Some Flat-Shoe and Dress Combinations Don't Work, But These 7 Definitely Do

Once upon a time, it was almost inconceivable to imagine styling a dress with anything but heels. Whether heading into the office, going out for lunch on the weekend or attending a special event, our poor feet never got a break. But luckily for both our wardrobes and our ankles, times have changed and trends have evolved. These days, we're styling almost any dress in our wardrobe with flats of some sort, whether that be sleek trainers, pointed-toe ballet flats, or pair of sharp loafers.
All of these covetable styles will evoke a different mood in a dress, depending on which you choose; and it certainly helps that flat shoes continue to be a top footwear trend for 2025, with swaths of new, chic and comfortable designs continuing to appear. If you're still trying to figure out how to swap out the heels for flats this season, read on to discover seven ways to wear flat shoes with dresses that are easy to copy, along with my shoppable picks for re-creating the look, just in time for spring no less.
1. LINEN DRESS + MINIMALIST SANDALS
Style Notes: A trusty linen dress is a wardrobe must-have, especially for the really warm days. A minimal sandal style allows you to keep the outfit polished without punishing your feet with an uncomfortable stiletto.
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This effortless number is the ideal linen dress for warm weather.
2. BILLOWY DRESS + SLEEK LOAFERS
Style Notes: As we approach warmer days, a billowy dress becomes more and more tempting. But to keep it professional enough for work—and suitable for unpredictable British spring weather—a trusty loafer is in order.
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This billowy dress can be styled for work or weekends.
3. MINI DRESS + RETRO TRAINERS
Style Notes: Unlike chunky trainers, sleeker retro styles add a cool edge without dressing down a dress too much. The charm of retro trainers is in their sporty edge that can make any simple dress feel more "fashion".
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This is my dream summer dress—swap the trainers for heels and you've got a brilliant evening look.
Every wardrobe needs a reliable pair of New Balance trainers.
This mini shirt dress is such a cool look–and has a subtle Nineties grunge vibe.
4. EVENING DRESS + ANKLE-TIE BALLET FLATS
Style Notes: Gone are the days when we had to bring out the heels when dressing for an occasion. Ankle-tie ballet flats make for an elegant pairing that will see you through your evening events in style.
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5. Slip Dress + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: We're big advocates of the slip dress over here—these slinky numbers are impressively versatile, and can easily go from day to night with a few accessory switches. Layering a cardigan over your go-to and adding a pair of classic ballet flats creates an effortlessly cool look with just the right amount of polish.
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6. Shift Dress + Velvet Flats
Style Notes: If you want to hold onto your favourite black pieces once the sun comes out, this is the outfit for you. Plus, the non-rainy spring days are pretty much the only time you can safely wear velvet flats and benefit from their undeniable elegance...
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The kind of versatile dress you'll never regret owning.
Fancy injecting a bit of colour into your look? Go for this vibrant red from Aeyde.
7. Slip Dress + Pointed-Toe Flats
Style Notes: If you needed any further proof that flats could be more than appropriate for evening wear, this is it. I love how Dawn has used an oversized jumper to keep the whole ensemble a little more low-key, yes still incredibly chic.
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This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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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