The New Shoe Trend Fashion People Are Trading in Their Ballet Flats for

A great pair of shoes has the power to transform any outfit and give your looks a new lease of life. It's for this exact reason we devote so much time to unearthing the latest shoe trends and keep close tabs on any shifts we see in terms of footwear preferences on the fashion scene. And lately, I couldn't help but notice that the style crowd have been trading in their ballet flats for something a whole lot fiercer. 

Pointed-toe shoes might have been all the rage in the '90s and early '00s, but in recent years they didn't feel quite as integral. Not that courts have ever been out per say, but they just weren't considered a footwear focus. However, thanks to the designer collections for autumn/winter—here's looking at you, Prada, Miu Miu and Gucci_—pointed-toe shoes are back on the agenda, and here to make your outfits chicer, too. 

Though some might write them off on account of them looking uncomfortable to wear, the beauty of the pointed-toe shoe trend is that you can wear it whichever way. Flats, heels, boots—they all work! And with plentiful shopping options across the board. 

I keep seeing so many great outfits featuring this '90s shoe that I thought why not bring them to your attention. Scroll on to see six elevated pointed-toe shoe outfits that prove the style has every right to be here this season. 

1. Blazer + Jeans + Pointed-Toe Shoes

pointed-toe-shoe-outfits-310105-1697724126928-image

(Image credit: @y.a.t.r.i)

Style Notes: A blazer and jeans is the outfit combination I find myself reaching for most frequently, so I'm always looking for ways to pep up the pairing. Enter pointed-toe shoes. 

Shop the Look:

2. Coat + Dress + Pointed-Toe Shoes

pointed-toe-shoe-outfits-310105-1697724125819-image

(Image credit: @abimarvel)

Style Notes: Knitted dresses are core in my winter wardrobe. On the days where boots aren't absolutely necessary, I'll be reaching for some pointed-toe shoes like Abi. 

Shop the Look:

3. Jumper + Slip Skirt + Pointed-Toe Shoes

pointed-toe-shoe-outfits-310105-1697724126213-image

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Style Notes: Evenings out in winter call for a little more thought than those you can throw in during summer. This weekend, I'll be trialling the combination of a cashmere knit, slip skirt and my new & Other Stories pointed-toe slingbacks. 

Shop the Look:

4. Tailoring + Bag + Pointed-Toe Shoes

pointed-toe-shoe-outfits-310105-1697724122130-image

(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Style Notes: There's nothing chicer nor easier to assemble than a black and white outfit. I love how Debora has used a pair of sharp black shoes to add edge to her cream co-ord. 

Shop the Look:

5. Knitted Vest + Midi Skirt + Pointed-Toe Shoes

pointed-toe-shoe-outfits-310105-1697724124881-image

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: Take Marilyn's approach and use as pair of pointed-toe heels, which are fierce in nature, to reframe a demure look. 

Shop the Look:

6. Leather Jacket + Tailored Trousers + Pointed-Toe Shoes

pointed-toe-shoe-outfits-310105-1697724123690-image

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Style Notes: Don't disregard boots! In fact, pointed-toe boots are going to be one of the biggest trends of the season. Wear them with jeans, leggings or tailored trousers; the choice is yours and the options endless. 

Shop the Look:

Next Up: The Outfit-Elevating Basics That Are Well Worth Investing In This Winter

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.