What can I say? I can't handle wearing heels unless it's a car-to-dinner-seat situation, especially if they are over three inches. Thankfully, the shoe gods have blessed me with a constant stream of flat shoe trends for almost a decade—the last few years, in particular. Nowadays, it's rare to see many in the fashion set wearing heels in the wild. Instead, it's all about comfy shoes that don't sacrifice style, even for formal occasions. I wouldn't have dared show up to an event like a wedding in anything but heels some years back, but times have changed.
Such is the case when it comes to styling dresses in general. There are a plethora of flat shoes that go great with just about any style of dress, whether it be for an everyday outfit or the fanciest of party looks. Below, I share six of my top flat shoe styles to wear with dresses this season. From sneakers to ballet flats to sandals, there's something for everyone on this list.
1. Ballet Flats
Sidsel Alling, a stylish creative from Denmark and one of my favorite people to follow on Instagram, paired her neutral ballet flats with a black minidress, oversize blazer, and cool accessories.
Neutral ballet flats go with everything.
These sweet flats are giving The Row vibes.
Mesh flats are everywhere this season.
The square toe feels fun and modern.
These are high on my must-have list.
Mesh and embellished? Yes, please.
Like Chanel flats but at a fraction of the cost.
2. Sneakers
Chrissy Rutherford gives her pretty floral dress the cool-girl treatment with white socks and sporty sneakers. This outfit makes for a great summer uniform.
These $50 sneakers add a sporty detail.
I love the touch of green.
These classic white sneakers keep selling out.
There is something timeless and nostalgic about these black sneakers.
Another cool color combo from New Balance.
These kicks will always be in style.
Another great sneaker collab from Wales Bonner and Adidas.
3. Flip-Flops
Who What Wear editor Anna Laplaca is the epitome of cool in an animal-print dress and black platform flip-flops.
The exact flip-flops from LaPlaca's look above.
A pair you'll wear forever.
It's the Toteme effect.
I picture these Birkenstocks with a flowy maxi dress.
These chunky flip-flops come in four different colors.
Sleek leather sandals for everyday.
Tkees flip-flops are hard to come by these days.
The iconic take by The Row.
4. Loafers
Emma Rose Thatcher proves that one of the best ways to give a pretty white dress a bit of an edge is to pair it with some standout loafers.
Affordable chunky black loafers.
The white loafers of my dreams.
How chic are these beige loafers?
These Prada loafer are the go-to among the fashion set.
Emme Parsons can do no wrong.
A beautiful neutral pair.
Dr. Martens always add an edgy vibe.
Lovely navy loafers.
5. Slide Sandals
Abisola Omole is the picture of effortless in a simple white dress, a layered neutral button-down, and linen-like slide sandals.
These pretty sandals are the same ones that Omole is wearing above.
The gold toe ring has my attention.
White slides go great with spring and summer dresses.
These slide sandals look designer.
Yellow is a favorite color at the moment.
These also come in ivory.
Minimalist sandals at their finest.
Careful, you might end up living in these.
6. Ankle-Wrap Sandals
The forever chic Lucy Williams opted to pair her sheer black maxi dress with brown ankle-wrap sandals from her new collaboration with Ancient Greek Sandals.
The braiding is such a nice detail.
The strappier, the better.
A super luxe-looking sandal that doesn't end up being too much of an investment.
A fun yellow sandal to add to your repertoire.
I'm super into chocolate shoes at the moment.
White brightens things up.
I love the wide straps on this pair.
Barely-there sandals are top of my mind.
Next up: These French Women Don't Live in Paris, But OMG Their Outfits Are So Good
-
I'm a Fashion Editor on a Budget—27 Incredibly Chic Fall Finds That Will Get You More Bang for Your BuckStellar under-$150 finds right this way.
-
Here's What to Look For If You Want Ballet Flats That Scream 2026If you haven't upgraded your ballet flats by now, wyd?
-
Ballet Flats Look Downright Dated in the Face of These 7 New Flat-Shoe TrendsSomeone had to say it.
-
5 Chic End-of-Summer Denim Outfits That Will Make You Look Like a Fashion PersonFrom Stockholm to Paris to London.
-
5 Summer Trends I'm Glad to Part With, and the 5 I'll Be Wearing This Fall InsteadChic new favorites.
-
J.Lo Just Wore the Dated Shoe Trend That Magically Becomes Chic When Paired With White JeansNow I wish I hadn't donated my old pair.
-
The "No White After Labor Day" Rule Is Out—These Chic Outfits Are InWho says white has to have a season? We’re wearing it all year long.
-
Confirmed by Jennifer Lawrence: This Is the Fall 2025 Way to Style a Plain SweaterBlack-and-white outfits just got chicer.
