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I Predict Margot Robbie’s Backless Ballet Flats Are Going to Be *Huge* This Summer—and You Can Shop the Style Starting at $28

Say bye-bye to basic ballet flats

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A picture of Margot Robbie and two pairs of ballet flat mules in black.
Getty Images/Taylor Hill/Contributor/Nordstrom

Since their post-aughts resurgence, ballet flats have been trending up over the past few years. And I must admit, I'm not surprised—there are so many different designs and colors out there, and every few months, one fresh version of the shoe rises to the top. Right now we're in the midst of a silver flats wave beloved by NYC fashionistas, but I predict that Margot Robbie just debuted a new ballet flat trend that's just as—if not more—exciting. Brace yourself (and your closet) for ballet flat mules, a cool-yet-elegant style that even Barbie herself can't resist.

Robbie was spotted wearing a super fancy Manolo Blahnik pair ($745) while out and about in New York City just last weekend. And the way she styled them to perfection with an oversized denim buttom-up and matching wide-leg jeans? I still can't get over how good the ensemble looked, but, of course, I was especially drawn to those hybrid slip-ons.

Manolo Blahnik

While I wouldn't blame you for investing in the exact Ballerimu mules (pictured above) that Robbie wore, I also wouldn't judge if you snagged a more affordable version—of which there are many. In fact, I took the liberty of rounding up five similar styles so you can get a head start on the trend for as low as $28. Trust, they're going to become your new faves well into fall.

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Want to look just as on-trend as Robbie but for way less? Scoop up these sleek Nordstrom mules, like, now. They have a bunch of the same features as the Manolo Blahnik pair that Robbie wore, including a square toe, leather upper and, of course, a dainty bow on top, which takes them from sleek to chic. As far as their comfort goes, one buyer shares, "I love them. They’re comfortable and very sporty to wear with my jeans." Considering that, you might want to snag a pair in more than one of the *four* versatile colors while they're up for grabs for as low as $28. No, I'm not kidding. See you at checkout.

If you've got wider feet and can never find flats that fit, look no further than this reasonably priced style. Not only do they come in an extended range of wide-width sizing, "[they're also] very well-made, and the materials do not look cheap. That being said, they are as comfortable as they are elegant in appearance," one buyer says. They also confirmed that the shoes are generously padded (with memory foam, no less) and easy to wear. Sounds like even slim-footed folks will hit the jackpot with these shoes, not least of all because they look almost identical to Robbie's, all the way down the delicate bow.

Mesh flats have been embraced by the likes of Zendaya and Jennifer Lopez, so you'll nail two trends with this one Steve Madden pick. The open webbing of the upper (made from vegan leather) is clearly the main attraction here since it doesn't just make the style extra breathable (which you'll appreciate in the hot summer weather), but also elevates it enough to wear for special occasions. Not to mention, one reviewer raves, "These shoes are so incredibly comfortable and so cute! I’m actually buying a new pair to keep an extra pair. [They're] so light, nicely made [and] so chic to dress up with dresses, skirts and just about every outfit." I'm adding them to my cart, and so should you.

So, you want to pull off the ballet mules, but you're not a fan of the bow detail. Say no more. Let me introduce you to these backless ballet flats that nix the bow and add a Mary Jane strap for added security. The Madewell leather slip-ons are equipped with the brand's beloved Cloudlift Lite padding, which is known for making buyers feel like they're walking on clouds, so I can bet they feel as good as they look. But here's why one buyer is obsessed: "Comfort, excellent. Lengthwise, they’re perfect...TL:DR; I love them!" Yeah, they're that good—plus, they come in multiple different colors and finishes, including this trendy metallic silver.

IMO, the beauty of ballet flat mules lies in how easy and versatile they are, making them perfect for everyday wear. In that case, though, it's important that they're comfy enough to rock on repeat, which is why I have a good feeling about this pair from Schutz. Featuring a slightly squared toe and an EVA padded footbed, they surely check all the boxes to become a wardrobe staple. As Senior Commerce Editor Stephanie Maida can vouch, "I've always found Schutz shoes to be comfortable, wearable and great quality for the price." And, yes, these are made of genuine leather, so they should conform to your foot even better over time.



Destinee Scott

Associate Sales and Deals Editor

Destinee Scott is PureWow’s Associate Sales and Deals Editor. She’s been chasing sales and deals for a decade and knows a good one when she sees one for fashion, home, beauty...

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