Over the last several seasons, ballet flats have stood out as the premier street-style shoe choice. Ranging from sheer mesh versions to leather styles featuring a rounded front, ballet flats have offered both simplicity and undeniable femininity. Fueled by exceptionally sought-after designs from brands like Alaïa, Gucci, and Miu Miu, they reached their zenith of popularity in cities such as Paris, London, Milan, and New York. Nevertheless, as autumn 2025 approaches, trends are shifting: the must-have footwear of the coming season is poised to be low-heeled shoes (kitten heels) with a pointed toe. They are progressively supplanting ballet flats, emerging as a vital component in the ensembles of fashion-conscious women.
Photo: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Footwear featuring petite heels fulfills a similar role to ballet flats: they present adaptability and gracefully enhance any outfit. However, in distinction to ballet flats, these shoe types exude a more polished and refined aura. While ballet flats offer relaxed comfort, low-heeled shoes usher femininity, sophistication, and allure back into the forefront of style.
Photo: Francesca Babbi
Kitten heels are debuting in diverse iterations this autumn, encompassing traditional low-heeled pumps, designs with straps, and open-toe mules. The most discussed pair came from Prada, showcasing a brown hue, a pointed toe, an ornamental bow, and unfinished borders. They cemented their position as a street-style staple during Milan Fashion Week, and are forecasted to be a dominant trend for fall 2025.
Photo: Valentina Valdinoci
Yet, the phenomenon extended beyond Milan. In London, where sneaker styles often prevail, fashion week attendees exchanged their familiar sneakers for refined pumps. Notably, pumps in a milky-white shade emerged as the paramount street-style footwear. In New York, micro-heels were incorporated with shorts, mini-skirts, and jumpsuits. This reasserts that micro-heels are the universally adaptable footwear for fall 2025, complementing any hem length and harmonizing with diverse styles.
Photo: Valentina Valdinoci
For those desiring a more audacious appearance, taking inspiration from Miuccia Prada by pairing the shoes with tall socks is advisable. This strategy infuses a touch of playfulness and accentuates the shoes as the look's focal point.
Photo: Francesca Babbi
Photo: Francesca Babbi
Photo: Mattia Arioli
Based on material from vogue.co.uk
