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

By Kim Duong (Text) and Taylor Reagan (Market)
Dec 20, 2016 @ 4:15 pm
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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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ROCHAS

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$785 Rochas available at luisaviaroma.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Exhibit A: Clear-cut crystal detail sitting atop of ultra luxe satin.

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BANANA REPUBLIC

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$118 Banana Republic available at bananarepublic.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Note the pointed toe and satin contrast. Elegance is all in the details here.

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SJP BY SARAH JESSICA PARKER

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$355 SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker available at net-a-porter.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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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STUART WEITZMAN

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$273 (originally $455) Stuart Weitzman available at stuartweitzman.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Sapphire velvet and a lug sole give the classic Oxford shoe a modern update.

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H&M

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$20 H&M available at hm.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Ornate frills add instant charm to this metallic shoe.

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TALBOTS

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$49 (originally $119) Talbots available at talbots.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

A multi-hued shoe versatile enough to go from office to event.

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ZARA

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$30 Zara available at zara.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Pair these emerald velvet loafers with a silk anything for major glamour.

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NINE WEST

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$60 Nine West available at ninewest.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

A sleek smoking flat in rich wine velvet.

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MANOLO BLAHNIK

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$955 Manolo Blahnik available at barneys.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

A crystal-encrusted square buckle amps up this multi-hued flat.

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RUPERT SANDERSON

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$370 (originally $925) Rupert Sanderson available at farfetch.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Dressed up ballerinas with just the tiniest heel.

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JIL SANDER

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$495 Jil Sander available at net-a-porter.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Velvet slippers featuring an unexpected square toe.

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PAUL ANDREW

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$545 Paul Andrew available at net-a-porter.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

A modern silhouette presented in silver lamé.

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MIU MIU

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$620 Miu Miu available at net-a-porter.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Seriously edged up flats for your ballerina-gone-rogue vibes.

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GUCCI

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$695 Gucci available at net-a-porter.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Luxe slides perfect for flowing dresses or tailored trousers.

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JIMMY CHOO

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$625 Jimmy Choo available at net-a-porter.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

This pair invites texture constrasting with its elegantly sheer sides.

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KATE SPADE NEW YORK

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$378 Kate Spade available at neimanmarcus.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Crystal hardware and a striking T-strap toughen up this ballerina flat.

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