I have this recurring dream where I’m twirling around the streets of Paris at twilight, wearing a tulle Dior dress and sporting a beret in the deepest shade of noir, all the while carrying a baguette (bag or bread, either would suffice) in the crook of my arm. Of course, you can’t twirl effectively in spindly stilettos, so my footwear of choice is another French-girl staple: ballet flats. Naturally, I wake to discover I’m not in Paris, that the Dior dress was merely on subconscious loan and, to my dismay, there’s not a baguette ready to be devoured. However, much like Cinderella, I do have a pair of ballet flats that help me live out my Parisian fantasy in real life.
Back when I first moved to London, I wore ballet flats on repeat. My job as a fashion intern required me to hotfoot it to designer shops at a moment’s notice to pick up clothing for shoots, which would inevitably need to be swiftly returned. Ballet flats allowed me to dash around the city at high speed while ensuring I looked as presentable as a sweaty 21-year-old could. However, just last week, I was shopping in Mango when I came across the perfect pair of ballet flats. It felt as if it was 2011 all over again. I slipped them on and instantly felt the comfort and Gallic charm. At a mere £46, they had to be mine.
As the week went on, I realised they went with everything I paired them with: statement skirts, tapered trousers, distressed denim, bright dresses, checks and velvet, to name a few. And I’m not the only one who’s clocked on to their versatility. Now that temperatures are cooling, it seems everyone in the fashion world has picked up a pair, including Parisians who are now wearing them in place of sandals. If you haven’t yet invested, I’ve done the hard work for you and found the very best ballet flats for every budget. Turns out that dreams really do come true.
This classic pair comes in pale pink and vibrant silver, too.
These Everlane ballet flats come in five brilliant colours: black, tan, cream and snake.
The raffia fabrication has me dreaming of warm summer days.
Arket has so many directional ballet flats this season.
The buckle details are a nice touch.
The only thing that can improve a pair of black ballet flats? Pearl embellishment.
Tan and beige finishes are the ideal warm-weather alternative to black leather.
Mary Jane style ballet flats are big right now.
The tie details accentuate the classic ballet bow.
You know you’re onto a winner when The Row is tapping into the very trend you’re considering investing in.
This pair embraces designer details like studs and buckles.
The satin finish is 10/10.
I have a feeling that these new-in Zara flats won’t hang around for long…
A standout pair.
Metallics are big right now.
A pair that features in my dreams.
A shoe shape that’ll go with everything you style it with.
A truly striking pair.
Bows are always a feature on classic ballet flats.
Such a great hue for autumn.
The cut of these shoes is so flattering.
Nude shoes will look dreamy paired with cream trousers and dresses.
