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I'm A Ballet Flat Fanatic – And These Are The Best Around Right Now
From Mango to Maison Margiela, these are the ballet pumps to wear all summer.
Ballet was not my dance discipline of choice growing up (I'm more of a commercial dance girl, thanks for asking), but as all fashion-lovers know, having no idea about a sport does not preclude you from loving, and owning, all of its associated gear.
Be it riding jackets, football shirts or tennis skirts, street style's adoption of sportswear (cycling glasses, bowling bag handbags, cowboy boots... I could go on) has always been a 'thing' – and ballet shoes are an enduring example. First embraced in the 'Indie Sleaze' era circa 2007, when the late Amy Winehouse wore hers battered with polo shirts and puffball skirts, ballet flats have been a key trending shoe for a a good couple of years now.
Since Miu Miu's ballet pumps, first seen on the SS22 runway, sparked a thousand copycats, the humble ballerina has been reinvented in countless guides: this season, mesh ballet flats, studded iterations and sweet Mary Janes are all on the menu.
Cementing the shoe's longevity in the fashion world, Gucci's Cruise 2025 collection featured countless pairs as models weaved their way around a verdant installation at London’s Tate Modern earlier this year. Styles varied from classical gathered-at-the-toe satin finishes— complete with horse-bit detailing — to red leather multi-strap variations. There were also particularly great rounded-toe styles that featured ribbon ties around the ankle.
I prefer the look of a real ballet shoe's silhouette, so last summer I bought from real dance brands like Bloch and the Paris Opera for my initial investments. As winter came about and a solid sole was useful, Arket, Wolf & Gypsy Vintage and Jeffrey Campbell all came through with excellent offerings. I've been pairing mine with vintage cottons in the sunshine, and a pair of Wales Bonner tracksuit bottoms or vintage Levi's in the chillier evenings, even making them work appropriate with an A-line midi skirt and denim shirt.
Whether you like your foot covered or are up for some toe cleavage, want to try some mesh or embrace colour (a pop of red, perhaps?) these are the best ballet flats to invest in right now.
While you might think metallic shoes should be reserved for the festive season, try pairing silver, gold and bronze with white cotton in summer. Size up in these Mango ballet flats and add a pair of red socks with your usual denim and shirt combination and watch the compliments roll in.
Margiela's Tabis are something of a fashion girl staple at the moment, whether in loafer, Mary Jane or boot form. Don't be left behind: these split-toe ballet flats are your shortcut to a sartorial statement.
A reliable classic that comes with endless versatility? Of course it's good old M&S.
Manu Atelier launched ballet flats just a few months ago and their suede and leather versions do not disappoint. They're cut higher on the vamp for a cute Parisian feel, and fasten with slender double ankle ties.
These Arket ballet flats come in a slew of colours (I have them in gold), but if you're nervous of the trend, try them in a classic black, ensuring you can take them from desk to dinner with ease.
Dear Frances' mesh flats have something of a cult status on the fashion week front row, and I've seen many a pair in the ELLE UK office. Worn best with oversized suiting and a killer red manicure, the simple design is one to bookmark.
New York-based brand Sandy Liang is a key player in fashion's cute revolution, and with these ballet flats you can see why. This new-season style comes in siren-red satin with double buckles for an off-kilter twist. Pair them as the designer would: with a school-girl sock.
These COS ballerinas are some of the hardest working flats out there due to their versatile shape and colour. Trrust me: you can truly wear these with anything and anywhere.
Mansur Gavriel's Dream style, crafted from Italian lambskin leather, comes in a whole spectrum of dreamy colours and is begging to become your summer shoe of choice.
Reformation has a few really solid ballet flat styles, but these Mariella ones feel particularly fresh in their sugared-almond shade of pink.
Go to the brand that started it all – and in the print of the moment no less – with Miu Miu's leopard-print flats.
Prove you're on pointe (sorry) with Mango's square-toe ballet flats that come complete with a chunky buckled strap.
Daisy Murray is the Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, spotlighting emerging designers, sustainable shopping, and celebrity style. Since joining in 2016 as an editorial intern, Daisy has run the gamut of fashion journalism - interviewing Molly Goddard backstage at London Fashion Week, investigating the power of androgynous dressing and celebrating the joys of vintage shopping.
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