This French-Girl Shoe Trend Is All I Want to Wear This Spring

Ballet flats are less a trend than an icon. Over the years, the dainty shoes have become full-fledged classics. And not just the past few years—Chanel’s version has been popular since 1957 when Audrey Hepburn first wore it on the set of Funny Face. So just a casual 65 years being one of fashion’s most coveted shoes, then. If you were debating whether you’ll get enough wear out of an investment pair, that fact just might help make the decision for you. 

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(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

Chanel's iconic ballet flats are so timeless. 

Their popularity is undoubtedly thanks in part to Chanel’s iconic iteration and the effortless French-style connotations that come with it. But it’s also a result of how versatile ballet pumps can be. Dressed up or down, they add a polished finishing touch to any outfit—from a casual T-shirt and cropped jeans to a miniskirt—and I’ll happily claim that a better spring shoe has never existed. As boot season comes to an end, but it’s not quite time to get your toes out in sandals, ballet flats provide the perfect transitional solution. 

As consistently timeless as they are, like any fashion piece, ballet flats have seen their place as the industry’s most coveted spring shoes fluctuate season on season. The last few years, for example, loafers have pipped them from the top spot. But for 2022, the ballet pump is well and truly back in the limelight, having been not only featured on plenty of runways but also reinvigorated by the street style set and influencers alike. 

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(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

Lorna wears the Aeydē ballet flats. 

I don’t know about you, but I’m currently in that stage of not having a clue which shoes to wear as I reach the door each morning, so I thought it would be the perfect time to round up the very best spring ballet flats around right now in case you’re in a similar position. I’ve added a mix of iconic investments and more affordable high-street options below. Keep scrolling to shop!

Shop the Best Spring Ballet Flats

Up Next: These 5 Sandals Will See You Through the Entire Summer

Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.

Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.