Ballet flats have officially taken over fashion. They’re easily the shoe we see most out in the wild, having become the go-to pair for cute spring outfits. There are variations in style and silhouette, from strapped Mary Jane options to woven fabrications, but lately, we've been noticing a new version popping up. Introducing glove flats, the trend about to replace your basic ballet pumps.
Consider glove flats the posh big sister of ballet flats. Visually, they're incredibly similar, just with a slightly different feel. The main difference is that classic ballet flats are designed to mimic the traditional dance shoe – think bow-tie details, delicate stitching, satin trims and even optional ribbon adornments. Meanwhile, glove flats are all about that sleek, close fit, lacking any fussy details in favour of a streamlined shape. Typically cutting higher up to cover more of the top and sides of your foot (there's no chance for toe cleavage in these bad boys), they hug your foot almost like they’ve been moulded to it. (Like a glove, get it?)
Available in suede and mesh, the most popular iterations are undoubtedly leather finishes to add to the sophisticated, polished look. Similarly, toe shapes vary with rounded, pointed and square styles all around. Wear them with cargo pants and a layered t-shirt to elevate even the most casual, minimal ensemble, or lean into the grown-up vibe and pair them with all your summer dresses and officewear, depending on where you're headed.
There's no shortage of glove flats to shop on the high street right now. Personally, we’ve got our eye on these M&S suede pumps in a gorgeous, rich chocolate brown colourway. Dare we say, these might be the perfect glove flats? They’ve got that snug, foot-hugging silhouette and a soft, rounded toe that keeps things delicate.
Shop more of our favourite glove flats here:
Next Black Forever Comfort High Cut Mesh Ballerina Flat Shoes
The Set Deconstructed Soft Suede Leather Ballerinas
The White Company Leather High Vamp Ballet Shoes
Dune Highcut Blue Leather Ballet Flats
Hush Bertie Round Toe Suede Ballet Flats
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Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
