Sneakers and flats are my go-to shoes when putting together comfy and chill outfits, but they don't always have to be paired with casual looks. In fact, flats can absolutely be the base for dressier looks or even going-out outfits. Forget everything you think you know about styling a going-out look because I've pulled the receipts, and the seven celebrity-approved outfits below prove you can—and should—wear sneakers or flats with non-casual looks.
Since I know getting the right look can be tricky, I figured a little outfit inspiration might come in handy. The seven trendsetters below have proven time and time again that great clubbing outfits don't require a pair of heels. Inspired by them, I've rounded up my favorite going-out looks to pair with sneakers or flats. Whether you're not the type to wear heels or simply looking for fresh outfit inspiration, I've got you covered for everything from a fancy dinner to a night on the dance floor.
Keep reading to see and shop seven going-out looks that don't require wearing heels.
1. Matching Skirt Set + Retro Sneakers
EmRata is the queen of low-key cool style, and she kept it easy here with a matching mini skirt set from Aya Muse. Going for a two-piece set is genius because it's a ready-made outfit that, depending on the fabric, color, and silhouette, can read put-together no matter what. Her navy-blue set is the perfect pick to elevate classic white sneakers. To transition this into a night-out look, we'd lose the baseball hat and swap the bag for something more evening-ready like a clutch or embellished bag.
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2. Mesh Top + Cargo Pants + Sneakers
Not all going-out outfits need be skimpy or uncomfortable and this Ashley Graham look is all the proof you need. She combined a cool printed mesh top with cargo pants and her Adidas Sambas and the result is an outfit that's just as comfortable to run errands in as it is to hit the dance floor. One tip we'd recommend is to ensure your top feels elevated enough to offset how casual the bottom half of the outfit is.
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3. Miniskirt + Blazer + Socks + Loafers
On Hailey Bieber: Miu Miu blazer, skirt, belt, bag, and shoes
Flats? For nighttime? Miu Miu girls know what's up. Per the styling in the brand's spring/simmer 2023 runway and excellently modeled here by Hailey Bieber, socks and loafers get an alluring transformation when paired with a micro mini skirt and cropped top.
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4. Maxi Dress + Black Sneakers
Rihanna's dress-and-sneakers combination is definitely one to take note of. A sleek LBD with a maxi length is the ideal base to just about any going-out outfit and here, it's cool with black sneakers and big hoops.
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5. Cropped Jacket + Sheer Top + Trousers + Platform Boots
Sure, you could argue that Zoë Kravitz's boots are technically platforms, but we think they're easy enough to wear that they qualify as flats in this context, too. So if you're smart, you'll want to take notes on how the actress styled hers with a sheer top and structured jacket to make the otherwise casual shoes work for after dark.
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6. Minidress + Loafers + Chunky Jewelry
Elsa Hosk's fit-and-flare dress a charming daytime look with her loafers, but it's also an easy-to-repeat outfit that would work for day to night, too.
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7. Matching Shorts Set + Sporty Sneakers + Crew Socks
Nobody does cool-girl going-out looks with sneakers better than Dua Lipa and this pink shorts set might just be her most genius look yet.
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