Hailey Bieber declared this August "Strawberry Girl Summer", whilst influencers who took to Europe announced it was, in fact, a "European Summer". I'm not here to contest either statement, because for all of the fashion editors out there, there's only one way we could describe the past few months: ballet-flat summer. After years in hibernation, the ballet flat triumphantly retrieved its cult status this year. Chic mary janes were and are on every corner, mesh ballet flats emerged as the coolest and most controversial iteration, a pair of Tabis were the subject of a highly publicised theft in New York, and crystal-embossed ballet pumps were on every corner during Fashion Month.
Every iteration of the ballet flat has had its moment in 2023, and whilst some brands gained notoriety for their classic black flats, others made their way to the top of wish lists for their bolder take on the trending shoe. And in honour of a fashion redemption story like no other, I've chronicled the ballet flats that ruled the summer months, and those that I predict will stand the test of time.
Read on to discover the flats we'll be shopping now and for years to come.
1. REFORMATION BETHANY BALLET FLAT
Style Notes: Reformation's Bethany mary janes quickly became a fan-favourite for their extensive colour and fabric range and chic, classic cut. With silver and studs trending hard this year, both the metallic pair and studded style live in my mind rent-free.
Shop the Flats:
Silver ballet flats continue to trend as we move into the colder months.
This classic studded pair is so easy to wear.
2. ALAÏA CRYSTAL BALLET FLATS
Style Notes: Alaïa's crystal-and-mesh ballet flats were some of the first slippers to trend this past season. For their glistening take on the classic style, the crystal flats sold out quickly, but luckily they remain available to shop on pre-loved websites.
Shop the Flats:
Shop pre-loved to get your hands on the trending style.
Alaïa's mesh ballet flats have been spotted on all of our favourite celebrities this year.
3. DEAR FRANCES MESH BALLET FLATS
Style Notes: The unlikely fashion trend that no one saw coming, mesh ballet flats took off year, and no stylist, fashion editor or influencer was left behind. For their roomy yet clean-cut finish, Dear Frances's mesh slippers were the pair of choice.
Shop the Flats:
The classic white colourway pairs so well with jeans and just about any style of trouser.
Style with a thick knit and jeans as the weather cools.
4. THE ROW BALLET FLATS
Style Notes: There's nothing The Row does better than clean cuts and elevated basics, so naturally its dainty leather ballet flats came out on top this season. You won't be surprised to know that it was The Row's elastic-strapped version that could well be credited with kickstarting the whole ballet-flat renaissance.
Shop the Flats:
Style with fresh white socks when you need to keep your feet warm.
The perfect dainty ballet flat.
5. MAISON MARGIELA TABI BALLET FLATS
Style Notes: Earlier this year we all caught wind that there was a Tabi swiper on the loose in New York. The fashion insider's favourite daring shoe, the Tabi has been around for decades, but it made its mark this season for its instantly recognisable design and mass of dedicated fans.
Shop the Flat:
You either love it or you hate it.
Add some height whilst staying comfy with this small block heel.
6. LORO PIANA POINTED BALLET FLATS
Style Notes: Pointed-toe shoes were another trending shape this season, and certain ballet flats got the makeover. My favourite of the lot come from Italian heritage brand Loro Piana, which remains a firm favourite for its excellent cuts and luxe-level quality.
Shop the Flats:
So elegant.
This sumptuous shade is perfect for autumn dressing.
7. KHIATE BALLET FLATS
Style Notes: Riffing off the metallic microtrend, silver ballet flats are one of this season's most stylish buys. Of the lot, we remain enamoured by Khaite's silver version, which are sadly still sold out. Luckily though, the crystal-embellished version is still in stock and ready to shop below.
Shop the Flats:
The perfect party shoes.
This neutral colourway is muted enough to style easily with the rest of your wardrobe.
9. AEYDE BALLET FLATS
Style Notes: Each pair of Aeyde shoes is made at the same family-run factory in Italy, so you can rest assured that you're investing in unrivalled quality. With many iterations of ballet flats on offer from the brand, we were most taken by the playful styles that feature surprising strap details.
Shop the Flats:
Style with loose-leg trousers or more structured styles alike.
Wear with white socks when the weather calls for it.
10. MANSURE GAVRIEL BALLET FLATS
Style Notes: Spotted several times this summer on Gigi Hadid, Mansur Gavriel's cult ballet flats quickly became a fashion staple. Worn with loose jeans or wide-leg trousers, this classic shoe will level up any wardrobe.
Shop the Flats:
The perfect black flats.
Add a hint of red.
11. MIU MIU BALLET FLATS
Style Notes: Miu Miu's playful satin ballet flats mimic real ballerina slippers with their pleated finished and satin fabric. Loved by Alexa Chung and many other stylish names, these remain a firm favourite amongst the fashion crowd.
Dance the night away in these dainty flats.
The patent leather iteration is a sturdier alternative to the satin finish.
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