We came out of the pandemic lockdown, and suddenly, platforms were in style again. But many of us weren’t having it. We got used to wearing sneakers in the mid-2010s, and COVID drove many of us to ONLY wear sneakers. Then, the post-pandemic fashion gods wanted us to wear high platforms. A resounding “no” was said by many.
But, there is great news. Flats are not only back in style for casual outfits; they’re back in style for going out and getting all gussied up, too. Promise. If you love wearing heels, you should still wear them. The rest of us will be running around with happy feet in our flats.
And, as flats are part of our 10 classic wardrobe items suggested for 2023, you can also feel good knowing these shoes have staying power.
As we look to close out 2023 and say hello to 2024, here’s a roundup of 12 of our favorite flats for fall and winter — ranging from $110 to $950 and listed from lowest price to highest. Plus, a bonus pick at the end!
Madewell Mary Jane Flat
Admittedly, I am not a Mary Jane shoe gal, but they look great on others; I wish I felt comfortable in the style. If they are your style, they are quite the fashion statement this year — very in vogue. Here’s an option for just under $100 for solid colors and $110 for this cheetah print.
Available in cheetah, navy, silver, black, and brown.
Sam Edelman Felicia Flat
Season after season, this brand always brings style to the table — at an approachable price point. Sam Edelman has done it again with its flat of the season, the Felicia. Available in many colors and boasting thousands of five-star reviews, this is a great option. ($130)
Available in nine colors, including a large cheetah print and two shades of gold.
J.Crew Satin Ballet Flats
The option to tuck the ballet-inspired strap beneath your foot makes these shoes that much better! Shiny and stylish for fall, these flats from J.Crew hit all the high notes. They’re currently on sale for $94.50. (Regularly $148-$158)
Available in hot pink, sand, black, and gold.
Cole Haan Bow Flats
Known for comfort and style, I continue to be a fan of Cole Haan shoes. They were the first, if I remember correctly, to take the comfort of sneakers and combine them into a dressier shoe. This desire to bring fashion and comfort together continues to be part of their brand, and these shoes do just that. ($150)
Available in black and light tan.
Rothy’s The Point II
With the tagline, ‘Better Fit. Better Feel. Outrageous Comfort,’ you know it’s a shoe you need. Rothy’s are available in a pointed or rounded toe and dozens of colors, but it is the newest update to Rothy’s pointed shoe, The Point II, that has caught our eye. ($155-$159)
Available in black, emerald green, boysenberry, ecru, diamond twill, and metallic cat.
Tuckernuck Slingback Flats
Tuckernuck is one of our favorite places to check out new clothes and accessories each season, and shoes are no exception. These dressy flats are not only eye-catching, but they are sling-backs, which are heavily on-trend right now. ($195)
Available in black, gold, brown, and hot pink.
Margeaux Mules
Let’s talk mules for a moment. They’re not exactly everywhere this fall, but they are part of the flat craze, and I just can’t help staring at these velvet bow mules by Margeaux. ($245)
These are available in multiple colors, but my favorites are dark navy and blush pink.
Tory Burch Georgia Flats
The queen bee of ballet flats, this year’s selections from Tory Burch are just what you would expect: fabulous. This tweed option is fun with jeans or a dress, and they add a lady-like feel to any outfit. ($328)
Chloé Trimmed Ballet Flat
The subtle trim detailing on this shoe elevates it into its own league. And the rich chocolate brown is a nice diversion from black. ($550-$595)
You can find these in multiple colors (and also with studs) at Nordstrom HERE. They are also available in a BEAUTIFUL dark chocolate brown at Neiman Marcus HERE.
SB Note: We found a dupe for this shoe by Jigsaw for $200.
Fringed Denim Flat
So sleek and pretty but with an edge, these faded denim shoes somehow live in both the worlds of “proper” and “edgy” — for the woman who already has all the shoes and is looking for more options. ($750)
Fancy Mary Janes by Manolo Blahnik
Again, this is the season to find flats from casual to dressy, and these Manolo Blahniks pair perfectly with any upcoming cocktail/gala/black tie occasion. I also love the thought of these with jeans and a cashmere sweater to make quite a statement. ($795)
Valentino Rock Stud Ballet Flat
When the rock stud shoe first appeared in 2010, it took the fashion world by storm and became an instant classic. This year’s update, a hot-pink ballet flat, is everything 2023. Wear this for your fancy night out, and you’ll be so glad you left the heels behind. ($950)
Consider the soft ballet pink or black versions if you love this look but prefer a more subtle color.
Bonus Pick: The M.Gemi Not-Quite-Flat
If you like the look of flats but prefer a slight heel and want a modern look, here is a shoe that gives you that. Rather than the classic “kitten heel,” this shoe has a wide heel and double strap, giving the Mary Jane look a little something extra. I’m really loving this look. It’s all the vibes of a flat but shines by being just a little bit different. ($348)
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Looking for more of this year’s best footwear? Check out our article on comfortable travel shoes.
