Flats Or Heels: The Ultimate Graduation Question

On one of the best and biggest days of your life you may be wondering: can you wear flats to your graduation? I, personally, wore some wedge heels that were horrible for the commute to my ceremony at Yankee Stadium via three different trains. However, I was one of the thousands of graduates who made the choice to wear heels.

What's a fashionista to do? If you want to look the best you can in photos that will most likely last forever, you might assume you need to go for a dramatic statement rather than regular 'ole flats. Now, I'm not a girl who dons heels above two inches pretty much ever. I value my comfort immensely as a super tall woman with weak ankles.

Because of today's beauty standards, heels are often seen as the difference between looking professional and put together and looking too casual. Almost all of the broadcast journalists I work with in my other position wear heels during the work day, and I'm sure that is the case for people across professions.

Let's put aside the fact that heels are really bad for your feet — even if you assume they look better with dresses, that is so not the case. There are tons of flats trends that work for formal ensembles. Wear lace-up gladiator flats to feel fancy, grab some bejeweled ballet style slip ones for a refined vibe, or open-toed flats to show off a killer pedicure. In short, wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable! If flats are you thing, opt for a cool pair.

Here are a few options to choose from this year to feel awesome at your graduation.

1. Lace-Up Flats

LORDSHIP Lace Up Pointed Ballet Flats, $41, ASOS

These little lace-ups are cute without breaking your graduation week budget.

2. Slide Flats

Vince Nadette Slide Flats, $275, Nordstrom

These are so versatile you could wear them to the ceremony, dinner, the after party, the plane to Paris, the first day of your new job, et cetera.

3. T-Strap Flats

Halogen Olson Pointy Toe Studded T-Strap Flats, $69.90, Nordstrom

These cuties come in awesome spring colors and will stay on your feet.

4. Studded Flats

LIGHTNING Studded Ballet Flats, $46, ASOS

For the rebel graduate who can't wait to get the freak outta there.

5. Every Color Flats

Shoes of Prey d'Orsay Flats, $169.95 - $199.95, Nordstrom

These strappy flats come in 29 different colors and fabrics, both two-toned and solid, and are sure to pair with any outfit you come up with!

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6. Blue Suede Flats

Isolá Camillus Cut-out Flats, $89.95, Nordstrom

If you're an Elvis fan, these are the way to go.

7. Metallic Flats

Benjamin Adams London Flats, $299.95, Nordstrom

For the glitzy graduate who likes showing a little skin!

8. Loafer Flats

Chiara Ferragni Flirting Flats, $295, Nordstrom

If you are style conscious and love fashion blogger Chiara Ferragni, grab these flirty flats.

9. Banded Flats

BP Lovee Banded Flats, $59.95, Nordstrom

These sweet and romantic banded flats are a classic style and sure to make you feel sweet.

10. Bejeweled Flats

Badgley Mischka Abella Metallic Jewel Flats, $195, Bloomingdales

These are just embellished enough to dazzle, but not to get stolen.

11. Vacation Flats

Evalina Flats, $238, Kate Spade

Tell everyone how you really feel with these sweet vacation flats.