This Shoe is Making a Huge Comeback For AW22

Thought they were over? Think again.

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

If you’re worried about some of the footwear trends emerging for AW22 (I’m looking at you, platforms), 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 at the AW22 shows 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.

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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 square-toe pairs at COS and Jigsaw, to your classic style at M&S.

If you want to add a little something, ASOS have 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.