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Wear Next.

This Shoe is Making a Huge Comeback For 2023

Thought they were over? Think again.

Last Updated on April 29, 2023

Shoes should be three things: stylish, supportive and most of all, comfortable.

If you’re worried about some of the footwear trends emerging for this year (I’m looking at you, loafers), you’ll be glad to know ballet pumps are making a long-awaited comeback.

While I don’t like to think of certain trends ever being ‘out’ (you should wear what makes you happy, IMO), the shoes favoured by French girls are emerging again for sure.

We saw them stepping down the runway for Emelia Wickstead, Simone Rocha and Miu Miu, who teamed their pretty pink satin pairs with chunky socks, and Alexa Chung has dug hers out recently too.

Zara model wears the Velvet Flat Shoes
Zara

Ballet flats have certainly come a long way since the noughties era, which saw Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Amy Winehouse wearing theirs as they partied in London. No longer were they dainty and prissy; they suddenly had an edge to them, which saw them explode.

The shoe has had an update however, with little details that add a modern touch, including pleats, square toes, straps and embellishment.

While these touches sound small, they can change the shoe’s aesthetic entirely by adding a tougher edge to the once delicate and ultra-feminine-looking flats – so if you’re worried about looking to twee in yours, there’s no need.

So how do you wear them? The easiest way is to team them with jeans, but if you’re more of a dress wearer, you’re in luck too. To avoid looking too cutesy, try teaming them with an LBD or denim dress.

Of course these are just suggestions; at Wear Next, we encourage you to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident, whatever that might be.

As we now embrace expressive, yet comfortable style, it makes sense that they’re back on the agenda. I haven’t worn any for years, so I’ve been doing my research about where to find the best pairs and – what a surprise – the high street is packed with them.

Perhaps you’re looking for a simple black pair to get you started. There are plenty of those, from pointed-toe pairs at Dune London and H&M, to your classic style at Zara.

If you want to add a little something, Steve Madden has an embellished pair you’ll love for party season. We’re seeing the addition of straps too, and Charles & Keith have the perfect pair.

Here are the best pairs I’ve found.

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Shop ballet pumps

Toe-Cap Quilted Mary Jane Charles & Keith

Toe-Cap Quilted Mary Jane, £65, Charles & Keith – buy now

LEATHER BALLET FLATS WITH BOW DETAIL Zara

Leather ballet flats, £49.99, Zara – buy now


ADE FLAT
Black Suede Flats with Pearl Embellishment

Ade Flat, £625, Jimmy Choo – buy now

THE ROW
Elastic leather ballet flats

Elastic Leather Ballet Flats, £690, The Row at Net-a-Porter – buy now

Tootsie in Hot Pink Rogue Matilda

Tootsie in Hot Pink, £165, Rogue Matilda – buy now

Bow leather ballerina from Mango

Bow leather ballerina, £45.99 Mango – buy now

Velvet Flat Shoes from Zara

Velvet Flat Shoes, £49.99, Zara – buy now

Pointed Flats from H&M

Pointed Flats, now £12, H&M – buy now

Gabine Leather Toe-Cap Ballerinas - Beige from Charles & Keith

Gabine Leather Toe-Cap Ballerinas in Beige, £95.00, Charles & Keith – buy now

Bow Ballerina Pumps from Charles & Keith

Bow Ballerina Pumps, now £43, Charles & Keith – buy now

Wide Fit Lotus embellished slingback ballet flats in black satin from ASOS

Wide Fit Lotus embellished slingback ballet flats in black satin, £24, ASOS – buy now

Launch square toe ballet flats in beige from ASOS

Launch square toe ballet flats in beige, £21, ASOS  – buy now

Julisa Ballerina Silver from Steve Madden

Julisa Ballerina Silver, £120, Steve Madden – buy now

Heighten Leather Flat Slingback Ballet Shoes in Black from Dune London

Heighten Leather Flat Slingback Ballet Shoes in Black, £75, Dune London – buy now

Hallo Charm-Detail Ballet Shoes in Camel from Dune London

Hallo Charm-Detail Ballet Shoes in Camel, £65, Dune London – buy now

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