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 winter, the high street is full of embellished party season styles.
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.
- The mesh ballet flats: H&M Mesh Ballet Pumps
- The studded ballet flats: M&S Studded Buckle Ballet Pumps
- The Mary Jane ballet flats: & Other Stories Square-Toe Ballet Flats
- The silver ballet flats: Reformation Bethany Ballet Flats
- The red ballet flats: Zara Leather Ballet Flats
- The designer ballet flats: Alaïa Embellished Leather Ballet Flats
Celebrities wearing ballet flats
![[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 gave me all of the workwear inspiration with her autumn/winter outfit, pairing tailored trousers with Chanel ballet flats, while Marlies Pia Pfeifhofer dressed down her Miu Miu pair to perfection, wearing them with white straight-leg jeans and a contrasting black blazer.
A guest outside the Chloé show demonstrated how to style ballet flats with wide-leg jeans, looking effortlessly cool in her Chanel pumps and cropped jacket, and Jennifer Lopez looked 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.
1/11
M&S Studded Buckle Ballet Pumps
Editor's Note:
Marks & Spencer just dropped these studded ballet flats and they're amazing to style from day to night this season. Featuring a comfy sole and Mary Jane design with a buckle fastening, I'd wear them with everything from wide-leg jeans to mini dresses.
2/11
& Other Stories Square-Toe Ballet Flats
Editor's Note:
& Other Stories' 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 - stunning.
3/11
H&M Mesh Ballet Pumps
Editor's Note:
H&M just dropped these ultra cool mesh ballet flats and they're just £14.99. They feature an adjustable ankle strap with a metal buckle and Cellfit™ technical foam insoles for extra comfort.
4/11
Alaïa Embellished Leather Ballet Flats
Editor's Note:
If you're looking to invest in a forever pair, Alaïa's cult ballet flats are the original studded style. Made from real leather, with crystal embellishments, they're the coolest alternative to heels this Christmas.
5/11
Mango Leather Ballet Flats
Editor's Note:
For a pair of ballet flats in this season's trending hue, head to Mango. The very chic real leather burgundy pair comes in a classic rounded toe silhouette complete with a decorative bow.
6/11
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.
7/11
Reformation Bethany Ballet Flats
Editor's Note:
From metallics to rhinestones to mesh, Reformation's bestselling Bethany ballet flats come in a variation to suit every style, and this silver pair will elevate every outfit. Made from soft leather, they feature a rounded toe and buckled strap.
8/11
New Look Studded Ballet Pumps
Editor's Note:
New Look's black studded ballet flats are an affordable alternative to Alaia's designer pair. The diamanté-embellished style features heel-to-toe padding and a thick foam flexible sole for ultimate comfort.
9/11
River Island Mesh Mary Jane Ballet Pumps
Editor's Note:
River Island's party-ready mesh pair feature sparkling studs and a Mary Jane style strap. I love this chic champagne hue.
10/11
Zara Red Leather Ballet Flats
Add a festive touch to any winter outfit with this red leather pair from Zara. They have a rounded toe and multi-way straps with buckles.
11/11
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.
winter
