TEAMED with leggings and a vest top, ballet pumps were the height of fashion in the 90s.
But now, those who experienced the trend at the time have been left groaning, after the flat shoes have returned to shelves in Primark.
It was in the 1940s that the ballet slipper finally came off the stage and into everyday life.
The pumps were stocked all throughout the high-street, including in designer stores too, as the shoe style started gaining traction in the fashion world.
Not only were they worn by Audrey Hepburn and Princess Diana, they were also seen on Kate Moss, Alexa Chung and Bella Hadid too.
The quietly chic and effortlessly polished style became cemented as a cult favourite accessory, but years later, the “balletcore” trend began to lose popularity, as chunky trainers and boots came to dominate.
Whilst we recently saw Primark shoppers groan at the return of disc belts, now, the long-lost members of the footwear family have since been spotted back on the high-street, leaving shoppers divided.
Posting on Primark’s official Instagram account, under the username @primark, the much-loved chain gave shoppers a close-up look at their range of new ballet flats.
Alongside the short clip, the caption read: “Take our ballet pumps for a spin… you won’t be disappointed. Prices from £10.”
There are a range of ballet pumps available, with double strap and single strap options on shelves.
There’s plenty of colours to choose from too – with the shoes available in red, white, beige, blue and black.
But the social media post, which has quickly amassed 7,668 likes and 164 comments, has caused a big divide online.
Whilst some were thrilled to see ballet pumps back in stores, others were not as impressed.
One person said: “The millennial in me just can’t accept this.. not again.”
It’s a no from me
Instagram user
Another agreed: “Not again.”
A third commented: “It’s a no from me.”
WE might be in 2024, but fashion fans are looking to the past when it comes to new styles. So what trends from the 90s are making a comeback these days?
Claw clips
These hair accessories were a huge trend back in the 90s, but are now most popular among those trying out the “clean girl” aesthetic. Designers such as Prada have released their own versions, while there are thousands of colours and styles to choose from on the high street.
Platform flip flops
Again a popular choice among fashionistas in the 90s, these heels have made a comeback with designers such as Balenciaga trying their luck with their own styles.
Cargo pants
Once worn by the stars of All Saints, cargo pants became a popular trend for teens in the 90s. But they’ve now had a fashion overhaul, with stars such as Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber all putting their own spin on the trend.
Jeans and a nice top
It was the phrase that defined fashion for a decade, and now famous faces such as Sofia Richie are sporting the reinvented trend – pairing their own denims with a more sophisticated top. But are you willing to dig your jeans and nice tops out of the wardrobe for a second time?
Whilst someone else claimed: “Look cheap and nasty.”
However, at the same time, many fashion fans were desperate to nab the cheap shoes and many were keen to express this.
They look lovely. I’ll look for these tomorrow
Instagram user
One fashionista shared: “I’m going to need a pair of each.”
A second penned: “My favourite shoes ever done so far.”
PRIMARK first opened in 1969 as Pennies in Dublin, hoping to provide affordable fashion in Ireland.
A Primark store officially opened as Primark in 1974 in Derby.
The retailer now has 193 stores across the UK and 441 stores worldwide with a goal of running 530 stores by the end of 2026.
One shopper beamed: “They look lovely. I’ll look for these tomorrow!”
Whilst another explained: “I bought two satin pairs, one pink and one blue, so comfy! Love them!”
Meanwhile, one fashion fan revealed: “Hands down the most comfortable ballerinas I have ever had (I have black and beige).”
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