Bored with ballet flats but reluctant to endure the feet-throbbing torture of a night out in heels? These embellished flats are an oh-so-chic way to keep the comfort while sporting swoon-worthy styles that merit some serious coveting. Adorned with jewels, satin, suede, stones and diamante details—and starting at less than $100—these flats are swanky enough for your biggest night on the town.
1. A Little Peep: These bronze ballet flats from Kate Spade are every bit as comfortable as they are alluring. With a flexible sole, elasticized sides and a cushioned insole, these shoes are as comfortable as your favorite house slippers. But with the multicolored rhinestone embellishment, which features the gorgeous orangey-red tone of a harvest moon, these peeptoes are begging to be paraded around town. Filipa Embellished Peeptoe Flats, Kate Spade, $240, bloomingdales.com.
2. Girlie Glamour: If we ever had the urge to pony up a chunk of our rent to buy a pair of flats, these would be the object of our affection. Perhaps it’s because they have the trappings of an unabashedly feminine style—cotton candy coloring, oversized suede bow, shiny patent leather and shimmering crystals. Or maybe it’s because they fulfill our fantasies of becoming prima ballerinas. Either way, these Miu Miu flats are what our sweetest shoe dreams are made of—even if they’re a smidge (okay, a lot) out of our price range. A girl can dream, right? Bow & Crystal Ballet Flats, Miu Miu, $460, saksfifthavenue.com.
3. Seafoam Stunners: The soft sheen of these satin flats has a certain simple charm. Add the diamante details to the unruffled palette and refined bow, and you have a gorgeously understated pair of shoes that will work equally well with jeans or formal frocks. Ballet Flats, Sebastian, $149, yoox.com.
4. Gold Metal: With their metallic sheen and cluster of rhinestones and jewels, these flats serve surprisingly well as neutral wardrobe staples. The high-shine effect of the leather will work with your evening garb and daytime dresses. Gold Metallic Leather Rhinestone Detailed Flats, Rafe New York, $90.09, bluefly.com.
5. Black Beauties: We couldn’t help but add another Spade-designed pair to this list. The black resin stones on these soft suede lovelies are mysterious and stunning. Once chillier fall nights come our way, we can’t wait to pair these lookers with our ever-expanding collection of opaque tights. Neely Embellished Flats, Kate Spade, $295, bloomingdales.com.
