From L.A. to Paris, It Girls Are Swapping Their Ballet Flats for This Heeled Alt

The fashionable influence of ballet flats on an ensemble is undeniable. More often than not, they serve as the perfect final touch to an aspirational French-girl outfit. However, a new style in footwear is gaining popularity among women in Europe and America. (Think Kaia Gerber, Jennifer Lawrence, and Jameela Jamil.) Meet ballet pumps, a sophisticated and elegant alternative to the aforementioned flats we’ve all come to know and love.

For quite some time, ballet flats have been a dominant force in street fashion. Nevertheless, fashion enthusiasts have started to explore more refined and elevated options as understated luxury and opulent aesthetics become more popular, leading to the surge of ballet pumps.

Ballet pumps, also known as block-heel pumps, combine the graceful shape of classic ballet flats with the addition of a 1.5-inch heel or higher. Despite the heel, these shoes maintain comfort and versatility. They serve as an excellent choice for transitioning between seasons and effortlessly enhance a wide range of outfits, from relaxed pants and trench coats to A-line dresses and cozy cardigans. One popular styling choice that’s catching on is the preppy-athletic look, which involves pairing ballet pumps with a polo shirt, a skirt, and ribbed socks or a tailored blazer with a midi pencil skirt and metal-frame eyewear.

While some brands have offered ballet pumps for seasons, others have perfected their styles more recently. From Steve Madden’s cult-favorite Cherish heels to Prada’s cutout design that was seen on the runway and Jeffrey Campbell’s modern buckle iteration, ballet pumps have become a staple footwear style among our favorite retailers.