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.
-
I Want to Build a New Wardrobe—30 Incredibly Elegant Pieces I'm Eyeing From the Nordstrom Winter SaleBring on the chic outfits.
-
Sorry, Skinny Jeans! These 14 Outfits Prove Barrel Jeans Are Still the MomentReceipts have been pulled.
-
Sorry, Stilettos, But These '90s-Inspired, Prada-Coded Anti-Flats Are Hot on Your TrailConsider me converted.
-
I'm a Professional Shopper—These Are the 3 Best Categories From the Nordstrom Winter SaleThese chic pieces are selling out fast.
-
These 30 Incredibly Chic Picks From the Nordstrom Winter Sale Scream Cool GirlTime to up your fashion game.
-
I'm High-Key Obsessed—Nordstrom Has the Best Basics, and They're on SaleTop-tier pieces ahead.
-
Brace Yourself: 2025's Most Divisive Shoe Trend Has ArrivedYou'll either love it or hate it.
-
Not Flats and Not Heels—This In-Between Shoe Trend Is Just Right for Spring 2025It's comfortable too.
