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A good pair of flats does more work than almost anything else in the closet. These are my ten must have flats, plus two more I would add, from black leather ballet flats to Mary Jane flats and a bright mesh slingback, and you can shop the full collection here.
Buy now: four flats to start with
Looking out over this terrace at Bacara in Santa Barbara, I could already picture the flats I would pack for a weekend here: a simple black pair for wandering the grounds, then a dressier one for dinner.
1. Everlane Day Glove in Black
Reviewers praise the padded insole for long walks and the soft Italian leather that gets better with wear. It is the quiet black leather ballet flats that goes under everything, from jeans to a slip skirt. Shop here
2. Quince Italian Leather Slingback Flat in Garnet
Smooth Italian leather, a square toe, a low leather-wrapped heel and an adjustable strap. Reviewers say these leather slingback flats look far more expensive than they are, and the padded insole keeps them easy to wear all day. Shop here
3. Jeffrey Campbell Dancerina Flat in Brown Patent
A thin strap and a glossy finish turn a classic ballet flat into a Mary Jane. Reviewers love these brown patent Mary Jane flats, and the near-flat heel keeps them comfortable. Shop here
4. Dolce Vita Reyes Mary Jane Ballet Flat in Black Leather
Soft black leather, a square toe and a slim strap with an antiqued buckle. These black leather Mary Jane flats are the easy Mary Jane to wear with jeans, a midi skirt or trousers. Shop here
5. Carel Ariana Mary Jane in Burgundy Patent
Three slim straps and a low heel give this patent Mary Jane a French, retro line. These burgundy Mary Jane flats work as a neutral with navy, grey and camel. Shop here
6. Maison Margiela Tabi Ballerina in Black
The Tabi shape is the reason to buy. Reviewers point to the stitching and the craftsmanship, and say the split-toe line grows on you quickly. One pair of Tabi ballet flats makes a plain outfit look intentional. Shop here
7. Mansur Gavriel Dance Ballerina Flat in Black
A round toe, a slip-on shape, a small bow and a taupe edge that outlines the black leather. These are the dressy ballet flats for skirts, trousers and anything tailored. Shop here
8. Loeffler Randall Ginger Mary Jane in Brown Velvet
Brown Italian velvet with fine black piping, a square toe, an adjustable bridge strap and a padded leather footbed. Reviewers love these velvet Mary Jane flats, and they look best with cream trousers or dark denim. Shop here
9. Ferragamo Varina Ballet Flat in Black
The bow flat that every other bow flat is measured against. One reviewer who is on her feet all day for formal work calls the Ferragamo Varina flats the best dress flat she owns. Shop here
10. Flabelus Narnia Mesh Slingback Flat in Navy
Handmade in Spain with a navy mesh upper and an elastic strap behind the heel. The pink lining is a small surprise, and the open weave of these mesh slingback flats keeps the look light with a linen set or a slip dress. Shop here
11. Le Monde Beryl Luna Ballet Flat in Chocolate Suede
Chocolate suede with a deep V-shaped opening that lengthens the foot. Reviewers love the shape of these suede ballet flats, and they sit well with grey flannel, cream knits and dark jeans. Shop here
12. Stella McCartney Shaggy Deer Chain Ballerina Flat in Mahogany
A shimmering mahogany finish, a soft elastic topline and a fine gold chain at the ankle make these the designer pair to own. They turn jeans and a knit into a dressed-up outfit. Shop here
How to choose your pair
Start with the shape you already reach for. A rounded toe and a thin edge suit trousers and denim, a strap adds a retro line to skirts and dresses, and a slingback or mesh pair gives a bare ankle some polish. Black, brown and burgundy go with most wardrobes, and a bright color works best when the rest of the outfit stays quiet. To finish the look, I keep gel heel grips, cushioned insoles and a suede brush in my bag.
More shoe edits
- The flats guide: ballet flats, Mary Janes and loafers
- The best ballet flats and Mary Janes
- Smoking slippers: the Belgian flat reinvented
Must have flats: questions before you shop
What are the must have flats for a wardrobe?
A black leather ballet flat comes first, then a Mary Jane in brown or burgundy, then one slingback or mesh pair for dressier outfits. Those three shapes cover jeans, trousers, skirts and dresses.
What is the difference between a ballet flat and a Mary Jane?
A ballet flat is a plain, low-cut slip-on. A Mary Jane adds a strap across the foot, which gives the shoe a more visible, retro line.
What color flats go with the most outfits?
Black is the easiest, brown and chocolate suede work with cream, grey and denim, and burgundy acts like a neutral with navy and camel.
How do you wear flats so the outfit looks polished?
Choose a trouser that stops at or just above the ankle so the shoe shows, and keep the rest of the outfit simple when the flat has a bow, velvet or a bright color.
Which flats are best for walking all day?
Look for a padded insole and soft leather, like the Everlane Day Glove and the Quince slingback in this edit.
Shop the Post
- Everlane Day Glove in Black Shop here
- Quince Italian Leather Slingback Flat in Garnet Shop here
- Jeffrey Campbell Dancerina Flat in Brown Patent Shop here
- Carel Ariana Mary Jane in Burgundy Patent Shop here
- Maison Margiela Tabi Ballerina in Black Shop here
- Mansur Gavriel Dance Ballerina Flat in Black Shop here
- Loeffler Randall Ginger Mary Jane in Brown Velvet Shop here
- Ferragamo Varina Ballet Flat in Black Shop here
- Flabelus Narnia Mesh Slingback Flat in Navy Shop here
- Le Monde Beryl Luna Ballet Flat in Chocolate Suede Shop here
- Dolce Vita Reyes Mary Jane Ballet Flat in Black Leather Shop here
- Stella McCartney Shaggy Deer Chain Ballerina Flat in Mahogany Shop here
- Shop the full collection: buy it here
