Dainty footwear is back – how to wear the trend

‘If it’s all a bit pretty-pretty for you, and you need an injection of edge, consider adding a pair of socks,’ writes Abraham

Book the pedicure, get out the pumice stone. This spring/summer our feet need to bring their A-game because dainty footwear, that Noughties staple, is back. Nobody’s going to call the fashion police if we step out in Birkenstocks or trainers – if you plan to cover any kind of distance on foot, something more supportive is still required – but there’s also space in our lives for a more traditionally feminine shoe.

Take Jennifer Lopez, pictured here in Paris on her honeymoon, pairing her Alexander McQueen shirt dress with classic ballet flats. Suddenly the look is less studied, more nonchalant, and perfect for strolling through the City of Love.

Jennifer Lopez in Paris, 2022 – GC Images

No, not everyone has dainty feet, but the right pair of shoes can create that illusion. For Jessie Randall, co-founder of Loeffler Randall, the elegant shoe revival has been building for some time. ‘We introduced the Leonie ballet flat for summer 2020 and it continues to be one of our bestsellers,’ she says. ‘We have produced more than 45 iterations since the launch.’ Now, her challenge is in keeping up with demand; the brand sold 80 per cent of its stock of crystal-embellished mesh ballerinas in a single day.

Nor can John Lewis keep up with demand for its £59 Harrietta Mary-Janes, which sell out regularly and can accrue waiting lists of 800.

There’s diversity within this style category, and something for every taste: minimalist and glove-like, kitten-heeled and pointed, girlish and bedecked with bows… If it’s all a bit pretty-pretty for you, and you need an injection of edge, consider adding a pair of socks – nice ones, perhaps silk-blend or woven with sparkly thread.

Simone Rocha – Getty Images

Erdem – Getty Images

Sezane

Of course, when a big fashion shift happens, it can take us all a moment to work out how to wear the new style in a way that suits us. Can you team your new shoes with your go-to jeans? Can you carry off a ‘naked’ mesh pair? It’s trial and error, but the good news is that there’s no wrong way to wear this look. Just consider hemlines that celebrate shoes, rather than hide them.

We can expect the dainty footwear trend to run for years, so investments won’t be in vain. And you’ll find these styles versatile: wear for work, parties, hosting at home… But the best thing is that they won’t leave your feet throbbing –

a win in everyone’s book.

Pretty-pretty: Alexa Chung – Getty Images

A pop of colour: Sofia Richie Grainge – GC Images

Add a pair of socks like Billie Eilish – FilmMagic

Put a dainty foot forward…

Satin shoes, £142, Hai; Leather tassel tie, £219, Penelope Chilvers; Leather Mary Janes, £99.95, Massimo Dutti

Satin shoes, £142, Hai; Leather tassel tie, £219, Penelope Chilvers; Leather Mary Janes, £99.95, Massimo Dutti

Raffia slingbacks, £295, Russell & Bromley; Leather buckle slingbacks, £45, Marks & Spencer; Leather slingback flats, £350, ATP Atelier

Raffia slingbacks, £295, Russell & Bromley; Leather buckle slingbacks, £45, Marks & Spencer; Leather slingback flats, £350, ATP Atelier

Patent leather, £245, Camilla Elphick; Recycled polyester bow shoes, £275, Ganni; Patent leather buckle slingbacks, £180, Alohas

Patent leather, £245, Camilla Elphick; Recycled polyester bow shoes, £275, Ganni; Patent leather buckle slingbacks, £180, Alohas

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