Every Elegant Outfit in 2025 Will Start With One of These 7 Flat Shoe Trends

Flat-shoe enthusiast here to tell you that an elegant ensemble doesn’t require heels. As an accessories editor who only owns two pairs of heels (of the kitten variety), I can guarantee that there are plenty of sophisticated flat shoe options available on the market that are capable of finishing off every one of your chicest looks, from pointed-toe slingbacks to old-money moccasins. And then there are the boots—so many boots.

Obviously, the best part about flats is their practical appeal—after all, heels are famously painful and uncomfortable, whereas flats keep you close to the ground and save your arches from being put in unnatural positions against their will. When done right, though, they can also be incredibly versatile and easy to style. From styling ideas to shopping picks, the ultimate guide to flat footwear awaits you below. Stop living with heel-induced pain. What’s the point when these seven elegant flat shoe trends exist?

Riding Boots

Riding boots are the ultimate way to make an outfit look expensive. (They did get their name from equestrian culture, after all.) The quiet luxury footwear style immediately elevates mini and midi skirts, as well as, yes, skinny jeans.