The soundtrack of Mariah Carey fills supermarkets and gingerbread lattes return to cafe menus, signalling the official start of the festive silly season. As high street windows dazzle with sequinned dresses and sumptuous velvet, a sartorial shift is occurring at ground level. The customary towering heels have been conspicuously dethroned, replaced by a new wave of glamorous, sensible flats.
The End of the Heel Mandate
For decades, fashion orthodoxy dictated that heels were superior, symbolising power, femininity, and sex appeal—a notion cemented by cultural touchstones like Sex and the City. That era is decisively over. The fashion world has executed a sharp about-turn, now championing flats as equally alluring but infinitely more comfortable. The awkward spectacle of balancing on one leg to swap trainers for heels is now viewed as deeply unchic, akin to eating a sandwich while walking.
This rational shift was born on the catwalks. Major designer debuts for the season, including Jonathan Anderson at Dior and Pierpaolo Piccioli at Balenciaga, prominently featured flats, from sparkling slingbacks to velvet flip-flops. The trend has permeated even the most formal red carpets. In a stark reversal from a decade ago, when women were reportedly ejected for wearing them, this year's Cannes film festival saw flats peppered along the Croisette, including actor Margaret Qualley in two-tone Chanel ballet pumps.
Navigating the New Flat Landscape
Transitioning to flats is simpler than it may seem. For stiletto devotees, a pointed slingback—like River Island's embellished leopard print pair—offers a familiar silhouette without the pain. Those who favour strappy sandals might consider a mesh slip-on from brands like Loeffler Randall or Dear Frances. And for anyone concerned that flats risk looking frumpy, the current emphasis on embellishment and texture provides the answer. There is nothing dowdy about Bimba Y Lola's sequinned ballerinas or Flabelus's tinsel-adorned versions.
A Curated Guide to the Season's Best Flats
The market is brimming with stylish options that refuse to compromise on comfort. The selection spans high-street favourites and designer names, ensuring there's a perfect pair for every festive outfit and budget.
Ballerinas remain a cornerstone, with standout picks including a satin style from M&S for £32, a yellow silk pair from Whistles at £116, and luxurious leopard print ballerinas from Pretty Ballerinas for £160.30. For a bold statement, Sézane offers red patent leather ballerinas for £170.
The embellished flat category is particularly strong this season. Highlights include a bow-pointed toe design from Vivaia at £111, rhinestone suede flats from H&M for £32.99, and stunning sequinned ballerinas from Bimba y Lola priced at £115.50.
Pointed slingbacks offer a sophisticated alternative, with options like burgundy studded flats from Schuh at £17.99 and elegant green suede pairs from Dune, available for £89.
Velvet brings a touch of luxury, exemplified by zebra print flats from Scarosso for £145 and burgundy velvet Mary Janes from Office at £39.99.
Finally, mesh and delicate designs provide a modern, airy feel. Key pieces include a leopard print mesh flat from Anthropologie for £140 and a wine buckle style from Kurt Geiger, priced at £49.
The message is clear: this festive season, fashion is firmly on the side of comfort. With an array of beautiful, blister-free options from high-street staples to investment pieces, there's no need to suffer for style. The party starts from the ground up—and it's flat.
