Ballet pumps have undoubtedly been the It-shoe of 2024, and whether you have invested in crystal-adorned Mary Janes or more classic black leather ballerinas, they are a practical cornerstone of any capsule wardrobe. Kate Moss is as likely to wear her trademark Repettos to a beach in Ibiza as to a fireside roast dinner in the Cotswolds in November.
As sandals season rapidly draws to a close, we would propose that ballet pumps are the perfect autumn shoe, as they pair beautifully with everything from baggy jeans and tartan miniskirts to tailored trousers. If you are considering investing in a new pair of flats for the upcoming season, rather than the sheer or crochet styles that have dominated this summer, we would recommend opting for more classic, suede slippers in rich, autumnal shades. Le Monde Beryl has a beautiful pair of chocolate brown ballerina pumps with a soft, almond toe, while Arket’s olive green flats will elevate any everyday look. These suede ballerinas are more refined than their indie sleaze predecessors – soggy, well-worn ballerinas are one part of the Noughties we are not so keen to revisit. So we advise you approach puddles and sticky pub floors with caution.
Studs and buckles also help to toughen up an otherwise delicate choice of shoe – Free People’s gem-encrusted Mary Janes give an edge to classic tweeds, cashmere and checks, as well as adding something extra to simple jeans-and-jumper looks. However as the above Katie Holmes outfit proves, sometimes nothing is chicer than a simple, black ballerina – if her Chanel quilted pumps are currently a little out of reach, we have found some classic pairs on the high street that will go with every outfit you might possibly wear from now until December.
Before you retire into lug-sole boots and 50 denier tights for the winter, keep reading for six outfits that prove ballet pumps are the perfect autumn shoe.
