We’ve seen the return of countless noughties fashion trends over recent years, from cargo pants to baguette bags and low-rise jeans – and now it’s the turn of the humble ballet flat.
Bringing an element of delicacy to a footwear market that was previously occupied mainly by chunky loafers, clogs and boots, ballet pumps were last majorly in favour in the mid-2000s thanks to the likes of Kate Moss, Alexa Chung and Sienna Miller. While they have been slowly making their comeback since last year – helped by a recent resurgence of the Mary-Jane, and TikTok’s 2022 ‘balletcore’ trend – these soft and simple flats are now a firm must-have for autumn 2023, thanks again to the fashion set.
From cult to classic (that’s Alaïa to Chanel, in terms of luxury) and high-end to high street, here are our picks of the best…
Alaïa ‘Strass’ lambskin ballet flats, £830
As the stand-out street style favourite at fashion week, Alaïa’s studded flats give glitz without being too extra – with a flattering almond-toe shape that can happily be worn with everything from trousers to dresses. Crafted from lambskin, the leather is punched with uniform rows of rhinestones, tying in nicely to another of AW23’s biggest trends (gleaming metallics and lamé).
Reformation ‘Bethany’ ballet flats, £298
If Alaïa’s cult versions are out of your price bracket (or you simply can’t get hold of them due to their in-demand status), Reformation offer a nod to the look with subtle studded details and a buckle strap, giving a similar silhouette. All Reformation leather is either vegetable tanned or chromium-free.
Miu Miu was perhaps one of the earlier fashion houses to jump on the ‘balletcore’ trend, though these sweet slippers remain popular even now, with various iterations launching – from leather to satin and rhinestone-studded styles (not unlike the Alaïas). With removable elastic straps, these are a versatile option, and look particularly adorable paired with chunky socks – for embracing your inner dancer.
Though a timeless choice ever since Karl Lagerfeld launched them in 1984, the iconic Chanel ballet pump has returned to favour amongst the fashion set once again – with the brand’s famous two-tone lambskin versions remain the go-to iteration.
Mango square-toe ballerinas, £109.99
One of the more fashion-forward high street options is Mango’s square-toe pair, which are crafted in goat leather and feature a dainty elasticated strap, similar to another high-end pair by The Row. The shape adds a point of difference and a little extra structure, which is handy if you don’t love the more traditionally almond-shaped ballet flats on the market.
The fine, supple leather on these simple slippers give them a refined look that is clearly popular with shoppers, since they are quickly selling out. All Everlane leather is sourced from gold or silver-rated Leather Working Group tanneries, and the outer sole of these particular flats is crafted in recycled leather.
Nompumelelo Marilyn Samambgwa is a clothing, footwear and accessories designer from Harare, Zimbabwe. The aim for her project is to fill the gap in locally manufactured shoes that draws inspiration from the diverse and yet least celebrated culture, heritage,
Each month, Mike will take us on a journey through the world of leather in the fashion industry and how it is being used, worn and loved. Let us introduce you to Mike Adler: Leather Loves.
Cate Havstad-Casad, the founder and creator of Oregon-based regenerative accessories brand Range Revolution, is someone who knows that every aspect of the supply chain is crucial when it comes to ethical leather production.
Providing rebels with footwear for almost forty years, Underground has earned its place as the go-to shoemaker for a true genre-busting classic; the creeper.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
Stay different with our monthly roundup, which includes the latest on leather fashion and sustainable features, competition news and more.
Chanel ballet flats, £780
