Beyond pliés: The best everyday ballet flats
Embrace Parisienne elegance with these timeless ballet flats
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This summer has been a poster child for the resurgence of beloved fashion trends from years gone by – from maxi skirts to cropped cardigans and baby tees. And, while you may be rueing the return of Y2k style, we can all agree that the return of the ballet flat is seriously good news. The popularity of ballet flats has risen and ebbed over the years and, thankfully, they’ve pirouetted back onto the fashion radar this season.
Ballet flats are undoubtedly one of the most comfortable shoes. Easy to slip on and slim enough to be tucked away in a bag as a chic swap, they’ve been a favourite commuter shoe for years. But these chic flats deserve more credit for their versatility. With iterations ranging from satin Mary Jane-inspired flats to crystal and pearl embellished options, ballet flats are poised to become the official shoe of summer. The versatile silhouette pairs well with everything – from denim and tailoring to maxi dresses and breezy summer co ords, as demonstrated by style icons like Alexa Chung, Bella Hadid and even Meghan Markle.
So whether you’re looking for a comfort-first shoe to wear to work or something sophisticated for your weekend escapes and summer holidays, here are the best ballet flats to buy now.
Miu Miu Logo-Patch Satin Ballet Flats
Dainty and delicate, Miu Miu’s pink satin ballet flats have been a cult favourite since debuting on Miu Miu’s AW22 runway. An updated version of its 2016 ribbon-tied flats, these are crafted in soft pink satin and adorned with bow trims and a simple logoed elastic patch. Perfect for dipping a toe in the balletcore aesthetic, these are available in multiple colours, including white and pale blue.
The Row leather Mary Jane ballet flats
While Mary Jane ballet flats may be reminiscent of tedious school uniforms, The Row manages to elevate the silhouette. Highlighting the label’s minimalist focus on clean lines and quality materials, the Ava flats are crafted in buttery-soft black leather with a rounded square toe. The high strap frames the arch of the foot while a concealed wedge helps streamline the shape. Wear with a maxi dress (perhaps a tulle and lace Simone Rocha confection) or trousers and a fitted blazer.
Chloé Scalloped Leather Ballet Flats
Chloé’s Lauren ballet flats are a celebrity favourite, spotted on stars like Angelina Jolie, Lily Collins and Eva Longoria. The elegant flats are made with supple white leather featuring the brand’s signature scalloped edges and are also available in a soft ecru shade similar to real pointe shoes. Wear yours with everything from jeans to breezy summer dresses.
Alaïa Le Cœur suede ballet flats
If you’re looking to add a subtle feminine touch to your outfit, Alaïa’s Le Cœur suede ballet flats are ideal. Made from soft sand-hued suede, they feature heart-shaped patent leather pointed toe caps. With pull tabs for easy wear, pair these with a chic A-line dress or mini skirt for an adorable date-night look.
Toteme faux fur trim leather ballet flats
Bring a touch of slipper-style comfort to your walks around town with Toteme’s black ballet flats. The smooth leather body is offset by a plush brown faux fur trim making the Scandinavian brand’s offering indulgently comfortable. These playful flats work best paired with straight-leg pants.
Jacquemus Les Ballerines Rondes leather ballet flats
Ballet flats are synonymous with French elegance and Jacquemus’ ivory leather ballet flats come with a characteristic French girl aura. Made with a Mary Jane silhouette in ivory lambskin, they feature buckled straps and stacked heels. Perfect for twirling around the streets of Paris, wear yours anywhere to add a whisper of sophistication to your outfit.
Maison Margiela Tabi Ballet Flats
Once a mainstay of “if you know you know” fashion, Maison Margiela’s signature split-toe Tabi shoes, inspired by Japanese tabi socks, are now mainstream icons. These black leather Tabi ballet flats are detailed with dainty knotted bows and are best worn with a tailored midi skirt or crisp straight-leg trousers and a vest to lean into the design’s high-fashion associations.
Bottega Veneta Stretch Leather Flats
The naked dress may have become a dated trend, but it’s given way to a subtler form of naked dressing – the naked ballet flat. Bottega Veneta’s take on the popular trend is a fun collision of mesh and leather finished with chain embellishment. The breathability of the mesh makes them a perfect hot-weather pick to pair with shorts. Alternatively, lean into the trend with a maxi crochet dress.
Jimmy Choo pearl-embellished suede ballet flats
There’s no such thing as too much embellishment so don’t be afraid to finish a well-accessorised outfit with these Jimmy Choo ballet flats. Sculpted from suede, they feature a foot strap embellished with faux pearls making them ideal for swapping out the heels at your next wedding.
MACH & MACH crystal-embellished satin flats
Making a strong case against pigeonholing ballet flats into the commuter shoe category, these white satin Mach & Mach flats ooze glamour. The pointy-toed pair features the brand’s signature crystal-encrusted double bow hardware; perfect for parties, they are also a great comfortable bridal option.
Alexandre Birman Bow-Detailed Mary Jane Flats
A softer take on Mary Janes, Alexandre Birman’s asymmetric Clarita flats are rendered in a velvety beige suede. With d’Orsay sides and slim straps topped with bows, they’re perfect for a sunny picnic or girls’ day out when worn with a floral dress and a coordinating bow in your hair.
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