You can walk in them, they’re comfortable and you may already have a pair lurking in your wardrobe: ballet pumps are back – again! Yes, this minimalist slip-on has made yet another resurgence, thanks to our ongoing love of flat footwear. But don’t worry, they’ve had an update since their last foray on fashion’s front row.
The original noughties wearers such as Kate Moss, Alexa Chung and Sienna Miller, styled theirs with drain pipe skinny jeans, black leggings and boho maxi skirts. Instead, today’s supers and It girls wear them with leather shorts, cropped straight jeans, mini skirts and the rest. Bella Hadid has been spotted stomping the streets in a black satin Miu Miu pair. Other wearers to covet for inspiration include Camille Charriere, Xenia Adonts and Lucy Williams. Even Jennifer Lopez and Paris Hilton still don this chic wardrobe staple regularly. Theirs come from high fashion houses – think Chanel and The Row – but the high street has just as good an offering with accessible price tags.
Wondering when to wear them? Consider them your new wardrobe staple. Once you start wearing them they’ll become just as useful as your trusty white trainers or chunky black boots. Pair them with floral midi dresses, cargo pants, denim maxi skirts, low-rise jeans (and every other 90s revival trend) and opt for tights or ankle socks now, then go without as it gets a little warmer. If you’re ready to bare ankles, read on for the ultimate styles to buy – plus, the top tips on what to avoid.
Square toes
This boxy toe shape is a welcome contemporary update and one that will amp up a simple look compiled of basics.
For a luxe edge, opt for this black pair with gold hardware buckles from Asos.
Arket’s plain black vegan leather pair with a high vamp are a must-have.
Massimo Dutti’s iteration in an oat colourway gets a big tick for the comfortable foam-lined sole.
Point toes
A point-toe silhouette will elongate the leg – very helpful when wearing a flat shoe with little-to-no heel height (especially if you’re on the petite side).
This ballerina from & Other Stories is both sleek and elegant.
If you’re looking for a sling back, this white buckle pair from Reserved will be perfect for spring wedding guest dressing.
Boden’s almond-shaped ballerinas with a subtle elongated toe will have the same effect as a sharp point.
Likewise, Everlane’s Everyday flats have a tapered toe finish. They are on the pricier side but are worth every penny – I have worn the ‘sugar almond’ shade to work, to dinner and to fashion week too.
Statement slippers
Party flats, not platforms, are the new It accessory to reach for when dancing the night away. Metallics are the perfect elevated neutral. Silver will go with everything from sequins to an LBD and your jeans the morning after – try this high-cut style from Next.
Or go for gold with bows from Anthropologie.
Or Karen Millen.
Splurge at Scarosso on the perfect power pink satin pair.
Or, on the fluff embellished Rosario pumps from the aptly named Pretty Ballerinas – in leopard print, powder pink or black.
For a glitzy pair, look no further than these velvet point toes with a crystal embellished strap from Asos.
Or go for these black rhinestone covered Mary Janes from Stradivarius.
Satin
Thanks to the hit Italian brand Miu Miu, satin slippers are a hot ticket. Theirs cost £700, but Bershka’s pointe shoe inspired design, complete with criss-cross elastics, take first position in my opinion – available in black or salmon pink.
Or try this sage green point toe with a pretty pearl embellished buckle.
Although selling out fast, I also suggest putting a restock alert on the following pink satin slippers with a natty strap – they look far more expensive than they actually are. Just avoid wearing them on a rainy day!
Best on a budget
If you don’t have a large budget to spend on new season buys, this is a trend you can easily achieve on a shoestring. Most of this edit hits below the £50 mark, but if you’re stuck on which to buy Mango’s classic bow leather ballerinas are a no-brainer in the perfect neutrals – choose from black, nude or silver.
Or opt for a colour pop of lime green, with this patent pair.
Zara’s real suede beige point toes are a fantastic bargain – snap them up before they sell out.
And if you want a does-it-all, day-to-night shoe look no further than these pointy, crystal bow ballerinas.
Extras to consider
Stick to styles with as much structure as possible. You may well remember Topshop’s flimsy yet cult nude leather ballet slippers – I wore through a few pairs of them. But it’s best to leave those super-supple flats in the past or you may end up needing an appointment with your podiatrist.
Going barefoot without a lining will likely be uncomfortable (and, ahem, sweaty too). I highly recommend Falke’s No Show, anti-slip socks.
To avoid looking clunky and outdated, steer clear of ultra-skinny jeans and clingy dresses when it comes to styling your faithful flats. Cropped straight leg trousers and raw-edge denim is your best bet for the optimum amount of ankle. Levi’s ribcage straight jeans are every fashion editor’s secret weapon, but Monki’s vintage blue version do the same thing for £40.
Avoid wide legs that almost touch the floor or graze above the ankle bone. There’s a sweet spot to look for: they should skim across the top of your foot to allow your pumps to be seen, rather than puddling at the bottom or looking half-mast. Jigsaw’s Balfour style is just right.
;
