I'm in a Committed Relationship With Flat Shoes—6 Trends I'm Eyeing for Spring (2024)

Hands up if you're ready for spring? Both of mine would be in the air right now if it weren't for the fact I haveto type this. After what feels like a long, especiallycold winter, I have my sights firmly set on the new season and, my, I can't wait to start refreshing my wardrobe for the spring. While coats aren't quite off the agenda and there is still a need for boots, I am adamant—I will be wearing "normal" shoes this month.

Sure, they may require a sock on chilly days but the first change Iaction when I begin making my seasonal style switch always pertains to footwear.Though I may need to call upon them again for the next while, the last thing I'll entertain buying is boots: Instead, I've set my sights on some new flat shoes. It might sound like a silly claim but flat shoes are everywhere right now. Of course, they've always been a market staple—loafers haveremained a stylish shoe go-to sinceGucci put them back on the map in the early 2010s. But now, flat shoes have taken over from heels as the shoe du jour, and there are more designs than ever to choose from.

Last year, the ballet flat reigned supreme, but what's in store for 2024? Well, if you already invested in a pair, you'll be pleased to hear that ballet flats are sticking around as we head into spring (if you really want to look current, I've woven the freshest pair into my edit). However, alongside them, there are five more flatshoe trends taking off in 2024. Scroll on to see them.

6 FLAT SHOE TRENDS TO TRY IN 2024

1. SLINGBACK SILHOUETTE

Style Notes: Let's start things off on an elegant note, shall we? Slingback kitten heels were all the rage last wear but, for 2024, things are taking a more practical turn, as more and more brands are serving up flat slingbacks. More often than not with a pointed toe, these feelintrinsically'90s, in the best possible way.

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2. MESH FABRICS

Style Notes:Another 2023 trend that was put on ice for winter, we're set to see the return of mesh flats as temperatures rise. Shopping options were limited last year but the market is already flooded with chic mesh flats for every budget.

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3. BUCKLE ACCENTS

Style Notes:Continuing the homage '90s footwear we're seeing this season, buckles are also on the rise for 2024. Seen on flats by way of statement claps as well as micro fastenings, so long as your shoes have a buckle of some sort, rest assured they're bang on trend.

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4. STUDDED SURFACES

Style Notes:Alaïa brought social media to its knees when it released its studded flats a few months ago, sparking a need for studs and embellishment on footwear. From mary janes to ballet shoes, you'll see this treatment across the shoe spectrum this spring. Below are just some of the highlights.

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5. PARED-BACK BALLET

Style Notes:I said ballet flats are still in, and I meant it. Whatever pair you already own will absolutely do the trick. However, if you are in the market for a fresh set, why not consider one of the minimal styles on offer? Sans bows, these ballet flats give the trend a cool, refined take.

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6. PENNY LOAFERS

Style Notes:Horsebit loafers will always be a flat-shoe mainstay but, like their ballet flat cousins, we're seeing a rise in unadorned loafers in 2024, otherwise known as the penny loafer. Simple and classic, these loafers will go with everything you pair them with, fromstraight-leg jeans to floaty skirts.

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Next Up:The Only Spring/Summer 2024 Fashion Trends I'm Bothered About