flat is distinctly feminine and often delicate, so with the embracing of more substantial, solid styles, the derby is taking center stage (pardon the pun) with its more androgynous look," Kenger tells Glam exclusively. 

Those who like the masculine feel of the classic derby shoe might opt for something like Church's Shannon Polished Binder Derby, which Kenger recommends for its "quality craftsmanship," noting that the investment is worth it for this "timeless staple for your closet." On the flip side, you can make this look your own and dress it all the way down by going for the much more casual Zara Derby Sneakers, which marry the elevated lace-up design with more laid-back features. No matter your personal aesthetic, there's a way to incorporate the derby shoe into your regular rotation.

Higher-quality derby shoes can be a financial investment, so it's important to think carefully about what look you're trying to create. Traditional derby shoes in black or muted shades, like Eos' Zaiya, are ideal for a classic, elevated aesthetic that survives the trends; you'll be able to wear these season after season regardless of what's happening at fashion week. But brighter or more saturated colors can offer a higher-fashion moment that turns heads, even if they don't have the same longevity. "Natural colors such as burgundy, forest green, and cream are rising in popularity, along with the shiny black leather classic," explains Patrick Kenger. To ride the green wave (though keep in mind that Brat green, in particular, is an outdated fashion color in 2025), check out the Derby Punch Fern Tumble from Rollie. Meanwhile, the burgundy Sumissura Derby Shoes are perfect for the earthy fall season.

When it comes to building an outfit around your derby shoes, Kenger tells Glam exclusively that fall staples like "wide-leg trousers, chunky knit sweaters, and button-down shirts" all make perfect partners for this chic footwear. Think about the way you'd style chunky loafers, which are another shoe trend everyone will be trying in 2025. To bring a more feminine aspect to the look, you could go for a maxi skirt worn with a sweater, while jeans will help the look to feel more relaxed and street-ready. Add a blazer to your jeans, and you've got the perfect look for casual Friday at the office. Depending on what the weather's doing, you could even wear your derby shoes with a maxi dress and socks for a cozy feel. Go for socks or tights and a mini or pleated skirt, and the look becomes preppy. The choices are endless!

There's a derby shoe out there for everyone, whether your style leans more traditional, androgynous, or in line with the latest trends. To narrow down your search, we chose a few styles to recommend based on the style notes given to us exclusively by Patrick Kenger, while taking into account a range of price points. We also ensured that every shoe we recommended has more than a 4-star rating by reviewers.