Whilst I will always admire those who step out daily in sky-high heels, my personal style is all about wearability. Comfortable trousers, easy dresses and flat footwear are my personal holy trinity, especially when it comes to the summer months. Ease is a key feature of warm-weather dressing, and lucky for me (and you) the latest fashion trends agree.
In the past few years, designers have re-centred the wearer in designs, with practicality winning through. Just look to the return of the classic tote bag taking over from micro silhouettes that might only accommodate a lip balm and a single bank card, or the shoe revival few of us expected: the ballet flat. Just the other day, Gucci showcased its Cruise 2025 collection with models striding through the Tate Modern in horse-bit accented ballet flats. But without a Gucci budget, I’ve turned to the high street to find my own flat shoes for the summer, and COS has served up three standout flat shoe styles, any one of which is sure to be a hit this summer.
Nnenna wears the COS Buckled Ballet Flats (£115).
It feels only right to start with the shoe that brought back the flat shoe trend, the ballet flat. As ever, COS has tapped into our timeless senses with a few contemporary twists to add a fresh edge to forever styles. There are Mary Jane-inspired styles with bold buckles, mesh iterations featuring elegant tie straps, and bold pointed-toe designs that I predict will be the finishing touch for many fashion editor’s outfits this summertime. In sandals, COS has clearly been inspired by styles that we’ll want to pull out year after year, with a mix of barely-there minimalist offers alongside more traditional strappy shoes. Trust me, each slide-on style will have you second-guessing the high-street price tag. Finally, an all-rounder for every season, the loafer. A staple style in a capsule shoe collection, loafers are a fashion person’s go-to at all times of the year. Whilst classically paired with tailoring, come the warmer months we often find stylish people wearing theirs with longline denim shorts, floaty skirts, simple slip dresses and plenty more.
Keep scrolling to explore the best flat shoes from COS for summer 2024.
SHOP THE BEST FLAT SHOES FROM COS:
1. BALLET FLATS
I’ve tried these on and can confirm they are as comfortable as they are chic.
COS
Leather-Trimmed Mesh Ballet Flats
The tie up details add a boho edge.
COS
The Perforated Leather Ballet Flats
I can’t decide what I like the most, the bold red shade, the delicate bows, the perforated leather or the sharp point toe.
COS
The Leather Ballet Flats
COS
Pleated Leather Mary-Jane Ballet Flats
Pair with jeans, skirts, tailoring and more.
The lace-up detail adds a nod to classic ballet flat bows.
2. SANDALS
COS
Minimal Suede Sandals
Barely-there styles are a favourite for minimalists.
COS
Contrast-Stitch Buckled Leather Slides
The contrasting white stitching adds dimension to this pair.
COS
Crossover Leather Slides
From city styling to seaside escapes, you’ll turn to these versatile slides over and over again.
COS
Strappy Leather Thong Sandals
This pair is top of my wish list.
COS
Leather Slingback Sandals
The sculptural form is so impactful.
3. LOAFERS
COS
Chunky Leather Penny Loafers
The contrast of the cream and black is so sleek.
These also come in the off-white above, and a bold silver.
COS
Pointed Leather Kitten-Heel Loafers
This pair has already sold out once.
COS
Clean Leather Loafers
I’m always drawn to pared-back shoes with a patent finish.
