From L.A. to Paris, It Girls Are Swapping Their Ballet Flats for This Heeled Alt
The fashionable influence of ballet flats on an ensemble is undeniable. More often than not, they serve as the perfect final touch to an aspirational French-girl outfit. But a new style in footwear is gaining popularity among women in Europe and America. (Think Kaia Gerber, Jennifer Lawrence, and Jameela Jamil.) Meet ballet pumps, a sophisticated and elegant alternative to the flats above we've all come to know and love.
For quite some time, ballet flats have been a dominant force in street fashion. Nevertheless, fashion enthusiasts have started to explore more refined and elevated options as understated luxury and elegant aesthetics become more popular, leading to the surge of ballet pumps.
Ballet pumps, also known as block-heel pumps, combine the graceful shape of classic ballet flats with the addition of a 1.5-inch heel or higher. Despite the heel, these shoes maintain comfort and versatility. They serve as an excellent wearable trend for transitioning between seasons this fall and effortlessly enhancing a wide range of outfits, from relaxed pants and trench coats to A-line dresses and cozy cardigans. One popular styling choice that's catching on is the preppy-athletic look, which involves pairing ballet pumps with a polo shirt, a skirt, and ribbed socks or a tailored blazer with a midi pencil skirt and metal-frame eyewear.
While some brands have offered ballet pumps for seasons, others have perfected their styles more recently. From Steve Madden's cult-favorite Cherish Heels to Prada's leather design that was seen on the runway and Jeffrey Campbell's modern iteration, ballet pumps have become a staple footwear style among our favorite retailers.
They're ideal for this time of year, so read on to discover our edit of the best ballet pumps to shop now.
Shop our favorite ballet pumps:
Repetto's ballet pumps have taken TikTok by storm—over three million users have created videos about them. Grab a pair to see what all the hype is about.
The Maison Margiela Tabi style has captivated the fashion world, and its unique silhouette attracts fashion enthusiasts in droves. Whether it's the iconic Tabi boots, elegant ballet flats, or stylish ballet pumps, this distinctive design can instantly elevate anyone's look to high-fashion status.
Gianvito Rossi is celebrated for its elegant, refined, and enduring creations, exemplified by this particular pair. In addition to being a favorite of Kate Middleton, the brand boasts a following among notable celebrities such as Dua Lipa, Chrissy Teigen, and Daisy Edgar-Jones.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Nikki Chwatt is an associate fashion editor based in New York City. She joinedBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing in 2024 after writing fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content for WWD, Well+Good, Editorialist, and more. With a passion for personal style and the creativity that comes with it, one of Chwatt's goals is to help others understand that there is no such thing as a “good” or “bad” style; it’s just about putting an outfit together that makes you feel confident in yourself. When she's not writing, you can find her taking a Pilates class, reading a powerful romance novel, or exploring a new wellness spot in Manhattan.
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