Elegant ballet flats are loved by the A-list
Like the resurgence of many other Y2K trends, last year ballet flats were declared officially back. I was instantly transported back to my teenage years, and honestly I was sceptical, but 20 years on they've had something of upgrade.
Elegant and practical, versatile and comfortable - what's not to love? Now its hard to imagine our wardrobes or our Instagram feeds without them.
Of course, Chanel’s iconic two-tone pair has been around since the 1950s, but if you too still associate them with the unstylish era of wearing Juicy Couture tracksuits and a waist belt with literally everything, just take a look at Miu Miu’s super cute logo-jacquard strap ballet flats or the beautiful satin styles by Aeyda.
Most recently, mesh ballet flats and rhinestone-embellished styles have dominated with the street style set. Seen on the likes of Alexa Chung and Jennifer Lawrence, I've since spotted lookalikes all over the high street, from Reformation to River Island.
Whether you're yet to rejoin team ballet flats, you want to add to your collection, or you're trying a pair for the first time (looking at you, Gen Z), I've found all of the chicest pairs to shop now.
The best ballet flats at a glance
- The black ballet flats: M&S Leather Square Toe Ballet Pumps, £35
- The Mary-Jane ballet flats: New Look Leather-Look Strappy Ballerina Pumps, £25.99
- The silver ballet flats: Reformation Bethany Ballet Flats, £268 / $268
- The neutral ballet flats: H&M Ballet Pumps, £15.99 / $19.99
- The rhinestone ballet flats: Mango Rhinestone Ballerinas, £49.99 / $79.99
- The mesh ballet flats: River Island Studded Mary Jane Ballet Pumps, £35 / $65
Celebrities and royals wearing ballet flats
From Aquazzura to Chanel and Everlane to Zara, Meghan Markle loves her ballet flats. She's been spotted in every style from two-tone with rounded toes to pointed slingbacks.
Alexa Chung demonstrates how to style ballet flats with a mini dress, looking so chic in her Miu Miu pumps and an oversized leather blazer.
While model Marlies Pia Pfeifhofer dresses down the same pair to perfection, wearing the Miu Miu ballet flats with white straight-leg jeans and a black tailored blazer.
How I chose the best ballet flats
- Style: There are so many different styles of ballet flats trending right now. From mesh to rhinestone-embellished and metallic silver to classic black, I've included them all in this edit.
- Price: Whether you're looking to spend less than £20 or upwards of £200, there's something to suit every budget.
- Brands: I've only included brands loved and trusted by the HELLO! shopping team. Many of these pairs also come with top reviews, and they're all fashion editor-approved.
1/11
M&S Leather Square Toe Ballet Pumps
M&S Ballet Flats
Sizes available: UK 3-8
Colours available: Black, Ivory, Silver
Shipping: £3.99 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £60
Returns: Free within 35 days
Marks & Spencer's sleek leather ballet flats are so popular thanks to their stylish square toe and Insolia Flex technology, which ensures your feet are correctly placed for ultimate comfort. The affordable pair comes in at less than £40 and they're even available in half sizes so you can find the perfect fit.
£35 at M&S
2/11
Mango Rhinestone Ballerinas
Mango Ballet Flats
Sizes available: UK 2-9
Colours available: Black, Nude
Shipping: £3.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £30
Returns: Free within 30 days
Choosing my favourite pair from Mango was not easy. Since last year I'd say they've had one of the best collections of ballet flats on the high street, and you'll find every kind of style from mesh to classics. I love this rhinestone pair, which is available in both black and nude.
£49.99 at Mango
$79.99 at Mango US
3/11
& Other Stories Crystal-Embellished Ballet Flats
& Other Stories Ballet Flats
Sizes available: EUR 36-41
Colours available: Powder pink
Shipping: £4 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £80
Returns: Free within 30 days
Add some sparkle to your outfits with these very chic crystal-embellished Mary Jane ballet flats from & Other Stories. Made from glossy powder pink satin, they're topped with cascading faux pearls and shimmering crystals.
£120 at & Other Stories
4/11
New Look Leather-Look Strappy Ballerina Pumps
New Look Ballet Flats
Sizes available: UK 3-6
Colours available: Black, Cream, Red
Shipping: £2.99 for Standard Delivery or free on orders over £50
Returns: £1.99 within 28 days
For a pair of Mary Jane ballet flats, New Look has this popular style for just £25. They get five star reviews for their comfort and quality, and are a fraction of the price of designer lookalikes.
£25.99 at New Look
5/11
Reformation Bethany Ballet Flats
Reformation Ballet Flats
Sizes available: UK 3-9
Colours available: Silver, Black, Black Mesh, Black with Rhinestones, Black Velvet, Chestnut Leather
Shipping: £6 Standard Delivery or free over £100
Returns: £6 within 30 days
From metallics to rhinestones to mesh, Reformation's bestselling Bethany ballet flats come in a variation to suit every style, and this silver pair will elevate every outfit. Made from soft leather, they feature a rounded toe and buckled strap.
£268 at Reformation
$268 at Reformation US
6/11
Charles & Keith Patent Ankle-Strap Ballet Flats
Charles & Keith Ballet Flats
Sizes available: UK 2-9
Colours available: Black, White, Burgundy, Denim
Shipping: £4 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £50
Returns: Free within 28 days
Charles & Keith's trending ballet flats have buckled ankle straps for a city-chic vibe. They feature a low block heel for a little height and a glam patent finish.
£65 at Charles & Keith
$56 at Charles & Keith US
7/11
Everlane The Italian Leather Day Ballet Flat
Everlane Ballet Flats
Sizes available: UK 5-11
Colours available: Pale Pink, Black, Toasted Almond, Blush Tan, Canvas
Shipping: £5 Standard Delivery
Returns: £8 within 45 days
Meghan Markle-favourite Everlane does real Italian leather ballet flats in a whole range of shades. They come with a comfortable cushioned insole and an outsole made of low impact, recycled leather.
£136 at Everlane
$145 at Everlane US
8/11
River Island Studded Mary Jane Ballet Pumps
River Island Ballet Flats
Sizes available: UK 2-9
Colours available: Black, Beige
Shipping: £4 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £50
Returns: Free within 28 days
River Island's lookalikes for Alaia’s cult-favourite fishnet ballet flats come in both black and beige with the signature strap. Don't wait around, the party-ready pair is selling out fast.
£35 at River Island
$65 at River Island US
9/11
H&M Ballet Pumps
H&M Ballet Flats
Sizes available: UK 2-9
Colours available: Light Beige, Black
Shipping: £3.99 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £30
Returns: Free within 28 days
H&M's bargain ballet flats are less than £20 and reviews say they're so comfortable. Made from soft faux leather, they're satin-lined, and have a decorative bow at the front.
£15.99 at H&M
$19.99 at H&M US
10/11
Zara Ballet Flats with Double Straps
Zara Ballet Flats
Sizes available: UK 2-9
Colours available: Black
Shipping: £3.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £50
Returns: £1.95 within 30 days
Made from real leather, these Zara ballet flats will only get better with each wear. With their black hue, sleek silhouette and double buckled straps, I could see Alexa Chung wearing a pair.
£45.99 at Zara
11/11
ASOS DESIGN Legacy Studded Ballet Flats
ASOS Ballet Flats
Sizes available: UK 2-9
Colours available: Black
Shipping: Free Standard Delivery
Returns: Free within 28 days
These studded ballet flats from ASOS feature statement straps and would look amazing with straight-leg jeans and dresses alike. They're fully adjustable and have pin-buckle fastenings.
£28 at ASOS
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