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"It"-shoes come and go, but the best ballet flats are true classics.

It's time the ever-present, always polished, and oft-overlooked ballet flat gets its due. To BAZAAR fashion and accessories editor Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, ballet flats always outlast fleeting shoe trends because they're seasonless and adaptable to any wardrobe. "There’s nothing I love more than a versatile shoe," she tells me. "Ballet flats are both elegant and comfortable—they quite literally tie your look together with a bow."

Of course, only the best pairs of ballet flats will last through years, even decades, of outfits. Sarah Flint, the designer behind a namesake line of comfortable flats and heels, says fit and materials are the top two components of any ballet flat worth wearing. At her label, "We use 6mm of discreet padding, a soft lining, and a more flexible heel counter to ensure day-long comfort," Flint says. For comparable quality at other brands, look for memory foam padded-soles and responsibly-sourced leather for ballet flats that mold to your feet (and look polished doing so).

Once you have your flats in hand, the styling comes naturally. "I love vintage fashion, so I like to pair ballet flats with ’50s-inspired pieces like cigarette pants and A-line dresses," Flint tells us. The ballet flats' materials will guide the overall vibe: Cohen says suede ballet flats are best for laid back outfits with denim, while ankle-tie pairs pair with floating skirts and mini dresses. Choose from 17 timeless pairs ahead, then let the outfits follow.

Start with an understated ballet flat that Cohen calls a capital-C classic. It's made with the same soft leather as Mansur Gavriel's signature handbags—meaning it takes fewer wears than the average flat to conform to your foot. Cohen owns four pairs, and wears this black style the most often: "It's an effortless staple that looks chic with an oversized wide-leg trouser, monochromatic t-shirt, and a menswear inspired leather belt. It’s a uniform you cannot go wrong with," she says. Five-star reviewers agree that these flats are as comfortable as they are gorgeous.

When you want to invest in a luxe pair, Cohen points to Celine's sophisticated ballet flats. The fit and function are everything you expect from a high-end ballet flat, with dainty logo charms accenting the ties.

Flint calls the Natalie pointed-toe flat her all-time favorite. "They strike just the right balance between casual and polished," she tells us. "I love how the Natalie’s pointed toe adds a streamlined element to any outfit, and creates a sophisticated yet effortless look." Reviewers love the way these flats look just as much—and even suggest ordering them in more than one color.

If you're looking for a classic ballet flat for all seasons, look no further. Cohen says the suede version is a down-to-earth twist on the romantic style, while associate beauty commerce editor Tiffany Dodson considers the leather version her go-to work shoe. "These are lightweight enough to wear on colder summer nights and of course through the fall," Cohen says. "I love these styled in an Americana look, with a pair of khaki chinos, oversized white button down, and heritage gold jewelry."

A true ballet flat connoisseur may have Chanel's cap-toe ballet flats in her closet already (or at least have them on her wish list). Allow us to upgrade that collection, real or imagined, with the house's latest embellished ballet flats. The chain detail transforms this pair from a luxury flat to wearable art. Stick to ankle-skimming pants or midi skirts to let the jewelry shine.

Don't go anywhere else for your so-called French Girl flats. Repetto's signature ballerina shoe in striking red patent leather is the only option: The style was originally designed for Brigitte Bardot. As for how to wear it, Cohen suggests pairing them with cool vintage jeans and a Brenton stripe long-sleeved t-shirt.

The same label that debuted the micro-mini skirt of the season is also home to the best Mary Jane ballet flats. Miu Miu's runway interpretation of the style includes premium leather, a rounded toe, and a logo-printed strap to show your brand loyalty, subtly. Take the collection's styling cues and wear them with slouchy socks and academic tailoring.

The wisdom of the crowd will lead you directly to Margaux's ballet flat and hundreds of reviewers singing its praises. This ballet flat, available in 15 different colors and fabrications, is worth ordering twice. It's soft and unstructured, with a padded sole and blister-proof lining. "These are the finest shoes I’ve ever owned. The quality and style are incomparable—and cradle my long feet in comfort," one reviewer says.

After sifting through many, many ballet flats on Amazon, we've determined this Vince pair to be the best (and most fashion-forward) of its listings. From the sling-back to the square-toe, it's modern, minimal, and simply comfortable.

Brushed suede ballet flats add an elevated hint of texture under rigid denim or structured shirt dresses. This pair comes from an emerging brand Cohen highly recommends—and comes with a double memory foam sole for all-day comfort.

If you want to lean all the way into the ballet influences, Cohen suggests this charming Tory Burch pair. The ankle ribbons will look so graceful under an A-line skirt or a voluminous mini dress.

The Mary Jane silhouette gets even sweeter with Jimmy Choo's faux pearl strap. In the winter, this pair will look like it came from Blair Waldorf's closet (in a good way) worn over semi-sheer black tights.

No ballet flat collection is complete without a few seasonal pairs. Dear Frances's mesh ballet flats are so much more breathable than all-over leather pairs—ideal for your muggiest summertime commutes or outdoor events. Reviewers who've already ordered their pairs say they're comfortable and easy to coordinate with anything in their closets. "The Balla Mesh flats are so comfortable and literally go with everything," one shopper with trustworthy credentials says. "I am an interior designer and love the subtle yet impactful design details that set this company apart."

Another warm-weather favorite are these woven, lace-up ballet flats by Tamara Mellon. While they're not technically part of the designer's Pillow Top collection, the light cushioning in the sole and gently elevated heel guarantee equal comfort through every wear. The resort vibes of the ankle-ties and open-weave are best suited to a sundress or frayed denim and a swimsuit-slash-bodysuit.

Maguire, a new direct-to-consumer footwear label, handmakes its buttery soft ballet flats in Montecatini Terme, Italy. According to reviewers, the craftsmanship shows in the quality: "The leather is very buttery and supple," one shopper says, and "very comfortable from the get-go."

The square-toe shape and bow upper may look like pairs you've encountered before, but this label has a uniquely on-trend palette to choose from. Our favorite is this Kelly green; the boldest shoppers can also try a summery tangerine orange or a neon yellow.

From boots to heels to, now, ballet flats, Maison Margiela's Tabi line is a favorite for in-the-know fashion obsessives. The silhouette references shoes and socks characteristic of 15th-century Japanese workers. This is the option for shopper who wants the feel of a ballet flat with a more distinctive look. Prepare for the uninitiated to ask if they're comfortable; you'll say, "Yes."

M.Gemi has engineered the non-flat ballet flat reviewers call "simply perfect." It looks like a standard ballet flat from the outside, but includes a hidden wedge in the heel for the slightest lift and extra support. These handmade ballet flats also flex and bend in half, to pack in a carry-on for work or vacation.

Some reviewers say they run slightly narrow, so consider ordering a size up if you have wider feet. When you find what fits, reviewers confirm you'll love them: "Very pleasantly surprised how comfortable these shoes are! I’ll most likely order in another color."