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Want this year’s sold-out shoe of the moment? Here are 9 embellished high street alternatives
2 years ago
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3 min read
Embellished flats are this year’s shoe of the moment. Introduce eye-catching crystals, sparkles and studs to your shoe collection with these nine options from the high street.
Whenever I wear flats, I feel like a model in the 00s, padding around my north London neighbourhood with a (somewhat) sophisticated edge. Picture Alexa Chung in her twee feline flats or Kate Moss in muddy slip-ons on the morning school run. Signature flats were everywhere during this era and still look effortlessly cool to this day.
Take Miu Miu’s spring/summer 2022 collection, for example. Worn by the likes of Gigi and Bella Hadid, Lily-Rose Depp and Devon Lee Carlson, models pounded the catwalk wearing knitted leg-warmers and pearly pink silk ballerinas with logo-emblazoned straps. So it comes as no surprise to hear that many fashion industry insiders have jumped on the prim and punky flat shoe bandwagon.
Simple yet chic, they make any outfit – no matter how casual – look put-together and are taking on new strides with Alaïa’s latest crystal-encrusted offering – a twinkling almond-toed flat introduced earlier this year.
You’ll have seen them while scrolling through Instagram, dominating our feeds in all their embellished glory. Donned by models and influencers, including the likes of Emma Rose Thatcher, they have fast become impossible to get your hands on, selling out in-store and online.
But luckily the high street has all our footwear needs covered, boasting an array of sparkly styles that will put a pep in your step without setting you back £800. Pair with vintage-style low-rise jeans, a frilly white sock and a red lip for ultimate It girl cool.
Whether you’re looking to experiment or add some pizzazz to your shoe collection, there’s a variety of ornamented options to choose from. You’ll just have to be quick – they’re selling out quick.
Mango rhinestone ballerinas
Are those Alaïa? Not quite. Made from a delicate net of rhinestones, these glimmering Mango ballerinas will certainly put a spring in your step.
Stradivarius ballet flats with rhinestones
Studded with disco-ball diamantes, these Stradivarius flats will give any outfit that instant wow factor. Pair with low-rise boyfriend jeans, a heavy-duty leather jacket and white frilly socks.
Shop Stradivarius ballet flats with rhinestone ankle strap, £39.99
H&M ballet pumps
Punky yet prim, these H&M pumps are littered with jewels and will add a streak of rebelliousness to any outfit. The best part? They’re under £25.
River Island black stud loafers
Balletcore not your thing? Look no further than River Island. Its latest iteration of the sparkly shoe style is a positively punky black loafer. Available in black or white, wear with low-waisted trousers in neutral tones for a cool and office-appropriate look.
Reformation Bethany ballet flat
Introduce a dash of panache to even the most uneventful days in Reformation’s flat. With a sleek design, made from the highest-quality supple glove nappa, they’re a classic addition to any shoe collection.
Anthropologie Guilhermina pointed toe mary janes
Party all night long in sophisticated sparkles with Anthropologie’s Guilhermina mary janes. With a sophisticated point at the toe and diamante-encrusted strap, they are perfect for weddings, parties and evening soirees. Match with a silver-tone rhinestone necklace for ultimate glamour.
Free People Mystic mary janes
Crafted from buttery-soft leather, Free People’s mary jane incarnation is made for everyday comfort and can be worn directly from the box. Rich in colour and available in four exquisite shades – black, champagne, electric blue suede and distressed silver – you’ll scarcely run out of options.
Kurt Geiger Eagle ballerina pumps
Kurt Geiger’s Eagle ballerina pumps take wild to the next level. Featuring a bow and silver crystal-encrusted bird antiquity, they will add drama to any look.
Charles & Keith bead-embellished ballerinas
When it comes to dainty doll-like footwear, you can never go wrong with Charles & Keith. These ankle strap pumps come in a glossy black patent and are ornamented with little beads – perfect for prancing around on a night out.
Shop Charles & Keith Black Bead-Embellished Patent Ankle Strap Ballerinas, £65
Images: courtesy of brands
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