Hailey Bieber declared this August “Strawberry Girl Summer“, whilst influencers who took to Europe announced it was “European Summer“. Whilst I’m not here to contest either statement, for all the fashion editors out there, there was 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 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 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.
After a fashion redemption story like no other, below I’ve chronicled the ballet flats that ruled the summer months. Read on to discover the flats we’ll be shopping now and for years to come.
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 our minds rent-free.
Silver ballet flats continue to trend as we move into the colder months.
This classic studded pair is so easy to style.
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 our quickly, but remain available to shop on pre-loved websites.
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.
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 shoe of choice.
Their classic white flats pair so well with jeans or trousers.
Style with a thick knit and jeans as the weather cools.
Style Notes: There’s nothing The Row does better than clean cuts and elevated basics, so naturally their 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 versions that could be crediting with kickstarting the whole ballet-flat renaissance.
Style with a fresh white sock when the weather cools.
The perfect dainty ballet flat.
Style Notes: Earlier this year we all caught wind that there was a Tabi swiper on the loose in New York. The fashion insiders favourite shoe, the Tabi has been around for decades, but this season came out on top for its instantly recognisable design and mass of dedicated fans.
Every fashion-insider’s favourite shoe.
Add on some hight with this small block heel.
Style Notes: Pointed-toe shoes were another trending shape this season, and certain ballet flats got the makeover. Our favourite of the lot come from heritage brand Loro Piana who remain a firm favourite for their excellent cuts and quality.
So elegant.
This chic pair goes well with dresses or trousers.
Style Notes: Riffing off the growing metallic trend, silver ballet flats are the cult-buy of the season. Of the lot we remain enamoured by Khaite’s silver version which sadly remain sold out. Luckily, their crystal-embellished flats are still in stock and ready to shop below.
The perfect party shoe.
The sheer pair style easily with the rest of your wardorbe.
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 taken by the playful styles that featured surprising strap details.
Style with a loose leg trouser or structured style.
Wear with white socks when the weather calls for it.
Styles Notes: Spotted several times this summer on Gigi Hadid, Mansur Gavriel’s cult ballet flats quickly rose to a fashion staple. Worn with loose jeans, or wide-leg trousers, the classic shoe will level up any wardrobe.
The perfect black flat.
Add a hint of red.
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 more, these remain a firm favourite amongst the style crowd.
Dance the night away in these dainty flats.
Miu Miu’s patent leather ballet flats are a sturdier alternative to their satin finish.
Up Next: 10 Items That Are Officially Reaching Cult Status This Fashion Month
