It doesn't take an expert to see that flat shoes have become the unrivaled default shoe in our closets lately. Over the past few years, flats evolved from being the shoe you pick for comfort and convenience into something altogether chicer and more forward—yes, even going toe to toe with heels for occasion dressing. As designers keep producing more opulent and beautiful flats, their allure only amplifies, which brings me to the latest phase in their evolution. Meet the smoking slipper.

More elevated than ballet flats and even more rich-looking than a standard pair of loafers, smoking slippers are defined by a low-profile, a plush velvet finish, and a seamless silhouette—they're usually devoid of any buckles or laces making them easy to slip on and off. This is because they were traditionally worn for indoor lounging, but have since evolved to become synonymous with formal evening wear and in late 2026, they're on track to become the next "It" flats to know.

The shoes are coming at a time when opera house dressing is the most important fashion aesthetic of the moment and because of the trend, we're now starting to see an uptick in tuxedo dress codes with pieces like cummerbunds, tuxedo shirts, and evening jackets all bubbling up this season. But trend momentum aside, smoking slippers have a rich heritage and history to them, too. They were always the shoes of choice for royalty and date back to Prince Albert in 19th-Century England who popularized them as the shoes that men would wear when they entertained indoors (often paired with a smoking jacket) to protect carpets and floors from ash and soot.

Now, luxury labels are designing their own modern smoking slippers and the leading styles are arriving at The Row, Toteme, Tory Burch, and Celine in rich jewel tones like purple, burgundy, and ochre. Here, discover the elegant and luxurious smoking slipper trend and shop the best pairs.

Shop the Smoking Slipper Shoe Trend

The Row Ponti Velvet Slippers

To nobody's surprise, The Row is behind one of the most sought-after pairs of smoking slippers, the Ponti.

Tory Burch Lock Smoking Slipper

The lock and key hardware lends an extra dose of opulence.

Celine Aura Loafers

In the color of the season, royal purple, no less.

Margaux The Portia Loafer

Margaux already makes some of our editors' favorite flats, so I expect my fashion team to be all over these, too.

(Image credit: @neelam.ahooja)

Toteme Velvet Venetian Slipper

I've already written about my infatuation for this shade of ochre.

J.Crew Smoking Slippers in Eel-Embossed Leather

I'd be shocked if these stayed in stock beyond the month.

KHAITE Jane Flat

A more ballerina-inspired shape that would be seamless to style.

LORO PIANA Venice Embroidered Cashmere-Blend Flannel Slippers

Naturally, the Italians know how to make the best Venetian slippers.

(Image credit: @clairerose)

Flabelus Meg Slippers

A pair I'm personally eyeing.

Loeffler Randall Vale Embellished Loafers

This bead detail is so charming.

Bottega Veneta Romeo Loafer in Flash Red

Luxe!

MANGO Velvet Loafers

I see Mango got the memo.

(Image credit: @mariadelaord)

COS Croc-Effect Leather Loafers

These will make basic trousers look incredibly chic.

Tory Burch Bunny Knot Smoking Slipper

Lots of great options from Tory Burch right now.

SAINT LAURENT Le Loafer Cassandre-Embellished Collapsible-Heel Leather-Trimmed Velvet Loafers

I like that the back folds down to make them easier to slip on.

ZARA Velvet-Effect Loafers

Yes to this price.

(Image credit: @luciacuesta_)

CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION Suede Slippers

Calling all minimalists.

Le Monde Beryl Olympia Velvet Ballet Flats

Yes, these are closer to ballet flats than slippers, but they were too pretty not to include.

Ballerette Friulane Bottle Green Velvet Slippers

A classic pair in a great color.

SCAROSSO Valentina Slippers

If the spring 2027 runways were any indication, cobalt blue is set to be huge.