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Skin-revealing flats may be a natural choice during the transitional months, but why should winter be any different? By this time of the year, boots usually reign as the sole hero accessory of the season, but in 2025, they’re sharing the spotlight with flats of all kinds. We’re talking loafers, pointed-toe styles, slippers, and ballet flats. If you’re anything like us, you probably have spent the last couple of seasons ogling over designs by The Row, Saint Laurent, and other trending luxuries. Now, those coveted flats are proving to be a long-term shoe investment, with new brands to obsess over and fresh ways to style them all season long. Even our favorite style stars, from Zoë Kravitz to Kendall Jenner, aren’t giving their flats up come winter.
Vogue’s Guide to How to Style Flats in the Winter:
There’s a plethora of ways to get ample wear out of them during colder months, thanks to a few styling tricks and cold-weather-ready details—like layering socks and tights, or pairing with heavy-weight faux fur coats and thicker denim. Now, we’re not suggesting you trudge through a snowstorm in square-toe ballet flats—keep those days exclusive to the lug-sole boot. Instead, we’re thinking of those frigid, but dry, mornings and nights when flats can be teamed with cold-weather accessories.
Whether you’re looking for a chic way to ride out an East Coast winter or simply tired of your boot rotation, you’ll discover six clever ways to wear flats in the winter, below.
Embrace a Touch of Cozy With a Shearling-Lined Flat
If you’re looking for a winter-appropriate take on the flat, look to the shearling-trimmed flat. This soft black option from Le Monde Beryl is lined in it and feels cozy to the touch with a pair of cold-weather tights. Add other bundled layers with a furry coat from Zara, and a brushed cashmere hat from Guest in Residence. Top off the look with Gucci’s monogram print.
Keep it Sleek (and Warm!) With a Loafer and Woolly Sock
Turn to elevated wardrobe staples for an outfit that whispers chic, but feels impactful, thanks to Toteme’s quilted jacket, Bottega’s woven loafer, and Citizens of Humanity’s cuffed hem jeans. If temperatures drop too low, you can double up by layering a wool blazer over that turtleneck.
Break up a Tonal Look With Soft Neutrals
The Vogue Shopping team loves a monochrome look. This not only applies to all-black, grey, or winter whites—but burgundy and merlot shades for a winter à la Khaite’s fall/winter 2024 collection. Take your Gucci square-toe ballet flats into the new season by teaming them with a thick, knee-high sock for extra warmth and comfort.
Anchor Preppy Separates With Boat Shoes
Since Miu Miu and Prada debuted their 2022 collections clad with scholarly style staples, we’ve been on board with modernized Ivy League essentials. Stay on theme with your flats of choice by opting for leather boat loafers from Bally and pairing them with the Elder Statesmen’s boldly striped polo, a pleated skirt from The Frankie Shop, and matching Heattech tights from Uniqlo.
Lean Into Winter’s Plushest Textures
Faux fur (and vintage!), suede, and crocodile are just some of the winter textures you can add to an ensemble to ensure your flats look seasonally appropriate. We recommend styling a croc-embossed pair of loafers from Emme Parsons with Nour Hammour’s Evita shearling coat, Demellier’s suede tote bag, and Stouls’s flared suede trousers.
Pointed Flats Add Evening Elegance
Once upon a time a night out required sky-high heels. Today, anything goes. For your next evening event, embrace comfort without sacrificing fashion and try a pair of Toteme’s pointed-toe flats with a ladylike cape, silky ivory skirt, and complementary matching fur. Sheer knee-highs or full tights are not pictured, but highly recommended!