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...
1
Best red ballet flats
Mango Satin ballerinas with studs
1
Best red ballet flats
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?
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.
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?
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4
Charles & Keith Bow mary jane flats - chalk
4
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.
5
Jeffrey Campbell Shine for you ballet flats
5
Jeffrey Campbell Shine for you ballet flats
Jeffrey Campbell is ticking both the mesh and rhinestone ballet pump trends with this pair of sparkly shoes. Choose from black, baby blue and classic nude shades.
6
Best silver ballet flats
Jigsaw Linnie flat pointed ballerina
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.
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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.
8
Best ballet flats with straps
Reformation Bethany ballet flat
8
Best ballet flats with straps
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.
9
Best Mary Jane ballet flats
Vibi Venezia Grosgrain-trimmed velvet Mary Jane slippers
9
Best Mary Jane ballet flats
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.
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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.
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Loeffler Randall Leonie grosgrain-trimmed satin ballet flats
11
Loeffler Randall Leonie grosgrain-trimmed satin ballet flats
12
Best pointed ballet flats
Topshop Ava pointed toe ballet flat shoe in black
12
Best pointed 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.
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Oliver Bonas Mary Jane double buckle lavender metallic shoes
13
Oliver Bonas Mary Jane double buckle lavender metallic shoes
Metallics aren't just for party season, gals. We'll be taking Oliver Bonas's shiny lilac ballet flats into spring with mini dresses and distressed denim.
14
Best leather ballet flats
Everlane The day ballet flat
14
Best leather ballet flats
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.
15
Reformation Mariella mary jane ballet flat
15
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.
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Last time these Alaïa lookalikes hit the COS site, they sold out within hours – so you'll want to secure your own ASAP.
17
Charles & Keith Spike textured tie-around ballet flats - fuchsia
17
Charles & Keith Spike textured tie-around ballet flats - fuchsia
PSA: Central Saint Martins graduate and LFW favourite . 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.
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.
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19
Best black ballet flats
Free People Cece wrap ballet flat
19
Best black ballet flats
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.
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.
