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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.
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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