If you’ve spent more than five minutes browsing Who What Wear’s articles, then chances are you’ll already know that flats shoes are where it’s at this autumn, and we’re not the only ones that think so. While on a day of appointments, our Editor in Chief, Hannah Almassi, took a turn through the wooden-clad halls of shopping emporium Liberty, where the noticeable lack of high heels struck her. This is something we’re seeing on social media, too. Where going-out outfits used to centre around a platform or heeled mule, in their place is a slew of sleek flats. Worn with everything from suits to dresses to miniskirts and jeans, flat shoes have undergone a fashionable metamorphosis and are no longer selected out of mere practicality. Now, they’re a fully-fledged style choice—one we can get on board with.
Between the market and the latest uploads on Instagram and TikTok, I can confirm that this is going to be a flat-shoe autumn, until the need for boots can no longer be postponed. So, I thought I’d assemble a handful of chic autumn flat-shoe outfits to show you just how stylish these trending footwear options can look. Focusing my energy on four flat shoes I’m seeing lots of right now—those being ballet flats, mary janes, loafers and white trainers—scroll below to see 12 elevated autumn flat-shoe outfits to try.
Style Notes: Miniskirts and ballet flats go hand-in-hand. Pair with a blazer to make the combination work for autumn.
This colour is incredibly versatile.
I’m also picturing wearing this with a chunky striped knit.
I own these shoes, and they’re the perfect slip-on.
Style Notes: Echo the soft nature of a silk trouser with a round-toe ballet flat. The cardigan makes this pairing look all the more relevant for the season.
COS’s cashmere is some of the best on the high street.
So chic.
These also come in a dark beige tone.
Style Notes: Wool coats are cropping up all over the place; start wearing yours with jeans and ballet flats for the perfect transitional look.
No, that price is not a typo.
I’ve had my eye on these relaxed jeans for months.
Simple yet sophisticated.
Style Notes: Stretch out the lifespan of your summer dresses by wearing them with chunky loafers. Add a leather jacket or blazer when you need the extra warmth.
With the correct styling, a white dress can work across the seasons.
Big totes are even bigger news this autumn.
These shall remain on my wish list until the day I finally take the plunge.
Style Notes: Trust me—you can never go wrong with a black-blazer, jeans and loafer look.
This piece is a Who What Wear favourite.
The perfected slouchy fit.
I really rate Whistles’s shoes this season.
Style Notes: Take the tonal approach by wearing one colour top-to-toe. This cream outfit, complete with ecru loafers, looks the high-end part.
Skip that takeaway coffee while wearing this cream beauty.
I always rely on Reiss for exceptional tailoring.
These look like they could be designer.
Style Notes: Mary janes are having a moment right now, but ask any editor and they’ll tell you they’re a timeless investment. Don’t you think they add something special to this refined white-jeans-and-navy-jumper ensemble?
Navygrey is where to go for trend-proof knitwear.
White jeans keep cropping up this season.
These are currently in my basket.
Style Notes: White socks and flats always look cute worn together, but I love the edgy juxtaposition of adding a leather bomber into the mix.
You can tell this leather is going to be buttery soft.
Maxis are still going strong.
The silver buckle makes these shoes feel even more current.
Style Notes: A look that could carry you from office days to dinners out; simply match the shade of your knit to that of your trousers and you’ll look instantly put together.
An easy addition to any autumn wardrobe.
Frankie Shop’s Gelso trousers continue to dominate my feed.
I’ve tried these on and they’re incredibly comfortable.
Style Notes: Trainer trends come and go but white kicks? They’re for life, and incredibly versatile. Use yours to add a cool finish to leather and chinos.
The sleekest leather blazer on the high street.
I love the wide-leg take on these chinos.
As versatile a trainer as I’ve ever seen.
Style Notes: Jeans, a white shirt and white trainers? You’ve just found the ultimate off-duty outfit.
Leave untucked for an effortless quality.
These classic jeans come in an extended size range.
Fashion people are stilling backing New Balance for the season ahead.
Style Notes: Proof that trainers work brilliantly with tailoring and help to lift a neutral outfit.
