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.
Shop the Look:
This effortless number is the ideal linen dress for warm weather.
The ultimate summer shoe.
This cornflower blue shade is just so beautiful.
To complete the minimalist look.
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.
Classic loafers are a wardrobe staple.
So comfortable and so easy to wear.
This brown suede is such a gorgeous hue.
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.
The all-American classic.
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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The sublime fit makes this look extra elevated.
The lace is such a brilliant touch.
I'm obsessed with the Fifties silhouette of this timeless dress.
So chic.
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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I love the way this polka dot number hangs.
A classic French flat.
The styling opportunities are truly endless.
I think the square toe is such a cool touch.
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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Supremely sophisticated.
So many tastemakers own these exact flats.
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.
Shop the look:
A cream slip dress always looks impressive.
Understatedly elegant, in the very best way.
The lace trim is such a gorgeous detail.
The glossy finish would work so will with the silky slip.
This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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