Party season 2025 is creeping ever-closer, and the fashion set has already highlighted several trends to look out for including diamantés, burgundy, polka dots and velvet.
But there’s one major trend that's struck a chord - and industry icons, stylish royals and influencers alike are giving it a facelift for this year's holiday season: the party flat.
Celebrity stylist Georgie Gray told H! Fashion everything you need to know on how to wear them for the festive season:
Can I wear flat shoes to a party?
"Yes. They can be a comfortable and stylish choice for a party," explains Georgie, "just make sure they compliment your outfit and fit the occasion."
How do you wear flats on a night out?
"Pairing them with a stylish dress or fitted trousers can create an effortless chic and comfortable look for a night out. Consider statement accessories or strong makeup to add a touch of glamour."
What season are ballet flats for?
"All seasons. Ballerinas are incredibly versatile and can be worn during any season. They are popular in spring and summer, but you can also wear them during the colder weather - opt for pairing them with tights and socks."
"Yes, they remain a classic and fashionable footwear choice. They are timeless and versatile, often complementing a variety of outfits, making them a wardrobe staple."
Whether you’re after an understated pair to match everything in your wardrobe or an influencer-approved bedazzled pair to add a touch of subtle glamour to an office Christmas soirée, here are our top pairs that are completely perfect for the party season festivities.
Best flat shoes to shop for party season:
Women's GG Crystal Horsebit Ballet Flat
Gucci
Not to be dramatic, but I would probably give a kidney for these Gucci ballet flats. Topped with twinkling crystal dusting and featuring the brand's iconic monogram in a classic tan hue, these practical yet refined pumps are topping our winter wish list.
Reinette Mules
Valentino Garavani
Never did we see a more perfect princess-style shoe than Valentino Garavani Reinette Mules in a dreamy powder blue hue. Black fringed velvet bow detailing catches the eye as you walk - ready to help you make an entrance during your next big night out.
Embellished Cutout Satin Ballet Flats
Roger Viver
We're utterly captivated by these Roger Vivier flats - and the brand's illustrious history of crafting bespoke shoes for iconic figures such as Catherine Deneuve, Brigitte Bardot, and the late Queen Elizabeth II adds an undeniable allure. The pale pink satin adds a touch of girlish glamour, catching the light in such a way that turns these point-toe pumps into an uber romantic accessory.
Mae Aurora
Flabelus
A sustainable option to see you through party season in style, Flabelus' Venetian slippers are the perfect conversation starters. Crafted from 100 per cent cotton velvet, with a sole crafted from rubber produced from recycled bicycle tyres, these gem-embellished scene-stealers are chic comfort personified.
Hangisi Embellished Satin Slippers
Manolo Blahnik
These Manolo Embellished Satin Slippers are the epitome of after-dark elegance. Plus, the prospect of channelling Carrie Bradshaw's iconic style without sacrificing the comfort of heels is an absolute game-changer. The lustrous satin material is not only luxurious but also embodies a timeless elegance. It adds a touch of sophistication to the slippers, making them suitable for various occasions, from family gatherings to more formal dinners.
Silver Loafers
H&M
Silver is such a party season colour, and a pair of comfortable loafers is an easy, versatile way to add a pop of sparkle to absolutely any outfit. The ideal day-to-night option for when you need to bounce from office to bar with stylish ease.
Loli Ballerinas
Jimmy Choo
Name a better colour combination for the festive period than pink and red. Jimmy Choo's adorable ballerinas, meticulously made in Italy, are primed for dancing the night away - complete with oversized bow detailing, crystal embellishments and double straps for an eye-catching effect.
Rhinestone Leather Flats
Arket
While it's hard to beat a designer pair of shoes, we understand that Christmas is tough on the 'ol budget. Thankfully, high street heroes like Arket are brimming with sleek, sophisticated flats to consider - and we love these burgundy leather slip-ons topped with crystal straps.
Satin-Finish Cut-Out Ballerinas
Prada
If you're after a sprinkling of designer glam, these Prada pumps are your best bet. We how dainty layers of fabric have been folded into a whimsical floral motif on the toe - perfect for adding a touch of fairytale spectacle at any evening bash.
Embellished Ballet Flats
Coperni
Cool-girl brand Coperni is home to some incredible partywear piece - shoes very much included. These resplendent pumps lean into girlish glam with a black colourway and a glitter finish, rounded off with the brand's logo in chunky silver hardware for a touch of edgy elegance.
Pearl-Accent Bow Flat Mules
Charles & Keith
Backless and burgundy, Charles & Keith's patent ballet flats merge fairytale accents (bows and pearls, to be precise) with polished practicality. Team with pink socks for a preppy, 90s Versace-inspired look.
Satin-Effect Slingback Shoes
Zara
Affordable and adorable, Zara's backless pumps promise chic style for under £30. Gathered detailing on the toe and a faux pearl bow on the front culminate in a must-have pair of ballet flats .
Crystal Flats
Tory Burch
Thanks to the rise in popularity of both mesh and embellished flats, plenty of luxe retailers have released their own versions of the design this season. We love the unique sea-green hue of these Tory Burch gems - an expected, highly elegant choice for impactful wintertime dressing.
Embroidered Slipper
Kurt Geiger
Our one hard and fast rule when it comes to party shoes? They should never be dull. Kurt Geiger doesn't know the meaning of the word - as these embroidered, pastel-hued velvet slippers demonstrate.
Wilde Bow Penny Loafer
Duke & Dexter
Shoes have the ability to kickstart conversation - and no pair will do so as effectively as Duke & Dexter's bow-clad loafers. Featuring the brand's signature monochrome colourway with painterly illustrations on the toe, these cushioned slip-ons are primed for the most dashing of party season events.
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