When Patsy Stone of Absolutely Fabulous went on live television, she imparted a sterling nugget of advice: “You can never have enough hats, gloves and shoes.” We’d rephrase that to you can never have enough flats, flats and flats. Come Christmas season, there’s a lot of talk of vertiginous heels made for ripping up dancefloors, stilettos to elongate the body and towering pumps that speak to high-octane glamour. However, a trusty party flat looks good and saves your feet the indignity of the post-party limp home: win-win. This season’s flats are elegant and adventurous, from croc-effect leather loafers in gold and festive green to bow-embellished ballet flats and Pirouette pumps that come replete with balletic ribbons that tie above the ankle. The mood is luxurious and the feeling – thankfully – is pure comfort. Find a pair of wardrobe winners below. 

Main image: Instagram @vibivenezia.

Crackled leather loafers with buckle, €89.95, at Massimo Dutti.  

Ballet flats with embellished bow, €49.95, at Zara. 

Kara gold tweed ballet flats, €270, at LK Bennett.

Leather loafers, Tory Burch, €262; www.mytheresa.com.

Embellished flats, Manolo Blahnik, €1,165, at Brown Thomas.

Glitter silver flats, €285; www.camillaelphick.com. 

Whipstitched velvet slippers, Vibi Venezia, €90; www.matchesfashion.com. 

Decorative buckle toe shoes, €45.99, at Mango. 

Pirouette ankle tie ballet pumps, €262.22, at Russell & Bromley. 

Uma silver nappa leather flats, €245; www.aeyede.com.

Olive eye slippers, €165, at Kurt Geiger. 

Leopard print ballet flats, €49, at M&S.