The Controversial It Shoes on Every Fashion Person's Wish List Right Now

Every so often in fashion, a piece comes along that instantly becomes a social media sensation. It fills our feeds, pops up in ads, you may even spot it sitting next to you on the train, but its best feature is its divisiveness. We just can't help but talk about it. And since we spotted them on the feet of influencers everywhere, we haven't stopped talking about Miu Miu's ballet flats. 

First released in 2016, Miu Miu's anarchic ribbon flats kicked off a love affair with ballet pumps that hasn't slowed down since, and while pretty, satin ballet pumps aren't the first thing you expect from a brand that has built its reputation on subverting femininity. They've struck a chord with those of us who want shoes that are cool and comfortable. But it isn't the original lace-up shoes that are having a moment. The Miu Miu ballet shoes have reinvented themselves for a new crowd. Stripped back and in understated satin, the ballet pumps 2.0 are much closer to the classical inspiration and have racked up an impressive list of stylish fans. (And you know when something comes with the approval of Camille Charrière, Emili Sindlev and Tamu McPherson, you're on to a winner.)

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Back in 2018, I treated myself to one of my first designer purchases, a pair of the silver-ribbon ballet flats, and while strappy metallic shoes don't immediately sound like an investment purchase, I can confirm that not only do I still wear them, but they're one of the comfiest shoes in my wardrobe—a testament to the construction and wearability of these unexpectedly chic shoes. 

You can currently shop the satin ballet flats in five colourways—cherry red, cocoa brown, white, black and pink—but only if you're quick enough to get your hands on them. There might not be a waiting list, but some styles have been running low in stock since their release, so we're waiting with bated breath for the inevitable restock. 

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(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska)

Keep scrolling for more inspo on how to style the season's most sought-after ballet pumps and how to shop them for yourself. 

 MIU MIU'S BALLET FLATS SPOTTED DURING PARIS FASHION WEEK 

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(Image credit: @_jeanettemadsen_)

Style Notes: Jeanette Madsen's ubiquitous Miu Miu mini manages to showcase the best part of the outfit, the shoes. 

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Style Notes: Caroline Daur's high-low mix of menswear-inspired tailoring and ultra-pretty details results in the cool, off-duty uniform that we saw everywhere during fashion week. 

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Style Notes: A lesson in how to make a grey suit feel playful. All you need is a pleated skirt and pastel shoes.

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Style Notes: Take notes from Miu Miu's own styling and add ribbed socks for chilly autumnal weather. 

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Style Notes: Toughen up pretty pumps with boxy, oversized tailoring. 

SHOP MIU MIU BALLET FLATS 

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Remy Farrell
Fashion Editor

Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.

In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.

Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.