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.
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.
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.
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.
Shop Square-Toe Ballet Flats:
Such a great price! I also love the red colourway.
Tick off another major trend by opting for a rich brown hue.
The flats that have divided the fashion world.
The chicest mesh flats on the high street.
The combination of red leather and pearls is beyond pretty.
Balletcore at its most stylish.
The eyelet stud work on this Ganni pair feels especially cool.
A pretty alternative to classic blush pink satin.
Leopard print is a key trend this year, and shoes are the easiest way to channel it.
These shoes are so brilliantly blunt.
The silver finish is eye-catching.
The glossy burgundy shade looks so expensive.
I'm styling these with straight-leg jeans and a white tee.
You can't go wrong with a classic option.
You need to see these from above; they're breathtaking.
The stitch detailing is so pretty.
A silver toe for a little unexpected twist.
These will go with everything.
I can't stop thinking about this pearl pair.
We love a Mary Jane version too.
I can't resist a sprinkling of crystals.
Something a little more directional.
