Balletcore is here to stay, and these Miu Miu flats prove it

Call it the Miuccia Prada-effect.

Miu Miu ballet pumps
(Image credit: Getty Photo by Estrop/Getty Images)

Call it the Miuccia Prada-effect.

Earlier this year, the internet heralded the rise of Balletcore, an aesthetic that embraces all the hallmarks of the traditional dancers' wardrobe. Think tulle skirts, leotards, slick topknots and pale pink everything. Pinterest reported that search volume for the term was up 1566%, and TikTokers jumped on the trend, creating videos featuring the hashtag which garnered over 40 million views.

 

While it seems like this is a trend that has practically sprung out of nowhere, this is not the first time the fashion industry has borrowed ideas from ballerinas. In fact, Miu Miu famously released a series of ballet flats as a part of its Spring/Summer 2016 collection. The shoes featured a regular ballet pump silhouette updated with the addition of thick, chunky straps and ankle ribbons in mismatched colours. They were the designer It-item of the time, famously worn in the hallways of many a fashion magazine HQ.

Fast-forward to 2022, and once again Miu Miu has jumped on the ballet flat bandwagon, though this time the label has reverted to the traditional. Models walked the Autumn/Winter 2022 runway in variations of white, pale blue and light pink satin ballet slippers, often paired alongside chunky knitted socks.

Much like the ballet slippers you'd find on actual dancers, Miu Miu's latest iteration features an elastic strap and dainty bow detail. Of course, it's no surprise to hear that many fashion industry insiders have already invested in the shoe.

As a brand, Miu Miu tends to have a knack for creating buzzy-worthy, wishlist-topping items. Last season, you couldn't so much as scroll through Instagram without seeing one of the label's barely-there mini skirts and matching shirt sets. This season we're willing to bet these ballet flats will become just as in-demand.

Get the look:

Logo-patch satin ballet flats, £550 | Miu Miu 

Logo-patch satin ballet flats, £550 | Miu Miu 
You'll look every bit the professional ballerina in these satin bow slippers. For the full Miu Miu runway effect, wear alongside thick knitted socks.

Ribbon-strap buckled patent-leather ballet flats, £580 | Miu Miu

Ribbon-strap buckled patent-leather ballet flats, £580 | Miu Miu
2016's most in-demand item, these shoes were everywhere at the time and are still available to purchase today. Thanks to the buckle detail and ribbons, these shoes offer balletcore with a tough twist.

The Italian Leather Day Ballet Flat, £142 | Everlane

The Italian Leather Day Ballet Flat, £142 | Everlane
For a minimalist look, opt for Everlane's take on the ballet slipper. Complete with an almond toe shape and bow detail, these are an absolute classic.

Leather Bow Ballet Pumps, £35 | Marks & Spencer

Leather Bow Ballet Pumps, £35 | Marks & Spencer
As the closest pair we've seen to Miu Miu's iteration, these leather M&S flats are an affordable alternative.

Tabi split-toe leather ballet flats, £580 | Maison Margiela

Tabi split-toe leather ballet flats, £580 | Maison Margiela
A modern take on the ballet flat featuring Maison Margiela's signature Tibi split-toe.

Bow leather ballerina, £36 | Mango

Bow leather ballerina, £36 | Mango
The chicest high-street iteration, these Mango ballets flats come in several colours (including red and black).

Leather Ballet Flat, £135 | Arket

Leather Ballet Flat, £135 | Arket
Arket's take on the ballet flat features a slightly more contemporary look. The silhouette offers more coverage around the foot and a square toe finish.

Bow-embellished leather ballet flats, £195 | Porte & Paire

Bow-embellished leather ballet flats, £195 | Porte & Paire
Another classic option, these flats by Porte & Paire will stay in your wardrobe for years to come.

Zoe Anastasiou
Fashion Editor

Zoe Anastasiou is a Fashion Editor with over eight years of experience working across digital publications in New York, London and Australia. She has contributed to publications including Harper’s BAZAAR and ELLE Australia, and was the Fashion and Social Media Editor at Who What Wear UK before joining Marie Claire.