Ballet flats are like an on-again-off-again lover - we just can't seem to break up with them for good. After their '00s renaissance, which saw the likes of Kate Moss, Alexa Chung and, you know, your entire school year living in them, their 15 minutes of fame seemed to be up. Now back in the limelight once more, along with many other Y2K fashion trends, the humble ballet flat can count Sofia Richie, Michelle Williams and, we'd bet, Kate and Alexa (still), as fans.
With balletcore only adding to the hype, it seems that ballet flats are here to stay. Two brands synonymous with the comfortable pump? Miu Miu and Chanel, the latter of which is famed for its two-toned colourways and rounded toe.
Owning a pair of Chanel ballet flats will inevitably be on your fashion bucket list; they are, after all, timeless, which is why they continue to be a best-selling style for the fashion house year after year. Naturally, the one and only place you can buy a new pair is from a Chanel boutique (or you can enquire on Chanel's website), but there are plenty of pre-loved styles available online.
Vestiaire Collective is one of the best places to start, with Chanel ballet pumps for as little as £100. It also authenticates its products properly, so you know you're getting the real deal. Other outlets such as Depop and eBay have Chanel's shoes, too, but it's more difficult to ensure the authenticity of what you're buying.
If, however, you really love the style of these ballerinas but don't want to spend Chanel prices, there are plenty of homages out there. Just like the Chanel slingback shoes and the sell-out Chanel sandals, these pumps have inspired a whole host of doppelgängers that you can find on the high street.
These ballet flats have clearly been inspired by the cherished Chanel design – while they won't have the longevity or the craftsmanship of the original, they certainly do look the part.
SHOP: The best Chanel ballet dupes
www.johnlewis.com
These quilted pumps from Mint Velvet are available in three colourways - neutral, black and gunmetal.
www.freepeople.com
Free People's take on the Chanel flats might just be our favourite yet.
www.laredoute.co.uk
The perfect work shoe does exist. The slightly squared toes add a stylish twist to any outfit.
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We love this suede pair of ballerinas for a slight twist on the classic Chanel flats.
www.marksandspencer.com
For one of the most affordable options on our list, shop the M&S cream flats.
www.marksandspencer.com
For a supremely comfortable fit, these M&S ballet pumps are a great choice. Also available in navy and – joy! – half sizes.