A pair of soft ballet flats worn three days in a row ultimately sets the tone for the entire wardrobe. It’s often through trendy shoes that we spot a style shift, well before we touch the clothing. This season, the most popular models combine clean lines, soft leather, and neutral colors, with a growing focus on materials and their origins.
Soft leather and minimalist lines: what distinguishes this season’s models
The dominant trend is quickly spotted by browsing the popular models on Mlle E: rounded shapes, matte leathers, and very few visible logos. The movement stems from a broader current, often referred to as “quiet luxury,” which prioritizes the visible quality of the material over brand signatures.
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According to Lyst’s 2024 report, searches for shoes with clean lines, no visible logos, and in neutral colors (beige, black, brown, off-white) have significantly increased. Soft ballet flats, flat loafers, and minimalist sandals account for the bulk of this growth.
A soft leather and a low heel are enough to anchor a model in the season. No need for an imposing platform or complex straps. Current collections focus on silhouettes that transition from the office to the terrace without needing to change shoes.
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Eco-friendly shoes: materials and labels to look for before buying
The choice of a pair is no longer limited to color and shape. The question of materials is rising in purchasing criteria, and brands are responding with ranges labeled “responsible.” The McKinsey firm, in its 2023 report on circular fashion in Europe, highlights a significant increase in the space dedicated to environmentally conscious shoes among major European retailers, particularly in the women’s segment.
In France, the CTC Observatory (Professional Committee for the Development of Leather, Footwear, and Leather Goods) confirms this rise. Brands are increasingly communicating about the origins of leathers and tanning processes.
Specifically, here are useful guidelines when choosing:
- Vegetably tanned leathers: they replace chrome salts with plant extracts, reducing the environmental impact of the manufacturing process.
- Labels like Leather Working Group (LWG): this certification evaluates tanneries on their management of water, energy, and waste. Its presence on a product sheet is a reliable indicator.
- Recycled materials integrated into soles or linings: several collections now offer soles made from recycled rubber or linings made from recovered fibers.
Feedback varies on the actual durability of some vegetable leathers compared to traditional tanning, but transparency about processes is clearly improving from season to season.
Color and style trends: seasonal ballet flats, loafers, and sandals
Three families of models are capturing attention this season. Each serves a different purpose, but they share a common palette: beige, black, brown, off-white, with a few incursions into pastel colors.
Soft ballet flats
They return with round toes and very fine leathers. They are worn without socks, over straight jeans or a light dress. The soft ballet flat is the most versatile model of the season. It works well in the city as well as on weekends, provided you choose a sufficiently dense sole to avoid wear in just a few weeks.
Flat loafers
The flat loafer has maintained its place in trends for several seasons. This year, the most sought-after versions are those in matte leather, without embellishments, featuring a soft construction that hugs the foot. They can be paired with tailored trousers or linen shorts without any clash of styles.
Minimalist sandals
Thin straps, flat soles, no rhinestones or imposing buckles. The minimalist sandal follows the same “quiet luxury” logic as the rest of the summer wardrobe. Neutral colors dominate, but a few pastel shades (powder pink, sky blue) are beginning to appear in collections.
Choosing trendy shoes: the criteria that matter daily
Between two appealing models, it’s often comfort and durability that make the difference. Here are the points to check before finalizing a purchase:
- Flexibility of the leather from the first fitting: leather that requires a long “breaking-in” period often ends up at the back of the closet.
- Quality of the insole: a removable insole allows for the insertion of an orthotic if necessary, extending the lifespan of the pair.
- Visible and regular stitching: they indicate careful assembly, where adhesive alone may give way after a few months of intensive use.
- Displayed origin of the leather or main material: brands that specify the tanning country or certification label offer a higher level of transparency.
The vintage style, with references to silhouettes from the 70s to 90s, remains present in the background. Some retro sneakers and certain loafers with visible stitching borrow from this aesthetic without falling into replication. The result: models that last several seasons without looking dated.
This season’s shoe fashion boils down to a simple trade-off between design sobriety and tangible material quality. The most compelling collections are those that clearly showcase their manufacturing choices, from leather tanning to final assembly.