There is no escaping the ballet flat this fall. The chic, French-girl staple that took over our shoe collections in the early aughts is now appearing in TikTok feeds and on runways. But, thanks to Ganni, the basic ballet flat has been given a Copenhagen edge with studs, spikes, buckles, and bling aplenty. It’s safe to say studded ballet flats are now a fashion fan favorite.
A staple of the brand’s Copenhagen Fashion Week show, the Ganni Buckle Ballet Flats ($395) became the centerpiece of the new collection, and they were paired with everything from metallic trousers to maxi dresses to checked co-ords. In fact, they proved so popular that the black shade is pretty much sold out, with white, red, and snake styles slowly following suit. On TikTok, users are showing off the studded ballet flats, pairing them with wide-leg jeans and oversized sweatshirts or even black trousers, a striped T-shirt, and a beige blazer.
So, of course, we were hooked — although the popularity of the style may mean they fly off shelves before we can secure a pair of our own. Luckily, thanks to Ganni’s influence, buckled and studded ballet flats have been given the green light across the fashion industry, with a handful of other popular brands starting to bling up the simple shoe. Keep scrolling to discover our favorite adorned ballet flat finds from Free People, Pull&Bear, Maje, and more.
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The OG buckled ballet flat is, of course, incredibly popular — so much so that getting your hands on a pair may not be an easy task. Crafted from calf leather with a pointed toe, two buckles, and a slingback rear, they’re certainly an upgrade from the basic ballet flat. To break away from black, you may want to go for red, white, or snakeskin if you’re feeling daring.
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Ganni White Wide Welt Buckle Ballerinas, $, available at GanniImage Courtesy of Ganni
Perhaps most similar to the Ganni option (yet without the luxury label price tag) is this pair from Pull&Bear. Made from faux leather, the shoes are slightly shiny with flat silver studs and a big ol’ buckle pulled across the toe. If you’re after the Fashion Week look on a budget, this is certainly the pair I’d pick up.
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Pull and Bear Ballet Flats With Studded Buckles, $, available at Pull and BearImage Courtesy of Pull & Bear
Free People is always a great place to find luxe-looking pieces at an affordable price, and the brand doesn’t disappoint when it comes to striking shoes. Making a case for Mary Janes, this soft leather style has been instantly upgraded with rounded silver studs across both the shoe and the strap. For those tempted by the trend yet not too fond of OTT types, this could be a great place to start.
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FP Collection Mystic Mary Jane Flats, $, available at Free PeopleImage Courtesy of Free People
More like a Mary Jane, these Reformation shoes certainly look both functional and fashionable. Playing with a more classic ballet pump shape, the supple leather has a soft, round-toe curve sharpened up with silver studs that sit around the outside, while an oversized buckle adds extra interest.
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Reformation Bethany Ballet Flat, $, available at ReformationImage Courtesy of Reformation
Breaking up the sea of black, this wonderful white style is rather striking. Leaning more into the buckle trend than studs, one long wraparound strap sits across the front of the ankle, holding the shoe in place while creating a standout style.
Shop Asos Design at Asos
ASOS DESIGN Legend Premium Soft Leather Cross Strap Ballet With Har, $, available at ASOSImage Courtesy of ASOS
A basic fabric ballet pump gets an edge from two silver studded cross-straps covering the top of the foot. They’re not only chic and simple, but they also come at a purse-friendly price.
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Stradivarius Ballet Flats With Studded Straps, $, available at StradivariusImage Courtesy of Stradivarius
On the luxury side of the trend, these Maje pumps certainly add a punk-like vibe to the basic ballet flat. With silver spikes and studs adorning the soft leather shoes, they’re incredibly stylish yet still simple in shape. Again, they’re selling out rather rapidly, so if this is the pair that catches your eye, be sure to act fast.
Shop Maje at Selfridges & Co.
Maje Faby Stud-Embellished Leather Ballet Courts, $, available at Selfridges & Co.Image Courtesy of Maje
If you’re looking for a bedazzled moment, this Sam Edelman pair makes studs the standout star. Completely covered in rounded metallic-shaded embellishments, they really are a pick for those who buy into bling, instantly livening up any outfit, from a simple pair of jeans to an all-black co-ord.
Shop Sam Edelman at Nordstrom
Sam Edelman Michaela Rhinestone Mary Jane Flat, $, available at NordstromImage Courtesy of Sam Edelman
If you’re looking to really break away from the basic ballet flat mould, this Ganni snake style is certainly a standout. Unlike like the red pair, the snake print is made from a blend of new and recycled polyester with the same silver-toned buckles sitting front and centre.
Ganni Snake Printed Chunky Buckle Ballerinas, $, available at GanniImage Courtesy of Ganni
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