Flat shoes for women: The styles you’ll actually want to wear this season
Meet the silhouettes with less height, more comfort and all the style points
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Yes, heels and stilettos are all very glamorous, sexy, and fun, but what about when it comes to walking, commuting and dancing all night long? They become killers — and that’s where flat shoes come into play. Combining form and function, comfort and style, they are no longer a resigned last resort necessitated for practicality. From classic loafers and ballet flats to Mary Janes and mules, flat shoes have become the hardworking heroes of every modern woman’s wardrobe.
This season’s flats are certainly something to shout about. Think soft suedes, plush velvet and shiny leathers; glitzy embellishments and sculptural buckles. Whether bold and bright, minimal and laidback, for the office or wearing at weekends, there is a style for everyone. (And they go with just about everything.)
Ready to swap height for comfort and live life in the flat lane without sacrificing an ounce of style? We’ve rounded up the best flat shoes for women for every vibe: smart enough for business, cool enough for casual affairs and comfortable enough to wear over and over again.
Loafers
Loafers might just be the perfect flats for the office. Ok, they’re not entirely flat with their low block heels, but who’s being that pedantic? Inherently smart, preppy and polished, this grown-up, sophisticated take on the classic school shoe offers a comfortable silhouette without compromising on style.
In fact, a good loafer can be the star player of an outfit. Whether opting for a traditional black patent leather pair or a soft suede iteration, wear with suits and tailored trousers at work, or dress them down with your favourite denim and a vintage tee at the weekends for an easy, chic, laidback look; they’re that versatile.
Prada brushed leather loafers
Traditional and timeless, Prada’s loafer is as elevated as you’d expect. Wear with white crew socks for a preppy, Nineties-inspired look.
Tory Burch Ballet fringed suede loafers
Crafted from soft suede in a delicious chocolate brown hue (the colour of the season) and finished with playful fringe detailing, these are your elegant but practical, almost slipper-like loafers of the season.
Penelope Chilvers Low Monti patent loafers
A little bulkier but by no means less stylish, these loafers have autumn written all over them. Cut from a gorgeous Bordeaux patent leather with statement buckles, they’ll look just as good with casual attire as they do with tailoring.
Roger Vivier Viv Rangers loafers
Another classic black leather style, it’s all about the details on this one. A chain of crystal-encrusted charms adds a little girly sparkle, making them a great day-to-night option.
Mary Janes
Mary Janes are another trusty flat. Characterised by their singular or multiple straps and typically fastened by a buckle or button, the silhouette is minimalist, feminine and the perfect alternative to trainers. Perfect for slipping on with trousers, skirts and dresses alike, and wearing to the park, pub and parties, they’ve become a big-hitting, versatile shoe this season for very good reason.
Penelope Chilvers Mary Jane Diamante velvet shoe
Beautifully luxurious, flaunting sumptuous velvet and a diamante buckle, make these Mary Janes your festive favourite. A party shoe waiting to go to the ball.
Flabelus Tybalt velvet Mary Janes flats
Add a pop of subtle colour to your outfit with these rich burgundy-hued velvet Mary Janes piped with dark orange edges. Sewn by hand, devilishly soft and offering something a little bit different, wear any time and anywhere.
Bally Belkys leather Mary-Jane flats
These remind us a bit of traditional ballet shoes thanks to their girly pink tone and dainty design. Rather than pirouettes and pliés, though, we’ll be wearing ours to elevate a simple pair of jeans or to accompany smart workwear.
Prada embellished Mary Jane flats
As seen on the runway, Prada’s cocoa brown suede Mary Janes are every fashionista’s must-have. Simple enough to go with everything, comfortable enough to never take off, and chic enough for the most stylish modern women.
Ballet flats
Ballet flats might have been the last thing you’d imagine wearing again post-Nineties/early Noughties, but after a resurgence in recent years, and seeing them strutted down the catwalks and on the feet of the style set, they should be the first shoe to reach for this season. Easy to slip on to complete all sorts of ensembles, from jeans and knitwear to maxi dresses and party gowns, their multifunctionality is a big selling point — as is their comfort, streamlined silhouettes, and lightweight design. Plain or colourful, suede or leather, studded and strapped, the options are endless.
Loeffler Randall Landon studded ballet flats
Be street style ready with these suede ballet flats, adorned with mirrored silver-toned studs for a dainty, edgy, and little bit grungey cool. They’ll lift any outfit.
Alaia Cross-over calf-hair ballet flats
Featuring criss-cross straps, these ballet flats take inspiration from traditional Japanese footwear. Comfortable for everyday wear but smart and sophisticated enough to continue wearing into the night.
Maison Margiela Tabi suede ballet flats
Maison Margiela does ballet flats very well, and its iconic split-toe Tabi silhouette is a bonafide piece of fashion history. Our pick of the bunch are these deep wine-hued suede designs. Beautiful in feel, touch and sight.
Alohas Sway suede ballet flats
Square toes and sweet bows give these ballet flats extra character. Crafted from a tan suede that is effortlessly chic, they are refined and playful at the same time.
Slippers and mules
Slipper and mule silhouettes are another great flat shoe option. Perhaps a little less practical for, say, your daily commute or in chillier weather, but easy to slide into and available in an array of fabulously slick, sharp iterations, they’ll always be a go-to for us.
Gucci Horsebit velvet slippers
These velvet slippers are Cinderella-worthy, and we simply wouldn’t expect anything less from Gucci. Made from plush velvet and embellished with the signature horsebit buckle, the green hue is festive season-ready.
Jacquemus Mocassins suede mules
Bold and chunky, these mules balance fun with high fashion. They’ll look just as good under long floaty trousers and skirts as they will with your work-from-home athleisure.
Tod’s fringed-detailed mules
The simple, smart black leather mule is taken to the next level by Tod’s. With intriguing fringe detailing and gold-tone hardware, they’re slick, sexy and a seasonal wardrobe staple, end of.
Dries Van Noten Snake-effect leather mules
These snake-effect leather mules showcase Dries Van Noten’s unique and artistic approach to shoes. Wear wherever you please, but please, choose the dark brown palette for optimum style.
