Ava Gilchrist
There's a new footwear trend lighting up the streets of London, and its appeal is hard to ignore. All around us, fashion people are retiring their beloved black ballet flats for shimmering silver styles. Now, while we're not quite ready for holiday party dressing, this turn towards tinsel-esque and frosty metallics certainly is the cool-weather shake-up we're looking for at this time of year.
With a light-catching quality, the emerging silver flat-shoe trend imparts the brightness that the sun generally lacks at this time of year and offers a new way to add some dimension to minimalist outfits without having to layer in bright colours.
Silver really started to take hold when the silver trouser trend caught our attention at the end of last year. Now, we're witnessing an offshoot in footwear form, and I'd argue that the metallic has become even more wearable because of this. While gold flats have certainly had their moment in the sun this summertime, I'm reminded by the silver flip flops and silver trainers—including the ones worn by Kendall Jenner—that a chic silver flats shoe really knows no bounds.
What is the Silver Flat Shoe Trend?
Masquerading as a statement shoe, the silver flat shoe trend is the latest footwear style to dominate off-duty wardrobes. The tinny style is actually far more wearable than it might appear. Not a far cry from the grey and white tones we've been styling for decades, this upgrade pairs just as well with the black, beige and denim tones that typically saturate our wardrobes.
Looking to give my outfits a timely winter refresh, I'm backing silver flats to get me through the festive season in comfort and style, and luckily for me, there are ample shopping options available. From Reformation's pretty take on a classic ballet flat to Mango's mesh iteration, read on to discover our edit of the best silver flat shoes.
Shop the Silver Flat Shoe Trend:
With delicate buckled flats, these shoes emulate classic ballet flats in the prettiest way.
Wear with a floaty dress through summer or sharp tailoring and soft knitwear through winter.
The Suzanne ballet flats come Who What Wear editor-approved.
In my opinion, these are ideal party shoes. Comfortable, sans heels and still enough decoration to turn heads.
You can't go wrong with this chic style.
Dua Lipa approved.
Wear these with a leather skirt and a simple blouse.
These would look so cute with white ankle socks, or wear them on their own on milder days.
Style with blue jeans or wear with wide-leg trousers.
This square toe shape is something I've noticed a lot of designers, especially Jacquemus, favouring lately.
With subtle buckle details, these elegant flats will elevate your look with ease.
I adore this silver steel colour.
These would dress up a pair of track pants in the chicest way.
These will give any outfit more structure.
Simple but effective.
This extra-shiny style will make a bold statement.
Another mesh flat style worth lusting over.
Time to board the Tabi train with this cracked style.
This pair is flying out of stock.
Celebrities Wearing the Silver Flat Shoe Trend
Style Notes: Iris Law wears the Gen Z-approved lace up ballet flat trend while going for a coffee run in Los Angeles.
Style Notes: Not quite flats—thanks to the strappy style's micro heel—Alexa Chung's silver shoes from the Miu Miu London flagship reopening party are proof that this colour is an It girl favourite.
Style Notes: Katie Holmes' wardrobe is lust-worthy for a reason, and this pointe shoe-rivalling pair makes a solid case for incorporating unexpected hues into classic silhouettes.
Silver Flat Shoes on the Runway
Style Notes: For one of his last collections at Loewe, Jonathan Anderson paired his spring/summer 2024 collection with a range of twinkling silver flats.
Style Notes: Silver flats are synonymous with the house of Chanel, so it's only fitting this bow-adored iteration appear on the French maison's spring/summer 2024 runway.
Style Notes: Bourgening cool-girl brand Paloma Wool is always ahead of the curve when it comes to setting mainstream trends, meaning it should come as no surprise that silver flats appeared on their debut Paris Fashion Week runway.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.
We regularly try pieces ourselves, everything from bestselling jeans to designer shoes, speak to external experts and fashion insiders and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.
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