How to Choose Flats Colour: Black, Tan, Metallic or Ivory

The colour of your flats decides how often you will wear them. A pair that clashes with half your clothes stays in the box, while a pair that suits your wardrobe becomes a daily default. This guide helps you decide between black, tan, metallic and ivory, so your next pair earns its place.

Start with your wardrobe

Look at what you wear most. If your closet is full of dark colours such as navy, black and charcoal, a black flat is a natural match. If you wear a lot of cream, beige and soft pastels, a tan or nude flat blends in better. Pick a colour that works with at least seven of your ten favourite outfits.

Black

Black is the safe choice. It goes with jeans, dresses, trousers and skirts, hides scuffs, and looks smart at work and in the evening. The only downside is that it can feel heavy in summer with light outfits. If you want only one pair, black is rarely wrong.

Tan and nude

Tan and nude tones create a seamless line from leg to toe, making legs look longer. They suit light summer outfits and neutral palettes. For the best effect, choose a shade close to your own skin tone. These colours show marks more easily, so wipe them clean regularly.

Metallic

Gold, silver and bronze shoes act as neutrals with a sparkle. They lift plain outfits such as jeans and a white tee, and they work for celebrations. Choose a soft, muted finish for daytime and a brighter one for evening. A metallic flat is a good second pair after a black one.

Ivory and white

Ivory and white feel fresh and summery and pair well with light linen, denim and pastel colours. They need more care, since scuffs and dirt show easily. Keep a soft cloth handy and avoid wearing them in wet weather. They also make a good choice for a wedding-season outfit when you are not the bride; check dress codes if you are unsure.

Consider your skin tone

• Fair skin: soft nudes, light taupes and black all look good.
• Medium skin: camel, tan and warm metallics are flattering.
• Deep skin: rich caramel, deep brown, bronze and gold create a strong line.

Consider your lifestyle

If you commute or travel, darker colours hide wear. If you wear flats mainly for events and warm days, lighter or metallic shades make sense. If you walk through rain regularly, avoid very pale colours that stain.

How to build up your colours

1. Start with black or the neutral that matches your wardrobe.
2. Add a second tone for contrast, such as tan if you started with black.
3. Finally, add an accent like metallic or ivory.

For more ideas, our article on styling Mary Jane flats shows how a colour changes an outfit. You can browse by style in the ballet flats and Mary Jane flats collections.

Do not forget fit

A beautiful colour in the wrong size will not get worn. Check the size chart before you order.

A two-minute colour test

Open your wardrobe and pull out your five most-worn outfits. Hold a photo or swatch of the shoe colour against each one. If it works with at least four, buy it. If it works with only two, consider a more neutral option. This small test saves you from the common mistake of choosing a colour you love in the abstract but never wear because it does not suit what you actually own.

Finally, trust your own taste. A colour you feel good wearing will always look better than one you chose only because it is practical, so use these guidelines to narrow the choice, then pick the shade that makes you smile.

Pick your colour

Ready to choose? Shipping is $3.99 worldwide and free when you order 2 pairs or more, so you can try two colours at once. You have 30 days to exchange or return.

Frequently asked questions

What colour flats are the most versatile?

Black is the most versatile overall. Tan or nude is a close second, especially for lighter outfits.

Do nude flats really make legs look longer?

A shade close to your skin tone creates a continuous line, which can make legs appear longer.

Are white or ivory flats practical?

They look fresh but show marks easily. Wipe them after wearing and avoid wet days.