The ballet flat has more than proved it can metamorphose, whether that's with laces or velcro (the so-called "sneakerina"), a mesh exterior, triple buckles or a plush shearling lining that means it's just as much snow boot as ballerina. We're all for growth, but, sometimes, you can't beat something basic.
Someone who might agree that a ballet flat should be, well, a ballet flat is Kaia Gerber, whose favourites are Repetto. The Parisian brand has been making its signature footwear since the '40s, with a reputation for ballet-flat perfection that also resonates with Taeyeon, Olivia Rodrigo, Alexa Chung and, perhaps the ultimate ballet pump aficionado, Kate Moss.
Gerber might have a preferred brand for ballerinas, but she doesn't play favourites, owning a handful of pairs from Repetto. The Cendrillon ballet flat is her everyday companion, a soft calf leather ballerina, complete with a classic bow tie, that you'd struggle to not pair with everything in your wardrobe (Gerber's MO is to keep her outfit as simple as her shoe, with a jumper-and-jeans combo that feels very off-duty model).
For evening, she switches to Camille, a block-heeled ballet flat that reaches 3cm; the perfect measurement if you want the benefit of height without suffering a stiletto. Finally, Repetto is also her choice for the red carpet. The Cendrillon can also be an elegant court pump, with an almond-shaped toe and slender heel. But don't be mistaken, as with the flat version, Repetto's ballerinas can be teamed with a ball gown or a baseball cap. And if you don't want to consider your shoe choice every morning, switching between trainers, loafers, boots and pumps, a ballet pump that's whisper it, basic, might be the best shout.
Shop Kaia Gerber's Favourite Repetto Ballerinas
Made of calf leather with a classic bow tie, Repetto's ballet flats are the gold standard.
