So, as you bid farewell to the chill of winter and embrace the warmth of spring, step into the new season with confidence and style, courtesy of a pair of chic flats that promise to elevate your ensemble while keeping you comfortable every step of the way.
The best ballet flats to help you achieve that French girl aesthetic
The Noughties shoe trend is back and better than ever
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You heard it here first: ballet flats are *officially* back for 2024. I know, I know… It just goes to show how cyclical fashion trends really are. But forget what you think you know about these nostalgic shoes – this season, the runways and high-street are full of mesh, bejewelled, velvet and strappy pumps that are more grunge than girly, and cooler than ever.
Flashback to 2007 and we all had a pair or ten of ballet flats – most likely seriously bashed-up, and from high street behemoth Topshop (back when the brand was in its heyday *RIP*). Seriously, there was a time when you couldn’t walk down the street without seeing a gal in one of the brand’s iconic leather styles with their rounded toes, grosgrain trims and pretty bows.
But frankly, by the time we hit the late 2010s, ballet flats had long since lost their sartorial appeal and were demoted to school shoe territory and reserved to the children’s footwear department. That said, across the channel, ballet pumps have never been out of style. French girls still rocked flat shoes when tottering around Paris, and Chanel’s iconic two-tone ballerinas have continued to be a wardrobe mainstay since they first launched in 1957. Impressive.
We personally love how brands have pivoted recently from all things girlish, and made ballet flats gothic and grungy for 2024. On the catwalk, Simone Rocha opted for chunky, platform soles to complement her billowing maxi hemlines, while Miu Miu and Valentino stayed true to classic pointe shoes with pretty pink satin pumps but added studs, buckles and oversized logos for a fashion twist – proving you really can have the best of both worlds.
For those not on a designer budget (guilty) fret not, Mango, Stradivarius and Charles & Keith have some amazing lookalikes that are just as versatile – and for a fraction of the price. We pretty much see these pumps working in every situation: channel off-duty models at the weekend by styling yours with boyfriend denim and oversized sweatshirts, or go full balletcore and dress a pair up with tulle skirts, bodysuits and pretty bows.
Keep scrolling to see Cosmo‘s pick of the best ballet flats to shop now and wear forever…
Mango Ballerinas with mesh bracelet
With a mesh upper, patent details and rounded toe, this pair of ballet flats from Mango are just like Alaïa’s celeb-approved fish-net style – in everything but price, that is.
Dear Frances Mesh crystal ballerina
OK, so we know these are a liiiiiiittle on the pricey side, but just look how sparkly!!! Dear Frances is the brand responsible for last summer’s mesh ballet flats obsession, and we simply can’t get enough of these new crystal-covered iterations.
Mango Satin ballerinas with studs
Cut from bright red satin and finished with a double studded strap, these Mango ballet flats look nearly identical to Valentino’s celeb-approved Rockstud pumps, but are a fraction of that £800 price tag. Race you to the checkout?
Jeffrey Campbell Mesh flat pumps
Mesh ballet pumps were everywhere last year (they even got our Fashion Editor’s seal of approval), and are here to stay for spring/summer ’24. How cute will this lilac style look with milkmaid dresses and boho skirts?
Charles & Keith Bow mary jane flats – chalk
Charles & Keith’s white ballet flats are kinda giving us Margiela Tabi vibes – but without the divisive split-toe design, you might be glad to hear. We love how the cute Mary Jane strap adds a touch of support, too.
Jeffrey Campbell Shine for you ballet flats
With a higher cut upper and on-trend pointed toe, Jigsaw’s silver ballet flats are perf for smarter occasions. We’ll be wearing ours to the office with wide-leg trousers and swapping to boyfriend jeans on the weekend.
Mango Rhinestone ballerinas
If Jeffrey Campbell’s rhinestone ballet flats are out of budget this season, opt for Mango’s diamanté ballerinas instead. At just under £50, these babies are quite the steal.
Reformation Bethany ballet flat
If you thought Reformation was only good for pretty dresses, think again. The LA brand has been killing the shoe game this season, and these rhinestoned ballet flats are firmly at the top of our wish list. They are giving Alaia but at a quarter of the price.
Vibi Venezia Grosgrain-trimmed velvet Mary Jane slippers
Back in 2015, inspired by quintessential Venetian slippers, sisters Viola and Vera Arrivabene Valenti Gonzaga created the fanciest ballet flats we ever did see.
The brand has now been spotted on the most stylish set (we’re talking Kate Moss, ppl), and extended its range to include loafer and Mary Jane styles.
A cool hybrid between ballet flats and slingbacks, these Ganni pumps have quickly become a fashion set fave. We’re obsessed with the high-shine patent leather finish and oversized buckle detailing. Plus, we can confirm they are way comfier than they look.
Loeffler Randall Leonie grosgrain-trimmed satin ballet flats
Topshop Ava pointed toe ballet flat shoe in black
Who didn’t own a pair of Topshop’s iconic ballet flats back in 2007? They were a Noughties staple after all. Fast forward to 2024 and the brand is still creating chic flats, but now they feature sleek ankle straps for support and cool, pointed toes.
Everlane The day ballet flat
Everlane’s ballet flats are bestsellers for a reason. These babies provide a touch more coverage thanks to the high-cut upper, so you can wear them all year long.
Reformation Mariella mary jane ballet flat
Crafted from silk and finished with a square toe, Reformation’s Mariella ballet flats are pretty similar to authentic pointe shoes but have been given a fashion twist with contrasting patent straps.
COS Buckled ballet flats
Last time these Alaïa lookalikes hit the COS site, they sold out within hours – so you’ll want to secure your own ASAP.
Charles & Keith Spike textured tie-around ballet flats – fuchsia
PSA: Central Saint Martins graduate and LFW favourite Chet Lo has collabed with high street footwear giant Charles & Keith. One of the most wearable pieces from the collection, these ballet flats are defined by the designer’s signature spikes and finished with a pretty tie-bow ankle strap.
Sézane Matilda ballerinas
Trust Parisian brand Sézane to nail the ballet flat – it is a French girl essential after all. We love the block wooden heel and leopard-print pony-effect leather on this Matilda style. Wear yours with contrasting prints (think Breton stripes) and straight-leg jeans this szn.
Free People Cece wrap ballet flat
Crafted from supple black leather, these Free People ballet flats are defined by a fixed wrap ankle strap and pretty tie-bow fastening. Contrast the girlish vibes by styling yours with leather trousers this winter.
Mango Bow leather ballerina
Resembling the nude leather ballet slippers we all know and love, Mango’s rounded toe flats are super similar to the iconic Topshop styles you had in your wardrobe back in the 2000s.
Mango Semi-transparent mesh ballerina
More mesh ballet flats comin’ atcha – we told you they are going to be BIG in 2024. This pair is from Mango’s latest Heritage collection that is full of nostalgic ’90s staples like slip dresses and tank tops.
Bibi Lou Heeled leather ballet pumps
Find fully flat shoes suuuuper uncomfortable or just want a lil’ bit of height? Check out Bibi Lou’s block heel ballet pumps in the shade of the season: chilli red.
Charles & Keith Checkered Buckled Mary Jane Flats
We’re already getting excited for spring dressing thanks to these gingham beauties from Charles & Keith. A fun way to make these ballet flats winter appropriate? Wear them over chunky socks and cropped trousers.
H&M Leather ballet pumps
H&M’s black leather ballet flats are about as timeless as they get. This style will seriously go the distance in your capsule wardrobe – wear them with tights at work or on the weekend with wide-leg denim.
Reformation Barbara ballet flat
Taking inspiration from traditional ballet pointe shoes, these Reformation pumps feature a square toe and criss-cross elastic strapping detail. Go full balletcore and wear yours with tulle frou-frou skirts and logo tees. SJP would totally approve.
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