After a brief blip, you could say that M&S has made something of a comeback and found its fashion footing again. But at this point, it's been running strong for decades, really. The brand has been churning out some of the most expensive-looking and wearable pieces on the high street for years now, and lately it's been on something of a hot streak, delivering a litany of cult buys. Case in point, that belted pink dress that sold out in a day. Or perhaps the textured maxi dress that broke the internet last autumn (reader, it's finally back in stock). The latest item to flood our Instagram feeds, morning commutes, trendy coffee shops, and carpeted pubs? These satin ballet pumps.
Few nostalgic footwear trends have enjoyed a renewed popularity quite like the ballet flat. We've waxed lyrical about Alaïa's studded flats and pined after Dune's woven version. Just when we thought we'd seen just about every possible iteration, M&S entered the chat with this dancer-inspired pair that's a more traditional take on the trendy silhouette. With a sleek satin upper and a classic square toe, the ballet flats come with a sweet bow-tie detail and elasticated straps that add a dancer finish while also offering better grip.
Shop: M&S' Satin Ballet Pumps
www.marksandspencer.com
The subtle blush pink shade is perfect for adding a subtle pop of colour to your autumn outfits. Slip it on with everything from jeans to dresses.
Available in blush pink and khaki, they're pretty much the smartest shoe investment you could make for this unreliable autumn weather we're going to be experiencing for the next couple of months, when it's freezing in the morning and warm by lunch. They're perfect for throwing on with a low-key jeans and T-shirt outfit, but equally as dressy under a swishy dress or skirt.
Whether you're styling the ballet flats with a pretty pink dress, smart tailoring or throwing on a tutu to really lean into the dancer aesthetic, trust me when I say these flats are poised to take over every stylish foot this autumn. Wear them solo while we're holding onto teh last dregs of summer and wear over frill-trimmed socks come October, either way, they're bound to sell out soon so we'd recommend snapping them up soon.
Shop: Alternative Satin Ballet Pumps
www.marksandspencer.com
For a more neutral autumnal shade, the khaki pair is perfect and will look great with socks for sub-zero mornings.
www.next.co.uk
Remarkably similar to M&S' viral pair, these blush pink ballet flats from Mint Velvet are just as dainty, pretty and versatile.
www2.hm.com
With no strap details, this beige pair from H&M is a great minimalist addition to your footwear rotation, no matter the weather.
www.vivaia.com
If you've been tempted to dip your toe into the sneakerina trend, this soft pink take from celeb-loved brand Vivaia is perfect.
www.stories.com
A little more schoolgirl-inspired, these dusty pink ballet flats come with a slender Mary Jane strap. Simply pair with a midi skirt and a lacy boho blouse for a sweet and flattering look.
www.thereformation.com
The exaggerated bow on these Reformation ballet flats makes an otherwise pared-back classic a bit more fun.
www.anthropologie.com
Made with a leather upper, Anthropologie's square-toe flats are finished with a tie strap detail and will look brilliant with straight leg or skinny jeans.
Main image credits: ©Instagram/@marksandspencer_dais
Hitanshi Kamdar is a senior commerce writer for Grazia. Hitanshi is always on the hunt for the latest trends, emerging designers and the internet’s most bizarre style discourse. When not writing, she can be found IDing outfits during Netflix binges and shopping for the latest It-girl shoe trends.