Last year, ballet flats were declared officially back, and now its hard to imagine our wardrobes or our Instagram feeds without them.
Elegant and practical, versatile and comfortable - what's not to love? And with the arrival of autumn, the transitional shoe has never been more in demand.
Like the resurgence of many other Y2K trends, ballet pumps instantly transport me back to my teenage years, but 20 years on they've had something of upgrade.
Of course, Chanel’s iconic two-tone pair has been around since the 1950s, but if you too still associate them with the unstylish era of wearing Juicy Couture tracksuits and a waist belt with literally everything, just take a look at Miu Miu’s super cute logo-jacquard strap ballet flats or the beautiful satin styles by The Row.
Most recently, mesh ballet flats and studded styles have dominated with the street style set. Seen on the likes of Alexa Chung and Jennifer Lawrence, I've since spotted lookalikes all over the high street, from Reformation to River Island.
Whether you're yet to rejoin team ballet flats, you want to add to your collection, or you're trying a pair for the first time (looking at you, Gen Z), I've found all of the chicest pairs to shop now.
Celebrities and royals wearing ballet flats
From Aquazzura to Chanel and Everlane to Zara, Meghan Markle loves her ballet flats. She's been spotted in every style from two-tone with rounded toes to pointed slingbacks.
![[L-R Alexandra Lapp, Marlies-Pia Pfeifhofer, a fashion week guest, Jennifer Lopez]](https://images.hellomagazine.com/horizon/original_aspect_ratio/80d6242e8770-ballet-flats-celebs.jpg)
Alexandra Lapp is giving me all of the workwear inspiration with this outfit, pairing tailored trousers with Chanel ballet flats, while Marlies Pia Pfeifhofer dresses down her Miu Miu pair to perfection, wearing them with white straight-leg jeans and a black tailored blazer.
A guest outside the Chloé show demonstrates how to style ballet flats with wide-leg jeans, looking effortlessly cool in her Chanel pumps and cropped jacket, and Jennifer Lopez looks so chic in her satin pearl-embellished pair by Dior for elevated office attire.
How I chose the best ballet flats
- Style: There are so many different styles of ballet flats trending right now. From mesh to rhinestone-embellished and metallic silver to classic black, I've included them all in this edit.
- Price: Whether you're looking to spend less than £20 or upwards of £200, there's something to suit every budget.
- Brands: I've only included brands loved and trusted by the HELLO! shopping team. Many of these pairs also come with top reviews, and they're all fashion editor-approved.
1/9
M&S Suede Flat Ballet Pumps
Editor's Note:
Marks & Spencer just dropped these real suede ballet flats and they're gorgeous for autumn/winter. Featuring a comfy sole and Mary Jane design with a buckle fastening, I'd wear them with everything from wide-leg jeans to midi dresses.
2/9
Mango Studded Mesh Ballet Flats
Editor's Note:
Studs and mesh are a match made in heaven for statement-making ballet flats. Since last year Mango has had one of the best collections on the high street, and you'll find every kind of shape, from ruched to ankle straps.
3/9
& Other Stories Square-Toe Ballet Flats
Editor's Note:
& Other Stories' very chic ballet pumps are modelled on classic Pointe shoe styles. Featuring a square toe, they're lined with soft nappa leather and secure with delicate Mary Jane straps.
4/9
H&M Ballet Pumps
Editor's Note:
H&M's sleek and chic black ballet pumps are just £12.99 and will go with absolutely everything. Customer reviews say they look far more expensive than their price tag, but they also recommend sizing up.
5/9
Everlane The Italian Leather Day Ballet Flat
Editor's Note:
Meghan Markle-favourite Everlane does real Italian leather ballet flats in a whole range of shades. They come with a comfortable cushioned insole and an outsole made of low impact, recycled leather.
6/9
Reformation Bethany Ballet Flats
Editor's Note:
From metallics to rhinestones, Reformation's Bethany ballet flats come in a variation to suit every style, and I'm obsessed with this leopard print pair for autumn. They feature a rounded toe and buckled strap.
7/9
New Look Studded Ballet Pumps
Editor's Note:
New Look's black studded ballet flats will add some edge to any outfit. The leather-look pair feature heel-to-toe padding and a thick foam flexible sole for ultimate comfort.
8/9
ASOS DESIGN Lottie Tweed Ballet Flats
Editor's Note:
For a Chanel-style pair of tweed ballet flats, head to ASOS where you'll find this Mary Jane style pair. They feature a square toe and adjustable strap.
9/9
River Island Studded Mary Jane Ballet Pumps
Editor's Note:
River Island's lookalikes for Alaia’s cult-favourite fishnet ballet flats come in black, white and beige, with the signature strap. The party-ready pair feature sparkling studs.
