Goodbye, Boat Shoes: These Preppy Flats Are Taking Over In 2026 Instead

Boat shoes have long been a staple of preppy coastal dressing, but in 2026, a new style is emerging as an alternative: the derby shoe. These flat lace-up shoes — and their flexible, thin-soled sister the jazz shoe — are the perfect blend of polished and comfortable. Even better, just like boat shoes, they are a great way to add some unexpected toughness to a delicate outfit. "It still has that borrowed-from-the-boys feeling, but it can work with really feminine pieces too, which is probably what I like most about it," Erin Noël, the personal stylist behind Erin Noël Creative, tells Women exclusively.

Part of what makes the shoe so versatile is its retro style. "The derby also reminds me a little bit of the 1950s saddle shoe," says Noël. "There's something nostalgic about it, but the way it's being styled now feels much cooler and more modern." There's a certain tension innate to the shoe itself — thanks to its menswear influence and polished look — that makes it an interesting addition to almost any outfit. That's why it's the perfect comfy shoe trend to elevate your plain ballet flats or loafers. "A ballet flat can be very soft and feminine, whereas a derby or jazz shoe has that menswear influence that makes an outfit feel more interesting," says Noël.

These lace-up shoes pair perfectly with your favorite pair of relaxed jeans, since the sophisticated shoe will add some elegance to an otherwise laidback style. "They're also an easy swap for a ballet flat or loafer with denim. I'd wear them with a relaxed straight-leg jean [and] keep the rest of the look pretty simple," personal stylist Erin Noël tells Women exclusively. Just make sure the shoe is visible. "I would avoid super baggy denim, as you want the shoe to shine," she adds.

For dresses and flats, derby shoes make a great alternative to heels or ballet flats, which can feel a bit saccharine. Derby shoes add a menswear vibe. "I think the contrast is what makes them feel so cool," personal stylist Erin Noël tells Women exclusively. "You have this slightly masculine shoe with something feminine, and it keeps the whole look from feeling too sweet." This lace-up style offers comfort while introducing a little tension and interest to the look.

Dressier shorts can be one of the hardest clothing items to find shoes for; heels feel too dressy, but sneakers feel too frumpy. However, derby shoes offer the perfect solution. In fact, they go great with any of the biggest shorts trends of summer. "A tailored Bermuda short or culotte with a button-down or a little knit and a derby feels very chic to me, especially for that transition from summer into fall," personal stylist Erin Noël shares with Women. The effect is fresh with just the right menswear spin.

Derby shoes make for visually interesting footwear, which means they shine when they aren't hidden by an extra-long hem. Especially since they have a high vamp — meaning they reveal limited skin on top of your foot — they look best when your hemline is high enough to reveal at least a little of your ankle. Better yet, they pair well with any boldly short hemline. "You don't want the whole thing disappearing underneath the pant," personal stylist Erin Noël tells Women exclusively. "Mini skirts and dresses are a favorite styling tip for these shoes."

These lace-up shoes don't need to be confined to one season. They're lightweight and low-profile, which makes them a great addition to your summer wardrobe, especially in lighter colors. "A cream or tan derby with a cotton dress, linen trouser, skirt, or longer short would be really pretty and still feel seasonally appropriate," personal stylist Erin Noël tells Women exclusively. White shoes are having a moment, and a pale-colored derby can add a pop of modernity to your outfit.

Perhaps it's their vintage or menswear vibe, but in the right outfit, derby shoes can evoke a dark academia aesthetic. That's why this is a perfect summer trend to help you transition seamlessly into fall. Just think about switching up your color palette. "For fall, I'd move into chocolate brown, burgundy, oxblood, or black and pair them with darker denim, knits, tailoring, or corduroy," personal stylist Erin Noël expresses to Women.

Part of the charm of the derby shoe is in how it can add a little unexpected tension to an otherwise girly outfit. To keep that sense of visual interest, resist the urge to double down on the tailored vibe. "I personally wouldn't style a derby with an overly buttoned-up menswear look," personal stylist Erin Noël shares with Women exclusively. "I like it better when there's some contrast, whether that's a feminine blouse, a skirt, a dress, or even just softer proportions."

The derby shoe's charm is that it's a comfortable flat shoe that still looks polished. That makes it the kind of modern basic that goes with almost anything in your wardrobe. "People are always looking for the next version of a flat that still feels wearable but a little new," personal stylist Erin Noël tells Women. So don't be afraid to treat it as your new default shoe. Anytime you would normally reach for a ballet flat, the derby shoe is likely to be an equally good — possibly more interesting — option.