Thursday, February 22, 2024

Studded Ballet Flats Are The Standout Shoe Of The Season, Thanks To Ganni

There is no escaping the ballet flat this spring. The chic, French-girl staple that took over our shoe collections in the early aughts is now appearing in TikTok feeds and on runways. But, thanks to Ganni, the basic ballet flat has been given a Copenhagen edge with studs, spikes, buckles, and bling aplenty. It’s safe to say studded ballet flats are now a fashion fan favorite. 

A staple of the brand’s Copenhagen Fashion Week show, the Ganni Buckle Ballet Flats ($395) became the centerpiece of the new collection, and they were paired with everything from metallic trousers to maxi dresses to checked co-ords. In fact, they proved so popular that the black shade is pretty much sold out, with white, red, and snake styles slowly following suit. On TikTok, users are showing off the studded ballet flats, pairing them with wide-leg jeans and oversized sweatshirts or even black trousers, a striped T-shirt, and a beige blazer

So, of course, we were hooked — although the popularity of the style may mean they fly off shelves before we can secure a pair of our own. Luckily, thanks to Ganni's influence, buckled and studded ballet flats have been given the green light across the fashion industry, with a handful of other popular brands starting to bling up the simple shoe. Keep scrolling to discover our favorite adorned ballet flat finds from Free People, Reformation, Dear Frances, and more.

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Ganni White Wide Welt Buckle Ballerinas


The OG buckled ballet flat is, of course, incredibly popular — so much so that getting your hands on a pair may not be an easy task. Crafted from calf leather with a pointed toe, two buckles, and a slingback rear, they’re certainly an upgrade from the basic ballet flat. To break away from black, you may want to go for red, white, or snakeskin if you're feeling daring.

Shop Ganni

Ganni White Wide Welt Buckle Ballerinas, $, available at GanniImage Courtesy of Ganni

Dear Frances Balla Flat Crystals, Large Black


This highly embellished pair is a glitzy take on Dear Frances' chic mesh ballet flats, which have won the hearts of several R29 editors. While they are a luxury buy, the quality and delicate nature of these shoes are second to none, and guaranteed to garner compliments for years to come.

Shop Dear Frances


Dear Frances Balla Crystals, Large Black, $, available at Dear Frances

Free People Mystic Mary Jane Flats


Free People is always a great place to find luxe-looking pieces at an affordable price, and the brand doesn’t disappoint when it comes to striking shoes. Making a case for Mary Janes, this soft leather style has been instantly upgraded with rounded silver studs across both the shoe and the strap. For those tempted by the trend yet not too fond of OTT types, this could be a great place to start.

Shop Free People

FP Collection Mystic Mary Jane Flats, $, available at Free People

Steve Madden Vinetta Flat


Made from faux leather, the shoes are slightly shiny with flat silver studs and a delicate strap across the top of the foot. If you’re after the Fashion Week look on a budget, this is certainly the pair I’d pick up.

Shop Steve Madden

Steve Madden Vinetta Flat, $, available at Revolve

Reformation Bethany Ballet Flat


More like a Mary Jane, these Reformation shoes certainly look both functional and fashionable. Playing with a more classic ballet pump shape, the supple leather has a soft, round-toe curve sharpened up with silver studs that sit around the outside, while an oversized buckle adds extra interest.

Shop Reformation

Reformation Bethany Ballet Flat, $, available at ReformationImage Courtesy of Reformation

Sam Edelman Michaela Stud Mary Jane Flat


If you're looking for a bedazzled moment, this Sam Edelman pair makes studs the standout star. Completely covered in rounded metallic-shaded embellishments, they really are a pick for those who buy into bling, instantly livening up any outfit, from a simple pair of jeans to an all-black co-ord. (They also come in white and red, if that's more your speed.)

Shop Sam Edelman

Sam Edelman MICHAELA STUD MARY JANE FLAT, $, available at Sam Edelman

Pull & Bear Ballet Flats With Studded Buckles


Breaking up the sea of black, this wonderful red style is rather striking. Leaning more into the buckle trend than studs, one long wraparound strap sits across the front, holding the shoe in place while creating a standout style.

Shop Pull & Bear

Pull & Bear BALLET FLATS WITH STUDDED BUCKLES, $, available at Pull & Bear

Stradivarius Ballet Flats With Studded Straps


A basic fabric ballet pump gets an edge from two silver studded cross-straps covering the top of the foot. They're not only chic and simple, but they also come at a purse-friendly price.

Shop Stradivarius

Stradivarius cross strap ballet shoe in black, $, available at ASOS

Alaïa Leather Mary Jane Flats With Allover Studs


On the luxury side of the trend, these Maje pumps certainly add a punk-like vibe to the basic ballet flat. With studs adorning the soft white leather, they’re incredibly stylish yet still simple in shape. Again, they’re selling out rather rapidly, so if this is the pair that catches your eye, be sure to act fast.

Shop Alaïa at Bergdorf Goodman

Alaia Leather Mary Jane Flats With Allover Studs, $, available at Bergdorf Goodman

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