Suddenly, Fashion People Are Wearing Flat Shoes With This Classy Update

Summer is almost over, but I'm not in any which way complaining. As much as I enjoy wearing sandals and flip flops when temperatures soar, now, as the days grow slightly chillier, I'm actually excited to start wearing different shoes again, and first in line is my trusty edit of ballet flats.

Whilst ballet flats have ebbed and flowed in popularity for the past few years, throughout the course of 2024 they've been stealing the spotlight again. If you're still a little scarred from the first time ballet flats reigned supreme in the early 2000s, fear not, because we've spotted a new iteration that feels much more grown up.

While the traditional round-toe will never go out of style, I have noticed that fashion people are swapping theirs out for a sleek, modern option: square-toe ballet flats. This unexpected twist on a classic shoe silhouette has been slowly amassing a devoted following, and we're hardly surprised.

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(Image credit: @marina_torres)

But why this sudden shift to square toes? Well, for starters, they offer a refreshing—and hopefully more durable—update to the traditional ballet flat. No longer must we worry about the delicate pale pink satin exterior when caught in rain spells, or the scuffing that ensues from a single journey on the underground, because now, we have leather options with this hardier toe shape. Better yet, a square toe elongates the leg slightly and provides a structured look that feels more cool and less cutesy.

Some of our favourite influencers are welcoming the style too. Shout out to Marilyn (pictured below) who shows us how to make these shoes feel very French with a Breton top and thick, stretchy jersey headband.

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(Image credit: @sobalera)

When it comes to styling these fresh flats, the possibilities are endless. A dress is a no-brainer, whether you're thinking of pairing them with a cropped denim mini or a flowy sundress. In fact, I'd say few dress styles wouldn't work. For more of an evening look I suggest teaming them with a midi slip dress and a blazer.

If you're not a dress person, square-toe flats look great with cotton or linen trousers on warmer days, or your favourite denim—but opt for a straight or wide-leg pair over skinny, otherwise, this really will feel like 2004. However, if you're embracing Y2K with open arms, you might be brave enough to try one of 2024's most divisive throwback trends, capri pants.

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(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Whether you're running errands or hitting the town and want a more comfortable footwear option than heels, square-toe ballet flats are the perfect finishing touch to any outfit this season. Keep scrolling for the pairs currently sitting in our virtual baskets.

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(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

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Junior Branded Content Editor

Humaa is the Junior Branded Content Editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, where her expertise lies in paid for and affiliate stories for beauty and fashion brands. Humaa has a BA Hons degree in English literature and previously held editor roles at British Vogue and Marie Claire US. Most recently she moved over from theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing US Branded Content team to join the UK title to help build out the team on home ground. She is a September baby and though does not believe in astrology, cannot deny that she is a Virgo through and through. When she's not trying to poke a hole through her credit card on a daily basis, because of her job writing many, many shopping stories, you can find her making her way through her Kindle Unlimited TBR list spoiler: it's a long one. Follow her on Instagram at @Humaa.Hussain