Chunky loafers, stomper boots and dad trainers are all well and good, but for those craving something a little bit, well… daintier and softer, then allow me to introduce you to the fashion set-approved trend rearing its head: the ballet pump.

Of course, you might already be well acquainted with the thin-soled, soft leather shoe, first popularised by Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel in 1957 and championed by every fashion lover worth their salt in the years since. 

The balletcore trend has been padding around for a while, thanks to designers who have thrown considerable weight behind the revival on the catwalks. At the autumn/ winter 2024 shows, Molly Goddard sent a collection of models down the catwalk in pearlescent ballet pumps while Simone Rocha mixed heavily ornamented flats with her signature ethereal dresses and whimsical tailoring. 

You can thank Alaïa for the mesh iterations you may have seen twirling around. The designer label debuted their mesh flats in 2022 and since then they have became a fashion favourite. Blending comfort and style with their unique design, they are a versatile option (as pictured below).

From Audrey Hepburn to Amy Winehouse and Alexa Chung, the pump’s practical and perennial appeal is clear: here’s a shoe that will take you from desk-to-dusk and slot perfectly into your handbag should you choose to swap them out for a statement shoe come evening.

It’s versatile enough to wear with dresses, skirts and trousers (but it’s best to make them tailored and tapered with such a flat-soled shoe) with minimal styling. From dainty and doll-like to pretty pumps and suede slippers, I’ve rounded up the chicest ballet slippers to shop on the high-street now. Keep reading to see my key picks for the season. 

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands