Square-Toe Flats Are the It-Shoe for Hot Girls With Sore Arches

While ballet flats first danced into fashion in the 16th century, one of their biggest early moments in the spotlight was the 1940s, when Capezio and Repetto created modernized, everyday iterations of their esteemed dance shoes. Later, style icons including Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn wore ballet flats on screen—and they quickly became must-haves. Ballet flats never lost their gold status—to this day, they’re a go-to for fashion icons like Alexa Chung and Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, and they're having another big moment as we continue to turn to all things early aughts. The practical, graceful shoe staple is perpetually being revamped—just think about the mesh ballet flats that dominated summer. As for fall 2023 shoe trends, square-toed flats will be the most covetable of them all to go with the season's structural pieces—sharp collars, tailored coats, pleats—and the quiet luxury aesthetic that's still going strong. (The style was in full force on Fashion Week runways this fall. ) Ahead, see 10 of the chicest square-toed flats to try this season.

Licorice Black

Dolce Vita Reyes Ballet Flats $120.00

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This leather flat hits a sweet note that falls somewhere between a ballet flat and Mary Jane, with a strap that mimics a dance slipper. For a back-to-school-inspired look, pair yours with an oversized white button-down, a mini gray pleated skirt, and a scarf.

Dressed to the Nines

Tamara Mellon Minty Mary Jane $295.00

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The perfect square-toed flats for evening, the matte satin finish and singular buttoned strap infuse this pair with just enough jazz. Wear these with a white silk dress for a neutral look, or pair them with all your festive looks during the holiday party season.

Silver Halo

Jil Sander Whipstitched Leather Ballet Flats $705.00 $387.00

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The gleaming silver ankle strap and leather stitching on these sock-like flats are out of this world. These are sure to bring sparkle to a simple ensemble comprising jeans and a cashmere sweater.

Take a Bow

Dwarves All Leather Ballet Flats with Bow Square Toe $116.00

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The block toe and stretchy bow of these leather square-toed flats evoke pointe shoes, giving the style a dramatic, retro feel. Pair them with a silk slip dress or a high-waisted skirt and camisole for a timeless, ballet-inspired look.

Full of Woe (But Make It Shiny)

J.Crew Anya Mary Jane Flats $148.00

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Even Wednesday Addams would approve of these gleaming, patent flats. Wear them with sheer knee socks and a pleated knee-length skirt for an academia-adjacent outfit, or do as Wednesday would and pair them with black, a small dash of white, and even more black.

High Contrast

MM6 Maison Margiela Black Square Toe Ballerina Flats $590.00

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The perfect melding of loafers and pointe shoe-inspired flats, the contrasting beige demi-heel and line of signature Margiela stitching bring subtle brightness to these versatile black shoes. Wear these with trousers and a knit top for a work-appropriate look that isn’t boring.

Snow White Minimalism

The Row Satin Ballet Flats $790.00

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These minimalist ivory satin square-toed flats are stunning enough to get married in, so needless to say, they’re also ideal for any dressier events on your calendar. We’re encouraging wearing white after Labor Day, so incorporate them into an all-ivory ensemble.

Square-Toed Scarlet

Jacquemus Square-Toe Leather Backless Ballet Flats $625.00

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Red can be a challenging color to wear, but scarlet is having a moment this season—and a little goes a long way. These slides can bring just the right amount of pizzazz to any outfit. Pair them with straight-leg jeans and a sleek turtleneck for an afternoon of gallery-hopping.

Olive You

Le Monde Beryl Leather Mary Jane Flats $397.00

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Pair these olive-toned Mary Janes with khaki or army green cargo pants and a beige cocoon cardigan for a monotone outfit that echoes fall foliage.

Starlight Slippers

Zou Xou The Eugenia Flat $278.00

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A sprinkling of flashy metallics can transform a neutral-toned outfit (or complement a brighter statement). Wear these with black or white tights and a black mini-dress to create a high-wattage look for a night out.