Love Miu Miu’s ballet flats? Nail the ballerina-inspired style with these similar high-street pairs

You’ll save more than £500 by picking up a high-street alternative

The pumps embody TikTok’s balletcore aesthetic (iStock/The Independent)

Wish lists at the ready – dubbed the number one buy of the season in Lyst’s third quarterly index last year, and still a hugely sought-after style for 2023, Miu Miu’s luxe satin ballet pumps are the embodiment of TikTok’s viral #balletcore aesthetic.

From romanticised cottagecore to hot-pink Barbiecore, hyper-femininity is being embraced everywhere in the style set’s latest trends – culminating in the dainty ballet flat revival.

Though one of the more divisive trends (the association with school is hard to shake), feminine-yet-functional pumps offer a versatile footwear choice. In the early 2000s, Kate Moss wore hers with jeans, while Sienna Miller has continued her tradition of pairing the shoes with mini dresses. Meanwhile, Zoë Kravtiz often plumps for her ballet pumps, which hail from The Row, with a Y2K-inspired maxi skirt and tank top.

However they’re styled, the delicate shoes serve up a minimalist fashion statement. If you’re looking to slide your feet into flats this season – and aren’t inclined to fork out £700 for a Miu Miu pair – the high street has also been plumping for pumps, at prices that should be more within reach.

While the designer’s luxe pair will set you back £700, we’ve rounded up the best affordable alternatives. Offering the luxe balletcore aesthetic for less, here are our favourite Miu Miu dupes from Mango, & Other Stories and more.

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Mango elastic satin ballerinas: £35.99, Mango.com

(Mango)

Similar in design to the cult favourite pair from Miu Miu, these satin ballerina pumps hailing from Mango will set you back less than £40. Like the original pair from the designer brand, these satin pumps are available in a black colourway and a dark chocolate-brown hue. They feature a thick strap, a leather sole and a rounded toe, and are finished with a delicate bow.

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& Other Stories leather ballet flats: £95, Stories.com

(& Other Stories)

A more minimalist style than the Miu Miu designer pair, these ballet flats from & Other Stories may be a more affordable option if you’re plumping for a subtle, more wearable take on the ballet shoe trend. Whether you’re pairing them with a denim maxi skirt, wide-leg jeans or tailored trousers, you can expect soft leather, a rounded toe and a delicate bow. This pair is available in both beige and black colourways.

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LK Bennett trilly rose satin ballerina pumps: £159, Lkbennett.com

(LK Bennett)

Characterised by their luxe-looking satin finish and a slightly raised heel, this pair from LK Bennett boasts a very similar shape and style to the Miu Miu pair, while featuring a round toe and a small bow. Another detail to note with this pair is the back is ruched and elasticated to ensure the shoes stay in place, according to the brand.

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Massimo Dutti gathered stretch ballet flats: £99.95, Massimodutti.com

(Massimo Dutti)

Tap into the balletcore trend with this pair of Massimo Dutti pumps, which are available in both a blush-beige and a brown colourway (£99.95, Massimodutti.com). Crafted from cowhide leather, and designed with an elasticated strap similarly to the Miu Miu pair, this pair is elevated with gathered detailing instead of a delicate bow across the toe.

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Monki black ballerina shoes: £34.99, Monki.com

(Monki)

High-street store Monki has managed to get in on the act with this pair of ballerina shoes, which is also available in a punchy red colourway (£34.99, Monki.com). The pair is secured with an elasticated strap, and sports a simple rounded toe design. What’s more, if you’re looking for a vegan pair to slip your feet into, these are certified as vegan by Peta. 

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Voucher codes

For the latest fashion discounts, try the links below:

• Very discount codes
• Boohoo discount codes

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