These Glamorous Flats Will Make You Wonder Why Stilettos Even Exist

I recently Marie Kondo’d my wardrobe, and during my ruthless reevaluation what objects “spark joy” in me I made one very important — and very unexpected — observation.

Although my closet was packed with dozens of pairs of heels, around 90 percent of them had been worn exactly zero times before being neatly filed away on my shoe rack where they sat season after season.

My collection of flats was much smaller, but each and every pair revealed well-worn soles that proved just how loved they’d been. And it makes sense. After all, flats can look just as gorgeous as 90mm stilettos — but without hobbling you in the process.

Ahead, 9 pairs of fancy spring flats that prove just that. 

Michael Kors' fringed seagrass flats give a nod to the tropics but still look elegant enough for a balmy night out in the city.

Slip your feet into this pair of pointy-toed flats, swirl their dupion silk sashes around your ankles and push the memory of four-inch heels from your mind forever.

The leopard print would have been enough—but then the designer of these flats went ahead and added an ankle-wrap. Now we find ourselves planning new outfit pairings just to show off our new shoes.

Like everything in life, the classic ballet flat has its pluses and minuses. An upside: it works with everything. A downside: It’s sometimes a little dull. Not this iteration, though, with that sling-back ankle wrap and sharp coral hue.

A piece of unsolicited advice to Angelina Jolie: You know those Everlane stilettos you wear, for some reason, to walk the dog? This pair of pared-back flats by the brand is just as elegant—but way comfier.

Forget their super-bargain price tag for a moment. Based on cost-per-wear, these $22.99 tasseled flats would be steal at 10 times the price.

If green’s not your hue, know that these micro-wedge flats come in silver, too.

When it comes to low-profile footwear, you can’t get much more elegant than mules. Oh wait, you can! Just dip them in gold and tie them off in a perfect bow.

These ruffle-wrapped slides come in the perfect neutral hue, a blush-pink that pairs with everything without a second thought.