Now I know I have previously written an article about how to wear heels, however, I know this topic appeals to not one but many of you. Flat shoes are a saviour! We cannot even imagine life without them. The level of practicality, comfort and choice are unprecedented and cannot be missed. Whether you are out partying, at work or going to the gym, these are one wardrobe staple that overrides any other so, of course, we need to make sure we have every design necessary and know how to wear flat shoes.
What I currently love most about flat shoes is the array of designers who have fallen in love with them. Whilst we are forever discussing heels, heels, heels, we very rarely rave about flats, but why? Over the past few seasons, the runway has thrived with these types of the shoes to the point where experimentation has reached a whole new level in weird and wonderful ways. Even the likes of Victoria Beckham (who we all know as the Queen of heels) is rocking it by wearing a pair of sneakers with a classic, sophisticated dress on every occasion. If this isn’t style transgression, I really cannot tell you what is.
Here is my guide on how to wear flat shoes and completely own them. By the time you have taken note of these many different designs, the world will be at your feet, quite literally.
How To Wear Flat Shoes
#1. Ballet Pumps
Okay, so I begin with my favourites and, of course, the most classic. Ballet pumps are everyone’s go-to as soon as we mention flat shoes. They are iconically feminine and look flawless with a pair of skinny jeans or A-line skirt. They make an ensemble a little more approachable and allow us to bring out even our dressiest outfits into everyday wear without looking too over the top.
Like a pair of Manolo court shoes, these are available in every single colour. Designers such as the world renown Christian Louboutin have experimented with their shape and colour. I will always remember dreaming of purchasing a pair of transparent Louboutin pointed pumps with a turquoise tip and gold studs. One day I am determined to make that happen!
Chloe ‘Lauren’ Scalloped Ballet Flat
Details and care: “A scalloped topline lends feminine elegance to a round-toe leather flat that looks pretty peeking out from your favourite denim.”
Valentino ‘Rockstud’ Ballerina Flat
Details and care: “Pyramid studs follow the trim on a shiny leather flat with a pointed toe.”
Alexander McQueen ‘Skull’ Ballerina Flat
Details and care: “Swarovski crystals glitter on the signature skull of this classic black leather flat.”
#2. Brogues
Brogues are the kitten heel of flats, they’re not for everyone. This flat shoe design has been around for many, many years and comes in many variations. Whether lace-up or flat and tasselled, brogues are comfort perfection.
Once again they go with many outfits and because the cover the majority of your foot, where ballet pumps leave a significant amount of skin exposed, they can be worn endlessly in the Autumn and Winter months.
Shellys London ‘Emma’ Platform Oxford
Details and care: “A bold platform wedge updates a trend-right menswear-inspired oxford fashioned with a detailed wingtip and classic embossing.”
Women’s Summit by White Mountain ‘Brody’ Platform Oxford
Details and care: “A modern oxford gets in on this season’s sporty-chic trend with sleek cutouts and a contrast platform sole, while a cushioned insole keeps it as comfortable as it is contemporary.”
Grenson Oxfords & Brogues
#3. Sneakers
Sneakers, in the past, have been a taboo subject when discussing style and how to wear flat shoes. Many have expressed their discontent regarding their existence but can you believe it that this has FINALLY changed?! Sneakers are everywhere and are now the epitome of high fashion. Of course, we knew this was the truth when Karl Lagerfeld decided to embrace them with his divine Chanel co-ord pieces in the Chanel supermarket runway a few seasons ago.
Sneakers are chic and there are no longer various groups of people denying that. Now, of course, we have to make the distinction between sneakers and workout trainers. Whilst I know it is not difficult to separate the two, mixing them up is for sure a fashion faux pas. Keep your gym wear in the gym and your fresh white sneakers with your ball gown (I’m not kidding).
PUMA ‘Brooklynite – Sophia Chang’ Classic Sneaker
Details and care: “Be fleet on your street-savvy feet in these classic kicks with an urban twist. PUMA teamed up with New York-based designer Sophia Chang to bring you these supple sneakers styled with metallic accents and a lining printed with graphics of the Brooklyn Bridge and other borough landmarks.”
Adidas Superstar Adicolor Sneaker
Details and care: “The iconic Superstar sneaker gets a fresh update in a striking monochrome palette.”
Nike ‘Air Max 90 – Premium’ Sneaker
Details and care: “Panels of leather and an air unit sole built with extra cushioning update a classically designed, retro-chic sneaker that embodies everyday comfort.”
#4. Sandals
I cannot express my love for sandals in words. From the months of May through to August, this is all you will find me wearing on my feet during daytime (besides flip flops, of course). Sandals are everything. Think of your dream design and it will without a doubt be out there. Whether opting for knee high gladiator (the Summer equivalent to knee high boots), or floral embellished designs, sandals go with every ensemble.
It’s really not that big deal when it comes to how to wear flat shoes, especially sandals. This is even better when it comes to attending formal events as they bring a certain level of comfort that heels can never provide you with, plus did I mention they are incredible for flaunting your perfectly pedicured toes?!
Women’s Burberry ‘Ingeldew’ T-Strap Sandal
Details and care: “A textile check-print footbed puts a signature spin on a minimalist T-strap sandal styled with an adjustable ankle strap.”
Rebecca Minkoff ‘Georgina’ Studded Leather Sandal
Details and care: “The season’s gotta-have-it gladiator sandal get a dose of modern attitude from Rebecca Minkoff’s signature studs.”
Free People ‘Sun Seeker’ Tall Gladiator Sandal
Details and care: “Buttery-soft suede distinguishes the sultry, caged straps of a knee-high gladiator sandal topped with wraparound laces that serve as an instantly chic update to your warm-weather wardrobe.”
#5. Lace-ups
Laces-ups are everywhere for the spring-summer season this year. I have just purchased my first pair of black lace-up and I already know I will be returning to buy them in every other colour available. When ballet pumps get a little boring these add a touch of excitement to your overall look.
They are also the type of flat footwear that turns heads because never would anyone expect to see you wearing laces around your calves and a pair of mini denim shorts. This is your chance to show them what they have been missing out on whilst emphasising your flawless pins.
KENDALL + KYLIE ‘Sage’ Pointy Toe Ghillie Flat
Details and care: “Take your ghillie obsession to the next level with a sleek d’Orsay version shaped from buttery-soft suede and topped with thin wraparound laces. Fusing the two Jenner sisters’ distinct styles into a unified collection, KENDALL + KYLIE plays up both Kendall’s more refined femininity and Kylie’s dynamic edge.”
Steve Madden ‘Sunshine’ Lace-Up Flat
Details and care: “Gleaming hardware at the heel elevates a streamlined lace-up flat in a chic, d’Orsay silhouette with a pointed toe.”
Ivanka Trump ‘Tropica’ Pointy Toe Ghillie Flat
Details and care: “A trend-forward ghillie flat shaped with a pointy toe is detailed with metal-tipped wraparound laces for a look that’s sure to amp up any outfit.”
#6. Flip-Flops
I know you may wonder why I included flip-flops when it comes to how to wear flat shoes, however, it is necessary. There are too many fabulous designers out there who have created their own gorgeous designs for them to not be included. If you are wearing your Triangle bikini and beautiful lace cover up, of course, your feet have to be as equally perfect.
Women’s Kate Spade new york ‘happily’ flip flop
Details and care: “A sweet bow tops the silvery thong strap on a pedi-worthy flip-flop set on a cushy, logo-stamped footbed.”
Women’s Jack Rogers ‘Georgia’ Jelly Flip Flop
Details and care: “The Georgia flip-flop maintains its signature style and adds a throwback feel with flexible jelly construction.”
Tory Burch ‘Thandie’ Platform Wedge Sandal
Details and care: “Designed in a custom print from Tory Burch’s collection, this casual, platform flip-flop is elevated to must-have status.”
As you can see flat shoes are everything, so it’s important to know how to wear flat shoes. I know there are many lovers out there who thrive in this type of footwear, however, many are limited when it comes to experimenting with it. Please note there are endless opportunities and shoes can often act as a divine accessory, so let’s embrace their true power, shall we?
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Feature image: Nordstrom