90% of My Summer Shoes Are Flats—5 Elevated Ways I Plan on Wearing Them

Woman wearing a ballet flats outfit.

(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

It's official: I'm having a flat-shoe summer. From classic flip-flops to ballet flats to mesh flats to netted flats, flat shoes are really having a renaissance. Everyone from your favorite fashion people to celebrities to influencers can't get enough of pretty flat shoes. I accumulated tons of summer-ready flats all spring, and now that the season has begun, I started to dig for styling ideas that made my flats look even chicer.

I found five that were so good they stood out among the rest. Keep scrolling to take a look for yourself.

Strapless Dress + Mary Janes

Woman wearing a black dress and flats.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

This outfit is the definition of simple but stunning. It has a put-together chicness that reminds me of minimalistic '90s summer fashion. I'm loving the way the look above is styled with a belt. I actually own the Aritzia strapless dress I've linked below and can attest that it's the most classic, flowy strapless dress that fits like a dream. It comes in six colors, and the one I have is in Hot Cheeky Red.

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Sleeveless Top + Shorts + Belt

Woman wearing a white top and mesh flats.

(Image credit: @ingridedvinsen)

My favorite thing about this look is the juxtaposition of the pretty, dainty nature of the top paired with the more masculine vibe of Bermuda-length denim shorts. I'd wear this look to brunch or a day out on the weekend. I'm also loving the white on white with a contrasting black leather belt—very quiet luxury.

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Sweater + Linen Pants + Raffia Bag

Woman wearing a green sweater and linen pants.

(Image credit: @monikh)

I'm filing this outfit under "chic outfits I'd wear to a farmers market in a picturesque coastal town." I love the ease of a sweater and linen pants paired with classic thong sandals and a raffia tote to give this outfit the perfect stylish summer touch. I'm obsessed.

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Bubble-Hem Top + Capri Pants

Woman wearing a capri outfit.

(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

Out of all of these outfits, I think I'll be re-creating this one first. It's the ultimate 2024 trend outfit: mesh ballet flats, capri pants, bubble-hem top—all of the boxes checked. It's got a certain effortlessly stylish feel to it that just welcomes compliments. You'll be seeing my take on this outfit on my Instagram feed very soon. Mark my words.

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Maxi Dress + Tote Bag

Woman wearing a maxi dress and ballet flats.

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

If your vibe is laid-back but polished, then this outfit is up your alley. This look is comprised of all of my favorite summer basics—a great maxi dress, flat shoes, and a chic tote. I'm just picturing myself wearing this outfit on a Sunday while wandering around Manhattan with my friends or on a day when I want to run errands but still want to look put-together.

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Assistant Editor

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Grace has always been a lover of all things fashion and beauty. Upon receiving her first degree in visual communications from FIDM in Los Angeles, she moved to New York City and continued her education at LIM College, majoring in fashion media with a minor in society and culture. Grace has worked for PhotoBook magazine, Insider, and Harper's Bazaar. As a writer, Grace has had pieces published covering topics including racial justice, fashion, politics, and current events. During her free time, she loves wine tasting, creating content for her social media, spending time with friends, traveling to new places, and Pilates, and has a love for reality television, especially The Real Housewives. Grace is the person in your friend group everyone goes to for recommendations for the best place to grab drinks in NYC on a Friday night or the best hotels and restaurants to try when traveling to a new city. While fashion is her main love, she loves all things wellness and lifestyle as well. Her ideal sunday is brunching with friends then walking around furniture shopping and listening to a podcast. As the assistant shopping editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Grace loves finding the best buys out there for the WWW readers.