What Even Is a Cute Pair of Flats? We Found 28 That Answer the Question

The other day, I was Slack messaging with a co-worker (also my best friend but that part isn't relevant to the story), and she proposed a story idea to me. The conversation was as follows:
Mimi: Will you pitch a cute story on flats?
Mimi: What even is a cute flat?
Mimi: You need to investigate.
Me: Tbh idk I don't wear flats like that.
Mimi: Like what?
Mimi: I mean flat shoes it doesn't have to be a ballet flat.
Mimi: Like when you don't wanna wear sandals or sneakers, what the hell else is left?
The more I thought about it, the more I realized I really never wear flats, but there are so many times that a flat sole is necessary, e.g., commuting, leisurely strolls through the neighborhood, running errands while not looking like a slob, and more. Mimi was right: If you don't want to wear sneakers and it's too cold for sandals, flats are your only option, so you might as well have some cute ones at your disposal. But what even is a cute pair of flats? If your style doesn't vibe with ballet flats and you don't like loafers, it's easy to feel like there are no more options. But today, I'm here to prove that that's not the case at all.
In an effort to help Mimi, myself, and hopefully you, I have rounded up 28 pairs of cute flats that are guaranteed to make your outfit just as sleek as a pair of boots or pointy heels would. So yes, cute flats can be defined, and the assortment below is all the proof you need. Go on, scroll down.You'll see.
Jack Erwin just launched women's shoes for the first time, and they are not only chic but affordable as well.
Tiger print is pretty much changing the animal-print game this season.
Slippers that are acceptable to wear outside of the house.
Charles & Keith always has the best styles at the best prices.
Do yourself a favor and click in to check out all the angles of this shoe.
These two-tone loafers will be your saving grace while commuting.
Next up, here are some other shoe options to wear that aren't flats in case the 28 pairs above didn't convince you.

Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over nine years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. Here, she leads and manages Who What Wear's editorial team and oversees all editorial content. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Sabrina Carpenter. She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle.
-
Got Taste? I Picked 37 Revolve Items Just for You
Enjoy.
By Eliza Huber
-
Effortless Cool-Girl Vibes Are the Goal—26 Sale Picks From J.Crew and Gap That Fit the Bill
Hello, spring.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
10 Spring Outfit Ideas That Will Make Anyone Look Like a Fashion Person
Bring on the compliments.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Opulent Minimalism Is My Entire Spring Mood—I'll Explain With These 31 Finds
Satin! Fringe! Tweed!
By Anna LaPlaca
-
Re: Your Ballet Flats—Here Are the Chicest Ways to Wear Them This Summer
Because we know you're wondering.
By Michelle Scanga
-
It's Here: 2025's Most (Unexpectedly) Elegant Flat-Shoe Trend
It works with everything.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Just Some Really Good Buys for Spring—That's All
Thank me later.
By Eliza Huber
-
Style Rut? I Have Something for That—33 Stellar Spring Picks From Nordstrom, Zara, and Madewell
I see chic outfits in your future.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes