Sole-searching for the perfect pair of ballet flats? We hone in on the Scandinavian style set's favourite three iterations, along with the en pointe pairs to shop now
The moment that Miu Miu sent its reinvented ballet flats down its autumn/winter '22 runway arguably prompted the total revival of what was previously deemed a passé shoe. Following this, ballerina-inspired footwear chasséd across runways of subsequent seasons, including the likes of Bottega Veneta, Simone Rocha and Nensi Dojaka.
In quick succession, celebrities, street stylers and editors followed suit, transitioning the shoe from runway to everyday. Further cementing the ballet flat as the contender for 2023's 'it' shoe, the Scandi style set have recently taken to Instagram to style the shoe with numerous looks – spotlighting them as the foolproof footwear of choice to make any outfit 'en pointe'.
In the same way the mounting pressure to keep up with fashion's latest trends can feel similar to the whiplash from a poorly executed pirouette, the idea of a newly-anointed 'it' shoe could feel destined to be another short-lived trend cycle. But fear not, the below Scandi styling twists on the show of 2023 signal that ballerina-inspired footwear is here to stay.
Below, we take style notes from the Nordic taste-makers on how to master three ballet flat iterations for an elevated look with fashion longevity.
Ballerina lace-ups
Stylist, creative consultant and 'it' girl Emili Sindlev poses in Repetto's 'Sophia' ballet flats . Photo: @emilisindlev
Danish influencer Marie Jedig sports Repetto's 'Sophia' ballet flats . Photo: @mariejedig
Matilda Djerf in Repette's 'Sophia' leather ballerina flats . Photo: @matildadjerf
Seen on the likes of Emili Sindlev, Matilda Djerf and Marie Jedig, Repetto's 'Sophia' ballerina lace-ups pay homage to the ballet flat's classical dance origins. With a history in fashioning shoes for the world's best prima ballerina, the Parisian maison's iconic style is reminiscent of the original 'pointe shoe', crafted in satin in a 'Tutu Pink' shade.
Take your cues from this trio of tastemakers and style your lace-up flats with fittingly delicate, pretty-in-pink ensembles, or tap into the 'wrong shoe' trend by wearing them to unexpectedly offset a grungier look.
Shop ballerina lace-ups
Breathable mesh
Danish creative director and co-founder of Rotate Birger Christensen, Jeanette Madsen slips into Alaïa's famed mesh ballet flats. Photo: @_jeanettemadsen
Mesh flats by Nensi Dojaka as worn by Jeanette Madsen. Photo: @_jeanettemadsen
Jeanette Madsen styles Alaïa's ballet flats for everyday. Photo: @_jeanettemadsen
From Hollywood A-listers including Sofia Richie and Jennifer Lawrence, to famed Nordic fashion aficionados, the mesh modification has been endorsed as not only summer's hottest shoe – but also its most breathable.
Opt for a peek-a-boo look for summertime with an open weave style, or don true, tighter-knit mesh for the season's buzziest take on the ballet flat.
Related: The Scandi style set has spoken: Magda Butrym's artful 3-D flowers are a summer holiday must-have
Shop mesh ballet flats
Extra embellishment
Danish tastemaker Emili Sindlev in white embellished ballet flats by Alaïa . Photo: @emilisindlev
Nina Sandbech spends summer poolside with Alaïa's embellished flat. Photo: @ninasandbech
Accessorising Alaïa's embellished flats, Emili Sindlev's way. Photo: @emilisindlev
Another Scandi favourite is the embellished iteration of the ballet flat, ideal for adding a layer of drama and exaggeration to the original silhouette. While Alaïa's popular version are often waitlisted, a slew of designers are bedazzling the ballet flat for added glamour and evening appeal.
A fitting companion for a little black dress or soirée gown, investing in embellished ballet flats will no doubt see you into occasion-wear dressing this upcoming autumn-winter – or can simply add some feel-good sparkle into everyday ensembles.
