M&S’s £35 ballet pumps look just like this £800 designer pair
The high street hero’s new pumps could pass as designer
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It’s back to school with this season’s hottest shoe trend: ballet flats. Whether worn with denim jeans, slouchy trousers and a waistcoat or a midi dress, the humble pump is having a renaissance.
From Ganni’s cool studded pair and Maison Margiela’s tabi flats (ubiquitous at Copenhagen Fashion Week) to Miu Miu’s viral silky pair (Alexa Chung’s go-to) and Dear Frances’s cult mesh design, labels have breathed new life into the unassuming shoe.
The Row’s Ava ballet flat and Mary Jane hybrid is arguably one of fashion’s favourite takes, adored by A-listers and editors alike – but with its £800 price tag, the leather flats remain on the wishlist for most.
Luckily, high street hero M&S has just dropped a pair of ballet pumps that could easily pass for the designer style. Costing just £35, the square toe flats feature a thin buckle strap and come in both black and metallic finishes.
Oozing French-girl style, M&S’s ballet flats are a must-have for your transitional wardrobe. Here’s how to snap up a pair before they (inevitably) sell out.
M&S buckle flat square toe ballet pumps: £35, Marksandspencer.com
Part Mary Jane, part ballet pump, M&S’s flats are characterised by a contemporary square toe and thin buckle strap that’s similar to The Row’s Ava shoes. Featuring the store’s signature insolia flex technology for the correct positioning of your feet, as well as antibacterial padding for freshness, the shoes are a steal for just £35.
When it comes to styling, keep it simple à la Dua Lipa and Hailey Bieber who both plump for ballet flats, jeans and white tee or shirt combo (practically made for taking you from your desk to dinner).
The Row Ava leather Mary Jane flats: £800, Matchesfashion.com
You can’t beat the real deal and The Row’s Ava leather flats are an investment for life. Crafted in Italy from butter-soft lamb leather, the pumps boast a rounded square-toe silhouette, piped edges and a simple buckled strap. Weather teamed with jeans or a floaty midi dress, you’ll reach for the the versatile, luxury ballet flats again and again.
Voucher codes
For discounts on fashion, try the links below:
Looking for more shoe suggestions? Put your best foot forward with these summer options