To pay homage to the endless style possibilities for pumps, we’ve compiled an essential guide to give you the lowdown on how to wear ballet flats and ladies’ pumps, whether it be wearing ballet flats with your weekend jeans or styling your pumps with dresses, scroll on to discover our top styling secrets.
Practical, sophisticated, understated yet elegant, ballet pumps are the perfect slip-on shoes to wear for every occasion, casual enough to wear every day and smart enough to help you feel put together, they’re the wardrobe icon that has stylishly served us through the decades.
Best worn between the seasons and into the warmer months, ballet pumps are versatile, they’re great for slipping on with just about every outfit, and they’ll see you through every occasion stylishly and comfortably with the minimum effort required.
The ideal choice for fusing your practicality with chic style, although they may appear simple in style, flat pumps, and ballet shoes are probably the most comfortable shoes to have in your wardrobe.
How to Wear Pumps Comfortably
Pumps and flat shoes are considered a comfortable alternative to heels; with an easy slip-on design, ballet flats have the styling power to elegantly transform any outfit in an instant, they will keep you looking smart without hurting your feet, we all know the feeling of wearing heeled shoes for too long!
There’s more to a ballet pump than meets the eye, easily slips on as you’re popping out and about, plus they're just so comfortable! Flat pumps tend to be made with flexible soles and soft linings (or no linings at all) for a close fit to your foot.
Comfort Tip: If you’re hunting for extra comfortable pumps, opt for a pair made with soft, supple leather or suede uppers, they will mould and shape to your foot over time and feel super soft against your feet too.
For the extra comfort factor, we recommend wearing ballet pumps with cushioned arch support so the natural shape of your feet will remain supported regardless of how flat the soles are. Cushioned insoles also act as a shock absorber and will redistribute the weight across your feet for a more comfortable step.
Wearing socks with ballet flats is something to be avoided, the slender and elegant silhouette of flat pumps means they are designed to fit closely to your foot, and by wearing socks you run the risk of having sore, rubbed feet. But should you want to wear a pair of socks, we would recommend footsies (aka invisible socks) they’re thinner than a regular pair plus they’ll remain hidden from sight.
How to Wear Pumps
Thanks to their classic shape, ballet pumps are the shoes that have remained a favoured shoe over many decades, so when you invest in a pair of ballet pumps, they will work with almost every outfit and occasion too.
From straight-legged jeans and Bretton t-shirts to pretty floral dresses or cropped chinos and knitted jumpers, flat pumps have the versatile qualities to work with week-to-weekend looks, be it smart or casual occasions.
Pumps with Casual Outfits
The ballet pump originated in Paris and embodies the chic, cool style that the city of love is famed for.
The most flattering way to style your pumps is with cropped trousers to show your ankles, or try a loose flowing skirt and below-the-knee dresses - we can’t help but think of Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday.
For a relaxed weekend look, wear navy pumps with your cropped chinos and coordinate the colour with a matching belt and handbag for good measure. Not only a classic and refined look, but they'll work with plenty of other pieces in your wardrobe too.
Pumps with Smart Outfits
Simple, soft leather ballet pumps make a stylish and comfortable option for more formal outfit options, perfect if you don’t fancy wearing heels! The neat and rounded design and minimalist trims like the bows and low heels will work with pieces like your black work trousers or special occasion dresses.
If you want to add more of a twist to your dressed-up looks, why not shake up tradition? Wear glitter pumps or a glossy patent pair for a glamorous touch, opt for bright-coloured uppers or standout prints to make a real statement.
By wearing block heel pumps you can add the all-important lift without forsaking your comfort. Compared to a stiletto heel, the chunkier style of the block heel will help to redistribute the weight, stepping you easily through the occasion.
Wearing ballet pumps for weddings is the perfect finishing touch to a wedding guest outfit, choose neutral shades or pastel palettes for an elegant and sophisticated look, the flat soles of pumps make them a perfect choice for keeping you comfortable during a long day on your feet (or an evening on the dance floor!)
Pumps with Dresses
If you want to revamp your smarter looks whilst still retaining your comfort, ballet pumps and dresses are the answer!
For the summer months opt for flowing mid-length dresses and a pretty pair of pumps with neutral tones for the perfect complement.
Wear mid-length linen dresses with tan leather pumps for a holiday-approved look and be sure to match up the look with a coordinating bag and accessories.
Even if the sun isn’t shining you don’t have to shy away from wearing dresses, why not try wearing your tights with ballet pumps for a classic autumnal outfit? A black patent pair of ballet flats and denier tights will add a chic and stylish twist to chilly days.