Season after season, sneakers have been the coolest footwear to pair with almost any outfit. But if, like me, you feel like a sneaker-topped look lacks oomph, there’s finally a reason to rejoice.
While a pair of white Stan Smiths or Vejas may have been your summer uniform, for fall flats are taking center stage, and far from being focused on utility, they’re sleek and delightfully feminine.
Even Emily Cooper, the main character of Emily In Paris, wore her first pair of flats in the last few episodes, after four seasons of devotion to high heels.
Think bold colors, delicate straps or shiny embellishments and they can be just as comfortable as sneakers.
Ballerinas are still very much on the agenda this fall, after having made a strong comeback last year.
LEFT: Shoes, £130, boden.co.uk; socks, £1.99, sockshop.co.uk; dress, £139, whistles.com; bag, £345, luluguinness.com RIGHT: Shoes, £55, marksandspencer.com; trousers, £110, boden.co.uk; bag, £425, shop.kaai.eu; bracelet, £525, lucyqdesigns.co.uk
Find a brand that prioritizes comfort and support, like this version of Sole Bliss with triple-layer cushioning on the insole.
Don’t skimp on quality: Ferragamo’s iconic ballerinas are handmade in Italy, as is this monochrome Colibri version, which costs £95.20 – a fraction of the price. Pointed-toe ballerinas are eternally chic, elongating the foot and flattering the ankles.
You might think that Mary Janes are just for girls, but there are so many different styles that you’re sure to find one that suits your taste.
For those seeking a high-fashion look, try an Alaia-inspired mesh design, which is also more breathable, or for something a little more boxy, opt for studded straps and large buckles.
Even Victoria Beckham has ditched heels in favour of flats after having to use crutches for her spring show.
Loafers abound in their collection and a chunky sole is a must. For a stylish finish, add a colourful ankle sock.
If you’re going for a more elegant look, opt for slingback shoes. If your footwear colour scheme tends towards black or brown, try something bolder, like this red patent leather style from M&S, £35 – even without the heels, Dorothy would approve.
Not all flats are created equal. Avoid fisherman sandals and beware of jelly shoes – they are retro, and not in a good way.
LEFT: Shoes, £240, loefflerrandall.com; skirt, £139, whistles.com; bag, £260, bobbies.com RIGHT: Shoes, £175, flabelus.com; jeans, £275, Mother at trilogy.stores.co.uk; sunglasses, £135, jimmyfairly.co.uk
LEFT: Shoes, £295, russellandbromley.co.uk; bag, £215, luluguinness.com; skirt, £179, hobbs.com; bracelet, £115, beaverbrooks.co.uk RIGHT: Shoes, £35, marksandspencer.com; skirt, £250, cefinn.com; top, £59, albaray.co.uk
LEFT: Shoes, now £95.20, colibri.boutique; dress, £335, Mille at trilogystores.co.uk; bracelet, £21, bettyandbiddy.com RIGHT: Shoes, £149, solebliss.com; skirt, £220, cefinn.com
LEFT: Shoes, £195, fairfaxandfavour.com; dress, £189, hobbs.com; ring, now £120, Latelita at wolfandbadger.com RIGHT: Shoes, £39.50, marksandspencer.com; bag, £375, ganni.com; dress, £170, hillhousehome.com; bracelet, £115, vbylauravann.com
Think bold colors, delicate straps or shiny embellishments, and flats can be just as comfortable as sneakers.
Whether you opt for a dressy loafer or a sleek Mary-Jane, remember that footwear is all about having fun this season.
And while it’s being hailed as the next big thing, I’m still not convinced that an ugly “dad” shoe is covetable, even if The Row fashion designer says so.
If you’re looking for ultimate comfort, look no further than a casual mule—the Birkenstock Boston remains an A-list favorite. It’s part slipper, part clog, but doesn’t have a thick wedge, so it’s easy to walk in.
Whether you opt for a dressy loafer or a chic Mary-Jane, remember that footwear is all about having fun this season.
