New Yorkers and Europeans Agree—Wearing Flats in These 5 Colorways Will Make You Look So Rich
If you know anything about me, you know I love a flat shoe. Ballet flats, loafers, Mary Janes, just bring me all the elegant flats styles I can live my real life in on a day-to-day basis. It's not only because New York demands a certain degree of outfit practicality when you're buzzing about (and I'm more than happy to oblige), but I simply love the look of flat, whether it's with an elegant skirt or a suit or a relaxed pair of jeans.
While your classic black pairs are always a wardrobe staple, there are certain rich-looking shades I spot chic people wearing from New York to Paris to Madrid—colorways that really up the outfit ante (no matter what price point you're shopping). If you're after easy-to-wear shoes that feel luxe yet practical, flats in these on-trend colorways will make your everyday looks feel more expensive with minimum effort.
Taupe
Bringing a slight 'Upper East Side Mom' quality, this ultra-versatile brown-ish grey shade is a very under-tapped neutral.
Burgundy
Berry hues are inherently rich-looking, and the burgundy trend means there's no shortage of chic styles on offer this season.
Brown
Whether you're into a mock croc, classic leather, or some of this year's must-have suede, brown footwear is an instant upgrade this season.
Red
Punctuations of red tell the fashion world you've paying attention, and remain an elevated way of bringing a little injection of personality to a more polished look.
Silver
The metallic trend is never far from sight, and polished silver footwear in particular is always-on. Don't overthink it, just wear them like any neutral and be on your way.
Natalie Cantell is an NYC-based style director, creative consultant, and fashion editor, who regularly contributes from Paris. She was the executive director of Who What Wear and Marie Claire’s brand studio until 2023, and now freelances globally on shoots, stories, and special projects.
-
An Auric Aesthetician Gave Me an Energetic Beauty Prescription—These 11 Things Are Now Nonnegotiables
Bringing all the woo-woo energy into my beauty routine.
By Shawna Hudson
-
8 Trends the Fashion Crowd Is Wearing to the Most Luxurious Ski Resorts in the World
On the slopes and après.
By Allyson Payer
-
8 Trends the Fashion Crowd Is Wearing to the Most Luxurious Ski Resorts in the World
On the slopes and après.
By Allyson Payer
-
I Live in Brooklyn and Am Sure This Is the Only Coat Trend New Yorkers Will Wear Until Spring
I see it everywhere I go.
By Natalie Cantell
-
5 Pretty 2025 Color Trends You Can Shop for Under $100
Which one will you try?
By Judith Jones
-
This Pop Star's Shoe Collection Is Full of Unexpectedly Chic Gems—25 I Have My Eye On
Most styles are under $100.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Katie Holmes Left White Pants in the Dust for This Pretty Color Trend
Get a pair before spring hits.
By Allyson Payer
-
Fashion People Know This Color Combination Has Never Had a Flop Era (and Never Will)
It's elegant for life.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
I Shopped Revolve for 3 Hours—These Are the 36 Chicest Items I Found
Key 2025 buys.
By Caitlin Burnett
-
The Ballet-Flats Trend I'm Buying to Look Elegant, Rich, and So 2025
Shop a range of options and prices inside.
By Michelle Scanga