Anonymous wrote:Hear me out . . .

What about metallic rothys? You can easily add inserts to these, that's why I like them. I agree with the others that it's hard to wear flats with cocktail dresses, but I also think we all just need to get used to that look. It's ok to not wear heels!

https://rothys.com/products/the-point-diamond-metallic

This! I love this idea.

Does no one wear tieks anymore? I love their glittery ones

I ordered the black ones from Talbots with the embellishment—although I wish they had the adorable green satin ones in my size. Hopefully they aren’t uncomfortable. I hate stiff shoes and am willing to pay more for comfort.

Anonymous wrote:No. Flats and a formal dress are a no.

This is why women of a certain age often wear ultra dressy pants to big events (palazzo, sequins, etc) or floor length dresses to hide the flats.

Flats and a knee length dress announces that you teach preschool.

Fwiw, OP, I wear flats with everything without a medical reason. I’m tall, I’m rich, I’m happily married, I dgaf what this woman thinks I do, and I dislike wearing heels. No shade at all to those who like them.

With dresses I usually just do something with a pointier toe, an evening-y material or a sandal.

I do think of you can try a pointed toe, that will male for a dressier look.

But for square toe, These might work
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/sarto-tracy-half-dorsay-flat-women/5874227?color=BRONZE&size=8&utm_content=9383573633&utm_term=pla-316852329085&utm_channel=low_nd_shopping_standard&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=645528200&adpos=&creative=57187812113&device=m&matchtype=&network=g&acctid=21700000001689570&dskeywordid=92700049882381733&lid=92700049882381733&ds_s_kwgid=58700005465914876&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007631122&dsproductgroupid=316852329085&product_id=7548390&merchid=1243147&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&locationid=9007779&targetid=pla-316852329085&campaignid=645528200&adgroupid=9383573633&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD8eAEmC27CKEvqoaN1aALLVNIglf&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIibGRo8z2iQMVqFtHAR0GkgYkEAQYAiABEgIU1_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

A lot of these are great options. I think the Talbots ones are the dressiest but so many cute ones.

https://www.katespade.com/products/renata-mary-jane-ballet-flats/KJ169.html?frp=KJ169+BLK++7.5+B

https://www.shopbop.com/ellie-mesh-crystal-veronica-beard/vp/v=1/1573655769.htm?os=false&breadcrumb=Shop+Women%27s%3EShoes%3EFlats&folderID=13455&colorSin=2052938616&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&ref_=SB_PLP_PDP_W_SHOES_FLATS_13455_DB_87

https://larroude.com/collections/flats/products/black-blair-ballet-flat-patent-leather

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/crystal-button-flat-women/7936573?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FShoes%2FWomen%2FDress%20Shoes&fashioncolor=Black&color=002

Thanks for the helpful responses, Ladies!

FTR, I’m in my 50s and the dresses are mostly A line and tea length. No skinny shifts, and nothing above the knee.

I can’t wear heels or even a kitten heel; I need a truly flat shoe for balance/safety reasons in addition to comfort/support.

I will wear nylons, so I can’t do open toe.

I appreciate the links. I’m feeling better with ordering online thanks to the BTDT guidance.

Thanks again!

Anonymous wrote:No. Flats and a formal dress are a no.

This is why women of a certain age often wear ultra dressy pants to big events (palazzo, sequins, etc) or floor length dresses to hide the flats.

Flats and a knee length dress announces that you teach preschool.

Just stop. OP should wear a cute dress if she wants. No one is looking at or judging you as much as most people think.

Anonymous wrote:I don't have links but I think you are fine wearing flats so long as the shoe is as fancy as the dress. So no to Rothys with sequins. Yes to something patent later or metallic and/or with a rhinestone buckle

patent LEATHER

I don't have links but I think you are fine wearing flats so long as the shoe is as fancy as the dress. So no to Rothys with sequins. Yes to something patent later or metallic and/or with a rhinestone buckle

I have these and wear them often for formal events. Fun shoe and they do make a flat slide. However I agree with prior posters that flats are NOT formal. A low kitten heel may be your best bet.

https://m.shopbop.com/emilia-pleated-knot-mule-loeffler/vp/v=1/1509365895.htm

These are comfortable

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/6747783?color=040&size=9&width=m

I love me some point-toe Rothy’s!

OP, I am in a similar boat. I got these and love them. They are super comfortable (and I have bunions) and I get tons of complements.

https://www.nordstromrack.com/s/linea-paolo-christa-slingback-flat-women/6836734?color=BLACK&size=5.5&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=seo_shopping&utm_channel=low_nd_seo_shopping