Hands up if you have a love/hate relationship with heels. A bitter survivor of many a toe-squishing occasion, I'm right there with you. After years of conflicted feelings—the temptation of shiny new sky-highs always seems to win out—it was only recently, midway through a spirited ceilidh dance at a Scottish wedding that I thought to myself, It may be time to hang up the heels.
I'm sure occasions will arise when I'll fall back on my trusty 2-inch stilettos, but for now, I've resolved to find flat alternatives to my fail-safe going-out shoes that still feel elegant and dressy. As it turns out, there are a lot of options to choose from.
Emili Sindlev wears Valentino's signature Roman Stud flats.
With the fashion set's newfound love of ballet shoes and Mary Janes, flats are getting a second wind. The finest designers and brands around are fully embracing this footwear wave, offering everything from pearl-embellished pumps to satin slingbacks equipped for all-night wear.
So, next time you're getting ready to dance the night away, do yourself a favour and keep your feet firmly on the ground. Scroll on to see and shop the best going-out flat shoes on the market now.
There's a lot going on here, and it feels like it shouldn't work, but, boy, does it.
A pointed toe makes almost any shoe evening-appropriate.
With an LBD? Yes, please.
Just enough sparkle to turn these into dancing shoes.
Carrie Bradshaw would approve.
These versatile pumps also come in cream and sand.
A classic colour that goes with everything, with the added bonus of a crystal strap.
Turns out COS's polished daytime staples work for nights out, too.
This loafer-mule hybrid is like nothing I've seen before—which, of course, means I'm fully on board.
If black-and-gold isn't your flavour, try this monotone Valentino flat.
Pick out the blue tones here and wear with jeans and a nice top.
Simple but effective, these Mary Janes will complement the bolder looks in your repertoire.
Tap into the metallic trend with these radiant slingbacks.
I'd wear these with an all-navy look. Complementary colours never fail.
Slip these on with a sequinned dress and red lip, and you're prepped for a party.
The rhinestone-embellished buckle totally transforms this shoe.
These days, Zara's designer-looking pieces are dominating my wish list.
Let these shiny shoes peek out from under wide-leg black trousers.
Have you sensed that single-strap pumps are in yet?
Glossy and silky finishes are unofficial foundations of the night-out dress code.
Put your glitziest foot forward in these rhinestone-encrusted mules.
The It ballet pumps everyone's talking about.
These look as comfortable as slippers. Just what you'd expect from The Row.
When your after-dark attire errs on the casual side, these are the flats for you.
The kind of leather soles that don't require breaking in. Comfy from the get-go.
If you want to go really extra…
Next: These Classic French Shoes Are Back in Fashion, and I'm Thrilled
This post was previously published and has since been updated.
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