Every fall I tell myself this is the season I’ll finally commit to wearing heels casually, and every fall I’m back in flats by the second week of October. As a 10k+ steps a day girl, it’s hard to pull that off in a high heel. So this year, I’m not even pretending. Plus, after a month of scrolling through fashion week street style, the flats were so good that I barely noticed a stiletto.
To be clear, I’m not tossing my high heels. They’re still a staple and they’ll be ready for the next wedding, gala, or girl’s night out. I’m just pausing on buying new pairs so I can put my shoe budget toward the flats below. Keep scrolling for the seven styles I’m betting on this fall.
Jazz Shoes
If ballet flats have started to feel a little too sweet, meet their cooler cousin. Jazz shoes have the same low profile but with a lace-up front and a slightly sturdier sole. They’re also one of the rare trends you can comfortably walk in all day.
Classic Ballet Flats
Did we really think ballet flats were going anywhere? We’ve seen them in every color and with every embellishment imaginable, and now fashion people are going back to the simple version. A black or nude pair with a rounded toe goes with trousers, denim, and dresses, which is exactly why I keep reaching for mine.
Mesh for Fall
Mesh flats were supposed to be a summer thing, but they’re sticking around this year. People are wearing them with socks or picking darker shades like black and chocolate brown so they make sense in cooler weather. It’s an easy way to keep a summer favorite in rotation for a few more months.
Pony Hair Flats
A little texture makes even a simple outfit look more polished, and pony hair is the texture of the season. Look for leopard print, a rich brown, or classic black, and wear them anywhere you’d normally wear a plain leather flat.
Just Cool Girl Sneakers
Chunky dad sneakers had their moment. The pairs fashion people are wearing now are slim, low-profile, and a little retro. Think suede, a thin sole, and a colorway you won’t see on everyone else. They’re absolutely cool-girl coded.
The Feminine Loafer
Loafers show up every fall, but this year’s version is softer. Instead of a chunky lug sole, fashion people are going for slim loafers with a thin sole or a lower vamp. You still get the polish of a classic loafer, just in a lighter shoe.
Almond Toe Flats
Why choose between a round toe and a pointed toe when almond toe flats land right in between? The shape lengthens the look of your foot without the sharp edge of a pointy flat. Wear them with ankle-length trousers and they look just as sleek as a heel.
