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 jelly sandals to maxi skirts to jorts 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 versions 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 ballet flats
Dainty and chic, Miu Miu’s ballet flats have been a cult favourite since debuting on the brand’s AW22 runway. Crafted in a classic black or beige leather and adorned with bows and a simple elasticated band with the brand’s logo, they’re perfect for adding a romantic finish to the balletcore aesthetic.
The Row Ava ballet flats
Elegantly side-stepping school uniform vibes, The Row manages to elevate the Mary Jane 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 Marcie embellished leather ballet flats
Chloé’s ballerinas are a celebrity favourite, spotted on stars including Angelina Jolie, Lily Collins and Eva Longoria. These elegant Marcie flats are made with smooth baby pink leather and feature T-bar straps for an adjustable fit. Wear yours with everything from jeans to breezy summer dresses.
Alaïa crystal-embellished ballet flats
If you’re looking to add a subtle sparkle to your outfit, Alaïa’s crystal-embellished pair is ideal. Made from 100 per cent lambskin, they feature a rounded toe, buckled strap and all-over crystal studs. Pair with a chic A-line dress or mini skirt for a glamorous date-night look.
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 Tabis 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.
Castañer Pepa leather espadrille ballet flats
A summery take on the classic ballet flats, Spanish brand Castañer adds a jute sole to their black nappa leather deisgn. A chunkier fit than the more deilcate styles, we’ll be wearing ours with long linen dresses and a raffia basket swung over our shoulders.
Stuart Weitzman Arabella ballet flats
The naked dress may have become a dated trend, but it’s given way to a subtler form of daring dressing – naked shoes. Stuart Weitzman’s take on the popular trend is a fun collision of mesh and leather. 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 Eleri Ballerinas
Jimmy Choo has ballet flats in suede, raffia and even jelly iterations to suit all tastes and occasions. The Eleri Ballerinas, crafted from a glossy patent leather with crossover straps and featuring a delicate pearl charm, offer a slick and smart style that is feminine, timeless and look just as good with tailoring as they do floaty dresses and chic mini skirts.
Mach & Mach Audrey ballet flats
Making a strong case against pigeonholing ballet flats into the commuter shoe category, these metallic Mach & Mach flats ooze glamour. The crystal-trimmed pair makes for a great party option while also being a good alternative to sky-high bridal heels.
Valentino Garavani bow-embellished ballet flats
A softer take on Mary Janes, Valentino Garavani’s uber-feminine flats are rendered in glossy blush-hued patent leather. With delicate bow-embellishments and slim straps, they’re perfect for a sunny picnic or girls’ day out when worn with a floral dress and a coordinating bow in your hair.
Read more: Flip flops: The summer shoe that never goes out of style
