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5 min read
From the feet of celebrities to the catwalks, understated flats have evolved into a versatile option for every occasion. These ballet pumps, Mary Janes and point-toe slingbacks are the perfect party season accessory.
Sophisticated flats have long been associated with elegance and of-the-moment trends. In the 1950s, Audrey Hepburn wore Ferragamo ballet flats with slim black jersey tops and midi skirts, while Brigitte Bardot could be seen in Repetto ballet pumps with Breton stripe T-shirts. The shoes reached cult status in the 00s thanks to Kate Moss, who wore hers with skinny jeans, daisy dukes, waistcoats and blazers.
This year has seen a resurgence of interest in the ballet flat, with the trend popping up on catwalks and the feet of some of our favourite style icons. An understated gem, they look great with almost everything, whether it’s cuffed horseshoe jeans, ankle-grazing evening dresses, tailored trousers or Bermuda shorts and an oversized shirt. Throughout the seasons – day or night – they look elegant, stylish and contemporary.
Recently, Katie Holmes has been seen wearing square-toe ballet pumps with cropped wide-leg jeans, a vest and an oversized cardigan; Gigi Hadid wore classic black leather pumps with tailored black trousers and an oversized white shirt; and Jennifer Lawrence wore black mesh pumps with mid-blue denim jeans and a classic white T-shirt.
Footwear brand Dear Frances became a name-to-know thanks to its contemporary footwear silhouettes, which quickly led to it becoming a firm favourite among fashion insiders, many of whom will say their mesh Balla flats and Joss loafers are some of their most worn shoes.
Jane Frances, owner and creative director at Dear Frances, explains why flats are the ultimate party shoe: “Flats for party season show a quiet confidence. They’re an unexpected party choice and highly versatile for modern women. They bring elegance with ease and offer simplicity. Our Balla flats are all of these things, with a subtly seductive twist that’s perfect for day and night. During the winter, our crystal Balla flats are particularly popular as they offer a unique evening alternative.”
On the catwalks, we saw classic black options styled with sleeveless black eveningwear at Chanel; at Chloe, cream leather styles were worn with sheer mini-dresses and gold coin-detail necklaces; and at Valentino, black pumps were worn with long-sleeved black mini dresses.
Chloe, Coperni, Prada and Valentino have all been offering takes on the style in their spring/summer 2025 catwalk collections.
Whatever your preference, mesh, embellished, colourful, classic and square-toe styles are all available, including versatile day-to-night leopard options at Loeffler Randall, gold leather pumps at John Lewis and red and crystal embellished mesh at Dear Frances.
Here’s our pick of the best 16 styles to wear this winter
Pretty Ballerinas Faye pumps
These black perforated pumps with suede strap and crystal buckle detail are a subtle way to nod to the festive season.
Dear Frances Balla red mesh
One of the hero styles from the brand, this comes in 10 different finishes, but red feels both festive and on-trend. Wear them with a black or espresso brown suit and sculptural earrings.
Primark Presents Rita Ora pumps
Meet your new wear-with-everything party shoe. These square-toe mesh slingbacks will look great with dresses (mini or ankle-grazing) and an oversized blazer.
Mango studded mesh ballerina shoes
These studded pumps come in black or of-the-moment burgundy and are the perfect way to elevate your everyday looks – from denim to tailoring – for an evening out.
Le Monde Béryl Regency Slipper
This green satin slipper is perfect for hosting at home or for a special, smart cocktail party with friends. Wear these with wide-leg satin trousers and a sleeveless, high-neck silk blouse with statement drop earrings.
Shop Le Monde Béryl Regency Slipper in green satin at Harrods, £355
Nanushka Maimu leather point-toe flats
Also available in black and brown, Nanushka’s Maimu sandals with their elongated square are an example of the brand’s bohemian spirit. Wear them with a mesh dress and a big, textured coat for a high-impact party look.
Next x Tabitha Simmons Hai studded point-toe Mary Janes
Award-winning stylist and footwear designer Tabitha Simmons lends her signature design code to a collaboration with Next that’s all about timeless styling. Wear these with a wool mini, roomy cotton poplin shirt and oversized herringbone blazer for an easy day-to-night look.
Shop Next x Tabitha Simmons Hai Studded Point Toe Mary Jane Shoes, £75
Mint Velvet diamante stud leather ballet pumps
With playful embellishments, leather uppers and an almond-shaped toe for a softer silhouette, these are great all-rounders for those looking for a flat that works for every occasion.
Shop Mint Velvet Diamante Stud Leather Ballet Pumps at John Lewis, £109
M&S patent pointed-toe pumps
Statement in colour but minimal in shape, these point-toe pumps would look great with a black suit, statement earrings or chain bracelet and top handle bag.
Loeffler Randall ginger leopard velvet Mary Janes
As the nights get longer and the weather cools, pops of red and leopard print are instant mood boosters. Wear these with jeans and a tomato-red knit.
KG Kurt Geiger Nina mesh ballet flats
There’s something so chic about mesh pumps, and this style strikes the perfect balance between everyday and evening wear. Wear them with everything from jeans, a knit and a houndstooth blazer to black silk separates.
Khaite Marcy crystal-embellished mesh ballet flats
If you’re looking to invest in a special pair of pumps, Khaite’s rhinestone-embellished pumps are the style for you. With a mesh upper, they’re a playful take on the silhouette and are more versatile than you think. Wear them with horseshoe jeans, a long-sleeved slim-fitting top and a blazer for a comfy but cool evening look.
Shop Khaite Marcy Crystal Embellished mesh ballet flats at Net-a-Porter, £750
Hush oxblood leather flats
In the coolest shade of the moment, these oxblood leather pumps (which also come in red and silver) are perfect for cosy nights at the pub or local dinners with friends. Wear them with high-waisted jeans and a crew-neck cardigan.
Flabelus velvet Molly pumps
These velvet Mary Jane pumps look good, and not only are they made from organic cotton but the sole is made of rubber produced from recycled bicycle tyres. They work for so many occasions: wear them with a full-length, long-sleeved dress for the evening and with cropped chinos and a colourful knit for daytime.
Dune London Haily red double-strap Mary Janes
This retro Mary Jane silhouette is updated with a modern twist, making it a timeless choice for elegant eveningwear. Wear it with a mini skirt and chunky roll-neck sweater for smart-casual winter nights with friends.
John Lewis Harlequinn leather ballerina pumps
The most stylish way to wear metallic at Christmas is with these square-toe, V-cut leather pumps. For a smart, festive dinner party, wear them with wide-leg black tailored or silk trousers and an asymmetric cream silk blouse.
Shop John Lewis Harlequinn Leather Soft Ruched V-Cut Sachetto Ballerina Pumps, £69
Images: courtesy of brands
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