16 Fancy Flats for When You Just Can't With Heels

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Heels—who needs 'em, right? Why must we suffer through life, stomping (or should we say limping) around on needle-thin stiletto with little to no mercy for our poor, poor feet? Genuinely asking here, because it recently occurred to us that (brace yourself) we have options! Yes! Might we reintroduce you to the marvelous wonders of an actually comfortable shoe, aka flats. Let that simmer for a bit.

Okay, we know what you’re thinking: But what about when I have a fancy-pants event to go to? Flats just don’t cut it. Listen, THEY DO! A good flat shoe can be just as elegant and decorative as any heel. Don’t believe us? Scroll through for 16 designs that make the case for fancy flat footwear. You’ll find everything from crystal embellishments and ornamental brocade to silk ribbon and plush velvet.

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1 of 17

ROCHAS

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$785
luisaviaroma.com
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Exhibit A: Clear-cut crystal detail sitting atop of ultra luxe satin.

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2 of 17

BANANA REPUBLIC

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$118
bananarepublic.com
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Note the pointed toe and satin contrast. Elegance is all in the details here.

3 of 17

SJP BY SARAH JESSICA PARKER

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$355
net-a-porter.com
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Channel Sex and the City vibes, and go for these 'Carrie' flats featuring ruby metallic leather and some seriously chic cut-outs.

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4 of 17

STUART WEITZMAN

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$273 (originally $455)
stuartweitzman.com
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Sapphire velvet and a lug sole give the classic Oxford shoe a modern update.

5 of 17

H&M

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$20
hm.com
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Ornate frills add instant charm to this metallic shoe.

6 of 17

TALBOTS

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$49 (originally $119)
talbots.com
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A multi-hued shoe versatile enough to go from office to event.

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7 of 17

ZARA

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$30
zara.com
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Pair these emerald velvet loafers with a silk anything for major glamour.

8 of 17

NINE WEST

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$60
ninewest.com
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A sleek smoking flat in rich wine velvet.

9 of 17

MANOLO BLAHNIK

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$955
barneys.com
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A crystal-encrusted square buckle amps up this multi-hued flat.

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10 of 17

RUPERT SANDERSON

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$370 (originally $925)
farfetch.com
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Dressed up ballerinas with just the tiniest heel.

11 of 17

JIL SANDER

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$495
net-a-porter.com
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Velvet slippers featuring an unexpected square toe.

12 of 17

PAUL ANDREW

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$545
net-a-porter.com
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A modern silhouette presented in silver lamé.

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13 of 17

MIU MIU

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$620
net-a-porter.com
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Seriously edged up flats for your ballerina-gone-rogue vibes.

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GUCCI

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$695
net-a-porter.com
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Luxe slides perfect for flowing dresses or tailored trousers.

15 of 17

JIMMY CHOO

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$625
net-a-porter.com
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This pair invites texture constrasting with its elegantly sheer sides.

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KATE SPADE NEW YORK

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$378
neimanmarcus.com
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Crystal hardware and a striking T-strap toughen up this ballerina flat.

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