Are ballet flats the it-shoe of autumn 2023?

The fashion industry is yet again at the helm of what Gen Z decides is trendy. Modern fashion trends are seeing a seismic shift as Gen Z repeatedly pioneers a resurgence of seemingly dated pieces and trends, leaving millennials reconsidering what’s cool and what’s “cheugy.” Its new culprit? Ballet flats.

Cast your memory back to the jumbled fashion era that was the mid-2000s and early 2010s, where ballet flats were paired with skinny jeans and styled to the likes of Gossip Girl‘s preppy Blair Waldorf. Any millennial in their right mind would warn off any resurgence of the early 2010s ballet flat aesthetic. But Gen Z is here to prove that the classic shoe is no longer synonymous with the ‘cheugy millennial’. Fashion trends are, after all, cyclical at the mercy of evolving generations.

@cledja.curated Ballet flats and legwarmers 🩰 #balletflats #balletflatsoutfit #balletflatstrend #falltrends2023 ♬ SUPARO (SPEED UP) – WAYNE FLENORY

Just another aesthetic?

Whilst we’ve been seeing quite a lot of masculine fashion pieces trending over the past couple of years (think Hailey Bieber staple oversized blazers and dad sneakers), we’ve also seen some ultra-feminine trends surfacing. Gen Z is known to lean into varying aesthetics, fueled, of course, by the primal influence of social media. The resurgence of the ballet flat seemingly aligns with the emergence of the balletcore aesthetic this year, followed by other feminine trends like cottagecore and the soft girl aesthetic.

Ballet pumps are also being worn repeatedly by coinciding fashion it-girls. The shoe is now at the mercy of the influence of Sofia Richie, Matilda Djerf, and Kendall Jenner, suggesting that the ballet pump is, perhaps, just another building block in the revival of the ‘old money’ and quiet luxury aesthetics. Another day, another TikTok aesthetic to follow!!

Let’s not forget, the pump never truly bid adieu. Chanel’s iconic two-tone ballet flats have graced wardrobes for decades. Coco Chanel’s stroke of genius in 1957 birthed the distinctive beige and black sling-backs, with their signature toe cap, creating a timeless must-have.

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Same but different

In true Gen Z fashion, bringing back a fashion trend means styling or approaching a classic piece in a new and innovative way (*cough* the platform ballerinas, and *cough* the ballet sneaker). Whilst brands like Miu Miu are no strangers to playing with the traditions of the shoe, the modern ballet flat is being taken to some new extremes that are right up Gen Z’s alley.

Via Charles & Keith

Brands have also taken to mixing up the classic ballet pump by introducing a block heel to modernize them. The difference between then and now is that today’s ballet flat needs quite a bit more styling. We’re seeing a lot of experimentation with the addition of straps, ribbons, and even playful accessories like socks and leg warmers.

@nelenuna Hands up if you have also been obsessed with the chunky/sneaker ballet shoe trend recently 🤚 I have searched far and wide to find brands that have these kinda shoes but are a bit more affordable than the Simone Rocha ones and these are my Top 3: 1. Akiko Aoki: 'Giselle' 2. Foundry Mews: 'Posie Lace Up' 3. Lazy Oaf: 'Happy Sad Lace Up Ballet Sneaker' They all sell out really fast but I have seen at least Akiko Aoki and Foundry Mews restock them so I recommend keeping an eye on their pages! #balletflats #laceupballetflats #simonerocha #akikoaoki #foundrymews #lazyoaf #fashiontrend2023 #shoetrend #cuteshoes #fashiontips #hotgirlsdontgatekeep ♬ new jazz beat by frozy808 and picassio – Rachel (picassio)

Arguably, the ballet flat is playing a crucial role in a new wave that embraces a fusion of femininity and masculinity. Today, the classic shoe is often paired with oversized blazers, wide-leg trousers, and more relaxed silhouettes.

@_sarahgardner Do we like the ballet flats? #grwm #assistantfashionbuyer #tryonhaul #getreadywithme #getreadywithmeroutine #balletflats #stylingballetflats #balletflats2023 ♬ original sound – Sarah