The 5 Best Flats To Wear With An Evening Dress
With event season fast approaching, I’m feeling a little uneasy about stepping out of my cosy boots and well-trodden trainers into the all-too-familiar discomfort of a pair of squeaky high heels. For me, ringing in the festive period means a routine trip to Boots to stock up on Compeed for the impending blisters I’m likely to acquire at events in the coming months.
This season, I’m vowing to give my tired toes a rest, solving the age-old conundrum of being uncomfortable in heels by simply wearing flats. The idea that evening events demand a heel is more than outdated, and ditching the discomfort by slipping into flats is easier than one might think.
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It's important to think about the type of dress you choose, opt for a full-skirted dress to balance out the proportions and consider hemlines to prevent any missteps. From classic ballet flats and pointed slingbacks to sharp loafers and slip-on mules, here’s how to incorporate five flat styles into your evening wardrobe.
Ballet Flats
Ballet flats have become the go-to shoe for those who love a soft, romantic touch. A sleek black satin ballet flat can add a minimalist accent to a classic evening dress. Or take style notes from the unofficial queen of the ballet flat, Alexa Chung and go for metallic or embellished options to inject a touch of personality. Keep an eye out for subtle design details like bows or gems for added flair.
Mules
Mules exude easy wear, yet their slip-on style also works surprisingly well for the evening (think Coco Chanel hosting in her dinner pyjamas in her embroidered slippers). Whether you go for a sleek, rounded-toe leather mule from The Row or something more ornate with jewel embellishments, mules can wonderfully balance out a more structured evening dress. Think of them as your stylish shortcut to elevating a tailored tuxedo or a simple satin slip dress. Stick to luxe fabrics like leather, velvet, or silk to keep them in evening-appropriate territory.
Mary Janes
Who said Mary Janes were just for daytime? Like these newly launched ones from Dr Martens, a black leather Mary Jane instantly adds a playful feel to cocktail-length dresses. Pick styles with dainty straps and embellishments like crystals or intricate stitching for more formal occasions. Much fun can be had with Mary Jane.
Loafers
We’re all loving a loafer at the moment, and you’ll be pleased to hear that they’ve found their place in eveningwear, too. A pair of sleek loafers in glossy leather or patent finishes can add an unexpected edge to an evening gown or smarten up menswear-inspired tailoring. A polished loafer paired with a rich velvet or silk evening suit is the perfect androgynous take on the trend.
Pointed Slingbacks
For a touch of old Hollywood glamour, pointed sling-backs are the go-to flat. With their clean lines and delicate straps, they’re an ideal match for floor-sweeping gowns and thigh-split dresses. Opt for gold hardware, satin, metallics, or even velvet to lean into that luxe, evening feel.
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