The Chicest Black Flat Shoes for Women, From Mary Janes to Loafers

published 17 February 2024

This season, I'm going back to basics and honing in on the pillars of my wardrobe to ensure that I have a really strong foundation for outfit building this spring. This means that my day-to-day items are under a microscope as I assess which pieces are pulling their weight the most and might be worth stocking up on. During this process, I've come to realise that my shoe collection has overcomplicated itself, as nine times out of 10, when I go to get dressed in the morning, I reach for a pair of simple black flats.

@symphonyofsilk wears blue jeans and black flat shoes

It's hard to resist the temptation of this classic shoe style. Whether I need shoes to wear with my favourite jeans, wide-leg trousers or a billowy cotton dress, black flats do it best, and I'm not the only one to catch the bug—editors, influencers and stylists alike fall back on this hard-working shoe style season after season. Coming in the form of hardy loafers, dainty Mary Janes and sleek pointed-toe slingbacks, black flats can take on many appearances, and they all deliver on comfort and elegance.

Across high-street and designer brands from Reformation and H&M all the way to Toteme and Jimmy Choo, scroll on to discover my edit of the best black flat shoes to shop this spring.

SHOP THE BEST BLACK FLATS:

Reformation

Bethany Ballet Flat in Black With Studs

These comfortable flats come in so many different colours.

H&M

Leather Ballet Pumps

My black ballet flats are one of the most versatile pairs of shoes I own.

Jimmy Choo

Hedera Knotted Leather Point-Toe Flats in Black

With a sleek pointed toe, these are an easy way to add an elegant touch to an everyday outfit.

Aeyde

Uma Patent-Leather Mary Jane Ballet Flats in Black

These would look just as good with white socks as with bare ankles.

Zara

Velvet Ballerinas in Black

Velvet flats are set to be a major shoe trend this spring.

H&M

Loafers

These look more expensive than they are.

Mango

Patent Leather-Effect Ballerina

This pair from Mango will naturally smarten up a casual outfit with their shiny finish.

Maison Margiela

Tabi Split-Toe Glossed-Leather Loafers

Controversial they may be, but Tabis continue to steal the hearts of fashion people.

COS

Pleated Leather Mary-Jane Ballet Flats

Add some red tights or socks to liven these up.

Le Monde Beryl

Luna Leather-Trimmed Mesh Ballet Flats in Black

Mesh flats are about to be everywhere.

Vagabond Shoemakers

Hermine Shoes in Black Leather

These also come in two other colours.

Emme Parsons

Danielle Croc-Effect Patent-Leather Loafers in Black

The subtle croc effect really elevates the feel of these classic loafers.

Toteme

+ Net Sustain Asymmetric d'Orsay Leather Point-Toe Flats in Black

I'm banking these ahead of summer.

Neous

Atlas Leather Ballet Flats in Black

This full-coverage flats style is another one to watch.

G.H. Bass

Easy Weejuns Penny Loafers in Black Leather

Trust me: leather loafers are one of the smartest buys you can make this season.

Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer. Having worked in the fashion industry since her time at university—where she obtained a BA in Journalism from University of the Arts London, Natalie's experience spans journalistic and styling roles. In the early stages of her career Natalie predominately worked on editorial shoots for fashion publications such as British Vogue, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK, before moving into journalism roles.

On completion of her degree she interned in the editorial team at British Vogue and later went on to freelance for the publication. Here, she developed her interest in reporting on the latest fashion news and trends. Inspired by the dynamic nature of the industry, Natalie went on to write for other lifestyle and fashion brands and publications before taking on the role as News Writer for Who What Wear.

With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Focusing on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion, Natalie reports on a daily basis, ensuring that she remains ahead of the trends. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.