At Who What Wear, we constantly dissect street style snaps for the latest trends. Still, there's another secret weapon in our forecasting arsenal: the new arrivals sections of our favorite retailers. Recently, we spotted a rising star in the shoe department—grommet-embellished flats—making waves across sites like Net-a-Porter, Zara, Mango, and Nordstrom.
What makes this trend so surprising but intriguing? Grommets were once a humble tool for securing laces, but they have now evolved into a bold design statement. They've also long been associated with utilitarian and industrial aesthetics—think grunge and punk—and are being reinvented as high-fashion accents. Alaïa is one label widely recognized for pioneering this shift. In its F/W 25 collection, it showcased grommet-adorned boots, and today, under current creative director Pieter Mulier, it has injected the detail into the brand’s coveted ballet flats.
It’s clear that Alaïa sparked a movement. Now, designers like Toteme, Coach, Tory Burch, and Le Monde Beryl are adding their spin to this unexpected but undeniably chic trend, adorning everything from slingbacks to Mary Janes. If you're ready to add this hot trend to your rotation, keep scrolling for our pick of the best grommet-embellished flats.
Shop the best grommet-embellished shoes:
Chic, sleek, and attainable.
If you don't want to invest in the trend, grab this under-$70 pair.
Influencer Anouk Yve told Who What Wear's fashion editor Sierra Mayhew that these look "so good under a pair of straight jeans, a big white shirt, and a trench coat."
Please don't ask me whether I prefer the red or the black. I still can't make a decision.
These also come in white.
The mixture of gold and silver grommets makes these look very expensive.
Add these to an all-white look for a stylish and bold pop of color.
Style with a minidress or use these to dress up your favorite jeans.
Lace-up detailing on shoes has been trending for some time, and I don't see this style fading anytime soon.
Major sale alert!
Style with white ankle socks, a miniskirt, and a white tee.
You can't go wrong with this $40 pair.
These will shake up your wardrobe in the best way.
Since last year, Alaïa has been leading the grommet-embellished shoe trend.
It girls can't stop wearing V-cut flats.
With a classic ballerina shape, the studded detailing and grommet embellishments add a point of interest and subtly grungy edge to any outfit.
Not only is Le Monde Béryl woman-founded, but its products are also sustainably produced and handmade in Italy.
For the minimalist dresser.
Another pair that doesn't make a big statement.
Skirts and dresses will look even more fashionable when paired with these denim flats.
Shop more new chic flats
Who wouldn't want to wear these suede flats with their supple, soft finish and classic, wearable design?
Jelly sandals are back and better than ever.
I'm calling it now: These flats will be everywhere this summer.
These look just like the $300 designer flats I've been eyeing.
Boat shoes are back in the fashion zeitgeist, and despite controversy, they actually can look really chic.
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