Living in NYC means constantly being on the go. From running errands to heading to events and meeting up with friends for brunch, you’re hardly standing still. It’s what I love most about the city. That said, if you don’t have the right flats to walk around in, you’re in for a tough day. Aside from trainers, flats are the quintessential cool shoe to walk in in the city, but lately, I’ve been hitting a wall with certain styles. I’ve been wearing my go-to flats, but I’ve grown tired of them and refuse to wear them in the city this summer. Some reasons have to do with function, and others are purely vain, and I think that’s okay.
The city is full of inspiration. I love seeing cool girls step out in their most effortless and therefore best outfits. Their shoes are always what I look at, and they tend to be flats that are chic and comfortable enough to walk at least a couple of blocks. I’ve also noticed the styles they're wearing lately are quite different from my fatigued go-to flats. Since seeing these girls, I’ve concluded that I’m swapping out some trends for the ones I’ve seen out and about. Keep scrolling if you’re looking for new go-to flats this summer to wear in NYC or anywhere else.
5 Flat-Shoe Trends to Wear This Summer, According to Editors
1. No: Mesh Flats
Yes: Jelly Flats
Style Notes: I think the time for mesh flats has come to a close. I was never one for them, if I’m being honest. Visually, it’s just not my cup of tea, although I see the appeal in its playfulness. What I do think are cute, playful, and stylish are jelly flats. They bring me back to my childhood, and I have to say, not much has changed. I feel that if we’re going to bare our toes while in closed-toe shoes, jelly flats are the chic approach. Brands like Ancient Greek Sandals have been doing this for years, but the resurgence returning with the same brand feels full circle.
Shop Jelly Flats:
These are a summer 2025 bestseller.
So fun!
These bring me back to my school days in the best way possible.
2. No: Round Toes
Yes: Square Toes
Style Notes: Square-toed shoes, in general, exude luxury, sophistication, and effortlessness that I want to embody while walking around in the city. I want the “cool girl” effect with an outfit, and I feel that square-toed shoes will accomplish that for me. It’s not an entirely new trend, but it adds a freshness to an outfit with such a small detail. I think that a square toe rather than a round one peaking out of a pant hem is simply more chic. Once I saw Emma Chamberlain walking around in a pair recently, I knew I had to try it.
Shop Square-Toed Shoes:
This chocolate brown hue is calling my name.
Simple? Yes. But so very effective.
Square-toes make loafers feel even more sophisticated than they already are.
3. No: Studded Flats
Yes: Silver Flats
Style Notes: While I love elements of maximalism, I think studs are kind of over for me. For shine and glamour, I’m leaning toward silver flats to make my summer, on-the-go outfits more interesting. The cool tone of silver offers an outfit the room to be casual and laid-back, as the shoes would be the star of the show. I love the thought of letting my shoes do the talking for my sense of personal style.
Shop Silver Flats:
A pair you'll reach for in any season.
I'm loving this deeper metallic hue.
Knock out two trends in one.
4. No: Logomania Flats
Yes: Satin Flats
Style Notes: I don’t mind a logo here and there, but I also don’t think we need to lean on branding to make an outfit cool. What I’ve been finding cool lately are flats with texture rather than text, such as satin flats. They’re similar to silver flats in that they add an eye-catching element to an outfit that could be otherwise basic.
Shop Satin Flats:
Simple, sleek and easy to style.
How sweet are these?
Such a unique shade.
5. No: Stretchy Flats
Yes: Mule Flats
Style Notes: I know, I know, it’s a bold statement, especially for the summer, but in all fairness, I’m just over flats with that tight elastic around the foot. I doubt they’re going anywhere, but you won’t see me wearing them much. Instead, I’ll be slipping mule flats on and off for the rest of the summer. They make an outfit feel dressy or casual, depending on what you’re wearing. Mule flats stormed the A/W 25 runways of Prada, Miu Miu, and Gucci, and have since jump-started a trend for summer that I want to partake in.
Shop Mule Flats:
Simply add a chunky sock when autumn hits.
These are sure to earn you loads of compliments.
These went straight into my basket.
-
You Asked, We Answered—These Are the Shoe Colours to Wear With Butter Yellow OutfitsDouble down on the colour of the season.
-
I’ve Learnt the Hard Way Never to Go on Holiday Without Packing This Core Shoe StyleA chic summer awaits.
-
Forget Flip-Flops and Strappy Sandals—This Is the Elegant Shoe Trend Fashion People Are Wearing NowHailey Bieber and EmRata are among the fashion girls.
-
Every Elite Dresser in Shoreditch and Manhattan Trusts This Top to Make Their Outfits Look TrendierTrust me, it's a thing.
-
Fashion People Are Quitting Sandals En Masse—The Elegant Flat Shoe They're Wearing With White Skirts InsteadThe switch happened overnight.
-
Flat Mary Janes Are Cute, But If You Want to Look More Sophisticated, Wear These InsteadAs seen on Anne Hathaway in Manhattan.
-
Hold the Linen—This Is the Much Trendier Trouser Style Fashion People Are Wearing NowSuddenly, it's everywhere.
-
I Know You’re Stylish If You Pair Your White Jeans With One of These 6 Shoe ColoursThese are the best.
