Whenever I share work outfits, one of the pieces of feedback I get the most is that some of you can’t or just don’t like wearing heels. I have to admit, over the past two years with WFH and having two little ones, most of my heels collection has been sitting untouched inside our Ikea billy bookcases. A while back I posted these outfits with flat shoes and wanted to share more ways I’ve been re-wearing these same flats and staple pieces. If I look at the categories of flats I tend to reach for the most for both comfort and versatility, these would be the top 5!
1. Neutral Pointed Flats
Because these flats have more structure and a firmer sole, they are not as soft and comfortable as the other 4 styles listed below, but I do reach for them often when I want a more formal, classic look.
I’d choose a hue similar to your skin tone for max versatility (whether it’s a lighter almond or a deeper brown), and while I used to always prefer a pointed toe for an elongating effect, I have been loving the comeback of round toe ballet flats and even slightly squared off toe shapes. I’ve been eying these M.Gemi flats for a while with a small hidden wedge for comfort, and wish they made more colors! Not sure if this still code works, but you can try JEAN60 there on a first purchase.
2. Loafers
These have hands-down been some of my most worn flats in recent years! I like how they look with denim as well as work pants, and they’re very low maintenance to boot. If I scuff up the black color, it’s easy to touch it up or recolor it, and the leather wipes clean more easily than fabric and suede. I’ve toyed with the idea of a trendier, chunkier sole loafer over the past two years now but just haven’t found the right pair yet!
3. Stretchy Knit Flats
Rothy’s are some of my go-to shoes for travel or walking due to the stretch and very pliable soles. Sometimes when I sit for long periods of time like on the airplane or at a conference, my feet swell a bit so the stretch here is key for comfort. Plus these have no metal bits so I can keep them on when going through security – I keep forgetting that my favorite loafers always set off the metal detectors! I will say the Point style that I’m wearing has the least amount of support out of their styles, so if that’s what you need, check out their sneakers or even their loafers for a tad more support.
4. White Sneakers
A staple for any casual / smart casual office or student wardrobe. I rotate heavily between my Vejas and Everlane sneakers for daily school pick up and drop off, and recently got to try the Madewell ones linked above and really liked them as one more option that’s comfier than Vejas!
5. Slingbacks
I love the effortless chic feel of a pair of slingbacks with jeans and a blazer. The open back is also nice for comfort if your feet tend to swell or shrink throughout the day like mine do! The shoes pictured above are Edited Pieces samples I’ve been working on that have not been produced, but ASOS has some cute affordable ones that they often bring back in new colors. Also, while these slingbacks are not flats, the kitten heel is pretty low and I love how flattering the deep V cut front is! I ended up getting them in 2 colors over the years and they’ve held up just fine for walking around the city.
