Women and shoes have a strange relationship. Because it shapes our calves, gives us added height and makes our derrière look a little more toned than usual, we’re willing to trade comfort for the torture device known as high-heeled shoes. If we’re being honest, the benefits of wearing heels far outweigh the pain in most situations, but is it possible to have our cake and eat it, too? Can you look super fly without going super high? We’ve established that the mule is the ultimate cool girl shoe of the moment, and a lot of them don’t bring you that close to heaven. For once, that’s actually a good thing.

Thank the shoe celestials for flats. Not sneakers mind you, just good ol’ flats. When you’re rushing out of the door on most mornings and you simply don’t have time to put on a heel much less totter to the office in them, you’re going to be glad that you have all the flat shoes you need. And they don’t have to be dowdy either, if the shoes we’ve rounded up below prove anything. (We just had to add these legendary Gucci loafers, because it is truly the one flat shoe that goes with everything. EVERYTHING.)

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Alexander Wang Lou Feather Suede Mules

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Attico Elena Embellished Canvas Slippers

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Erdem Velvet Embellished Flats

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Gucci Horsebit Leather Slippers

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Gucci Princetown Jacquard Slippers

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Marco De Vincenzo Leather Fringed Satin Slides

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Miu Miu Lace-Up Leather Ballet Flats

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No.21 Knotted Satin Sandals

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Stuart Weitzman Mulearky Satin Slippers

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Valentino Love Latch Eyelet Leather Pointed Flats

Main Photo: Imaxtree