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12 of the best flat party shoes to see you through the winter nights
Elegant but comfortable, these dazzling flats prove every bit as impactful as a towering heel
The last few years have been volatile when it comes to footwear. The lockdown era sent us back to slippers and Birkenstocks, followed by the inevitable reactive rise of platforms and wildly high heels. In the past three seasons, we've heralded the return of the ballet pump (in toe-flashing mesh for the brave), embraced the cowboy boot, and slipped tights beneath our sandals. But the most appealing autumn/winter shoe trend? It has to be the party flat.
It used to be that heel-free footwear was the dowdier counterpart to the glamour of stilettos, but the Valentino Rockstud – a studded, pointed-toe pump – changed the game over a decade ago. Today, brands are still clamouring to launch a shoe style as iconic as that punk-meets-pretty silhouette. Heels still have their place, of course, but few looks are more sophisticated than a dazzling dress with a pair of chic flats, whether your dress code dictates chic cocktail attire or formal black tie. Forgoing heels at an evening event says that you're confident enough to know that you don't need extra height to reach peak fabulous.
The difference between a high-level flat and the everyday version is impracticality; look for luxurious materials such as satin, silk and velvet, or sublime embellishment, whether feathers, sequins or crystals. The reigning ballet pump is available in varying glamorous iterations, but the most elegant options are leg-elongating pointed toe shapes or barely there open toes. A little decoration never hurts either: perhaps a sparkling bow or an oversized buckle.
Manolo Blahnik's flats, complete with iconic crystal patterns, are among the best on show, but Aquazurra and Jimmy Choo also offer styles dressy enough for the dancefloor. For a modern take on glamour, turn to Amina Muaddi or Mach & Mach, while for a satin slipper you'll wear long after the big event, Le Monde Beryl is your destination. Here, see the very best flat party shoes, ahead of the season of festivities.
These Manolo Blahnik mules are perfect party shoes – elegant, timeless and comfortable. The crystal vine that wraps round the foot adds just the right amount of sparkle, proving a flat evening shoe can be every bit as impactful as a towering heel.
Amina Muaddi has become a go-to destination for opulent, beautifully crafted footwear. The label's crystal-embellished, square-toe ballet pumps have a pleasingly punk appeal.
Mach & Mach's signature bow pump works just as well in flat form. High-shine glamour but with added nonchalance, this dazzling black suede design will dress up every party ensemble.
Alaïa's heart-shaped Le Cœur collection comprises some of the most coveted accessories of the year. These sweet pointed pumps are the most practical way to invest: wear them with a cocktail dress, then team them with jeans once the party is over.
Whether you prefer your pumps peppered with pearls or glittering with crystals, Jimmy Choo has the winning pair. One of many beautiful options, the Astoria flat is a chic take on the season's ubiquitous mesh pump, punctuated with diamantes and secured with ballerina-style straps.
Sometimes, it's the most timeless things that look the most elegant. Le Monde Beryl's ballerina flats have been worn by everyone from Alexa Chung to Daisy Edgar Jones, and will take you from festive nights to grand events with ease.
Wear Aquazzura's velvet slippers during the day with a pair of jeans, then swap for a cocktail dress for very Parisian-looking party ensemble.
Sublimely impractical, a pair of feather flats say instant fun times. Ensure the rest of your outfit is pared back and let these tactile slip-ons do the talking.
Valentino's full-throttle femininity translates perfectly in these ruby-red slippers. They might be completely flat, but the outsized bow ensures they'll work with the grandest of dresses.
Giambattista Valli's royal-blue mules are guaranteed to be a party hit. The crystal bows and elegant silhouette will bring instant cheer to your wardrobe.
