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.
Honestly? I can't believe these are still in stock.
These look much more expensive than they are.
The slanted toe gives these such an interesting finish.
These are a favourite within fashion crowds.
Shop these whilst they're on sale.
Reformation has plenty of great flats.
I'd opt for these over heels any day of the week.
These also come in white.
Marks and Spencer has really upped its shoe game.
Style with an LBD or wear with your favourite jeans.
The brown suede really elevates these.
Pointed-toe flats help to elongate the leg for a sleek and streamlined finish.
Studded flats are firmly back on the footwear agenda.
I'll be wearing these non-stop this party season.
Style these with sheer socks.
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It's Confirmed: These 8 2025 Trends Are Elite, According to Nordstrom's Associate Fashion DirectorGet the 411.
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6 Controversial Shoe Trends Fashion People Are Buying This YearThey're dividing the internet.
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Sorry, Sneakers—Fashion People Are in Agreement About These Classic FlatsA 58-year-old staple.
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As It Turns Out, 2025's Most Boring Flat-Shoe Trend Looks Perfect With LeggingsA celebrity-approved pairing.
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I Nearly Spent $820 on Kendall Jenner's Flats—Then I Found This $120 Alt at NordstromIt's strikingly similar.
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No Sneakers Needed—This Flat Shoe Trend Makes Leggings Look So Much PrettierBranch out.
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It's True—Every Chic Person Is Wearing This New Top TrendCheck it off your list.
