Gwyneth Paltrow Just Wore the Incredibly Chic Anti-Heels Trend Fashion Editors Rely On During Party Season

Despite being in the depths of party season, you'll be hard-pressed to find me in a heel anytime soon.
I'm simply too comfortable in flats, and find it hard to entertain the alternative of stomping around in sky-highs. And why would I? This season's offering of fancy flats is so much more elegant than those that came before, and that's really saying something. Luckily for me, Gwyneth Paltrow was out this week serving up some anti-heel party-shoe inspo. Keeping her tallest heels packed away, the actor stepped out in L.A. styling a pretty pair of Ade Black Suede Flats With Pearl Embellishment (£675) instead.
With a square-toe design and decked out in elegant pearls, Paltrow's flats had all of the hallmarks of a perfect pair of evening shoes—void only of the pain that comes from balancing on the balls of your feet all evening. A more relaxed alternative to a diamond embellishment, Paltrow's pearly flats retained a pretty and preppy energy that perfectly complemented her elegant white suit from Loro Piana.
Whilst Paltrow’s decision to style flats this week might seem like a small shift, it's part of a larger trend we’ve seen emerging in recent seasons—flats are making a serious comeback. What was once reserved for casualwear has now evolved into an evening staple, thanks in large part to the growing number of stylish flats hitting the market. As more designers embrace this trend, the offerings have become increasingly chic, turning the anti-heel movement into what it is today.
Inspired as I might be by Paltrow's pearly pair, I've also found a wider range of embellished flats that are well worth looking at right now. Read on to discover our edit of the best embellished flats.
SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST EMBELLISHED FLATS:
Shop the elegant ballet flats Paltrow loves.
I'd opt for these over heels any day of the week.
Marks and Spencer has really upped its shoe game.
Style with an LBD or wear with your favourite jeans.
Pointed-toe flats help to elongate the leg for a sleek and streamlined finish.

Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer and has worked in the fashion industry since she graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of the Arts London. Natalie’s experience in the industry spans journalistic and styling roles that have seen her work for publications including British Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK.
With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Reporting on a daily basis, Natalie focuses on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.
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