In search of the finer things in life — because the finest ones still cost too much.

Buy This Instead: Chanel vs. French Sole

In the battle of the ballet flats, you don't have to go broke to get the look.

Petra Canan Trudell

Mar 3

Save

▷ Listen

While the latest fashion reports have declared the ballet flat is “back,” I don’t believe they ever really went away. This classic shoe style is available in countless colors and textures and works with all types of outfits. It may be my ballet training, but I’ll always love them. And one famous pair has been on my wish list forever … and is likely to remain there due to the $850+ price tag.

Thankfully, there’s a mid-priced option that’s just as chic for much, much less.

If you love this …

r_tiff2326

A post shared by Rita (@r_tiff2326)

Made from a mix of lambskin and calfskin and adorned with the famous double-C logo, the Chanel Ballet Flat is iconic. The minimal design and neutral colors are versatile and timeless. While I believe in paying for quality materials, a lot of what you’re paying for here is the Chanel name. These shoes are meant to be a status symbol, a signifier of what you’re able—or just willing—to pay for a style of shoe you can find far cheaper versions of. Unless they’ve found a way to avoid the inevitable heel blisters, I can’t justify the rest of the cost, no matter how beautiful they are.

Buy this instead …

frenchsole

A post shared by French Sole (@frenchsole)

French Sole’s ballet flats were first featured here in July of 2021. I bought a pair with an almond toe, and they remain a go-to style in my wardrobe. They also have round and pointed-toe styles. While this brand may not be as old as Chanel, it has been around for more than three decades. In fact, both brands introduced their flats to the masses in the 1980s. Are they cheap at $140+ a pair? No. But these leather flats are comfortable and sturdy—no slipping/collapsing back to rub my heel or get worn out—and they do the same sartorial job as their pricier counterpart.

In case you missed it …

MIDDI

Faux Fancy

Who doesn’t love a bargain? I like to save as much as anyone else (especially right now), but I don’t want to do so at the expense of quality. I believe products don’t have to be expensive to be good, but I’m also done settling for cheap stuff that doesn’t deliver—another waste of money…