Fabulous Flats: 4 Style Tips For Flat Shoes
A shoe has so much more to offer than just a walk ~ Christian Louboutin
Now just because Mr Louboutin specialises in expensive skyscraper heels, this doesn’t mean that flat footwear can’t also play a striking part in our wardrobes.
Flat shoes have come a long way since flip-flops, dress sneakers and rubber ballet flats.
While I don’t personally wear flat shoes very often as I seem to vertically disappear if I do (see below), I’m delighted to offer my expertise on this comfortable subject.
One of the rare times that I have worn flats!!
On runways around the world, flat shoes are definitely having a moment and I’m sure I even spotted a Birkenstock type sandal on my recent Europe trip. Flats are also the preferred footwear choice for many ladies, are a saviour for sore feet at the end of a long night on the dance floor or as alternative to standing for hours in heels.
Left: French Connection Flatform $129.95, RightL French Connection metallic sandal $89.95
Today’s blog aims to give you a few style guidelines when it comes to wearing flat shoes along with an update of some of this season’s most fanciful flats.
If you are a real comfort seeker, many shoes now come with built-in cushioning, if not, you can always insert a pair of “party feet” for additional comfort.
Here are my top four tips for wearing flat shoes:
1. If you are shorter in the legs or evenly balanced in your vertical proportions, be aware that a flat shoe will have a big impact on how tall you appear so point two is critical for you.
2. If you are vertically balanced or have shorter legs, opt for a hem length that sits above your knee or if you are extremely tall, you can be flexible with your length.
3. Flats are not ideal for shorter women with short legs who might be carrying a few extra kilos however if this is you and you do prefer a flat, look for longer toe fronts and open toe shoes.
4. Skinny jeans and pants with ballet flats should be reserved for women who are super-slender. For those with curvier legs, opt for a wider length pant, or a Capri pant which look wonderful with flats.
RUBI SHOES – 2 for $30 of $19.95 each with a full range or designs, colours and patterns
So in terms of flat selection, there are an abundance of strappy and closed sandals, brogues and espadrille flats. Also, please avoid rubber crocs or flip flops – these are only for the beach.
SANTINI: Left – tan/gold sandals $140, Right: black & white flatform sandals $130
SANTINI- Left: black strap sandal $90, Right: T-bar tan suede sandal $90
For a more striking look, consider bows, embellishment or rich textures in your flats, they will really bring your outfit to life.
NINEWEST- Left: white & gold buckle ballet flat $109, Right: Silver open toe flat $129
NINEWEST- Left: Orange sandal $79, Right: Nude patent bow flat $119
Also, these days there are readily available ballet flats that fold up into a tiny purse size and are perfect for the handbag. They’re great for weddings, races and the festive season.
ALDO- Left: Spiked white sandal $39.95, Right: Patent black bow ballet flat $69.95
ALDO- Left: Leopard print ballet flat $79.95, Right: fold-able coral ballet flat $49.95
I hope that gives you a few options to play with!
So over to you. Who wears flats because they just LOVE them or who dislikes them?
Love Cindy xx
Love flats some of the time, but usually wear them with shorts or jeans. I find wearing them with skirts does not work for me unless I am very casual. I find wearing footless tights is a disaster for me with flats, my legs look shorter! I tend not to wear flats with tights unless they enclose the foot. I usually opt for a pair of almost flat sandals with a 1/2 inch wedge heel instead if I am wearing skirts or dresses.
I have been known to wear my vibram five finger shoes (I expect you are fainting by now Cindy!) on my non-work days… I see them as sport shoes and wear them unashamedly with trackies or denim shorts…everywhere (even to work on casual friday!). Hope you have scraped yoursefl off the floor now! 😉
Hi Karin, I’m not on the floor! 🙂 I understand everyone has different needs and lifestyles, I wouldn’t expect you to wear those shopping or to a party……..all good and understood 🙂 Flats worn with dresses/skirts can be a real mistake but as I said in the blog, there are a few reasons why as we are all different and the guidelines vary from one person to the other! Thanks again for your great input Karin!! xo
Thanks Cindy for the tips and advice re flats.
I love flats for pure comfort as heels seem to hurt after only a few hours. I do have one pair of wedges which are my standard go to for dressier occasions.
I have long legs and a short torso but am quite curvy around my hip, bottom and thighs – I wear skinny leg pants with tops ending mid-thigh (below my widest part) – is it ok to wear flats then?
Also, what would you wear with a maxi dress to dress it up without losing the comfort of flats?
Love your blog and thank you for keeping us informed ! Carla xx
Great post Cindy!
I am wearing my flat sandals with skinny leg jeans right now. I find that I can wear the combination because I am tall, although I am vertically balanced and a triangle shape. My trick is to get the rest of the outfit balanced perfectly. I always wear flats with maxi dresses, and birkenstocks being my first choice here as Perth gets so hot. I have lovely silver, bronze and pearl-white birks’ so they definitely look more put together than rubber thongs. I wear a small wedge heel with shorter dresses and skirts, and even pants.
Thanks Stephanie and I agree you are lovely and tall so flats are your friend! There are so many lovely sandals around for summer and great ballet flats. I’m always envious of girls wearing flats, especially when they are on their feet all day!! Thanks for your comment! xo
Hi Carla, you would need to be careful wearing flats with longer tops ending mid thigh, I think a wedge would be better. If you have very long legs you may get away with it, so,. do a test, try this look in flats and a wedge, which looks best?
The best shoes with a maxi is a wedge like the black and white shoe above from Santini or a platform, avoid a heel!
Let me know the verdict on your test! Thanks Carla x
OMG 5 finger shoes are disgusting. They are meant for tough mudder or walking on the reef.
Great blog. I’m a huge fan.
Thanks Karen, I’m not a fan of them either! 🙂 I do understand though, that we each have different lifestyles that require different shoes! I’m happy mine requires heels, wedges and platforms………flats occasionally as mentioned on my holiday! 🙂
I’m so pleased your enjoying my blogs,please offer any suggestions you may have, someone has suggested a maternity blog, so I will deliver this very soon in the new year!! Thanks Karen x
Ha ha ha… Disgusting is a matter of perception… They might look a bit like hobbits feet but they are the most comfortable shoe in the world. It is like being in bare feet! I wouldn’t go to a party in bare feet!
Big smiley face Karin! 🙂 🙂
I LOVE flats… They are just so super comfy. I own them in many colours and shapes though and I find they can bring a life to many outfits. Wearing red flat is almost as daring as red heels :))
I’m really happy for you Justyna!!!! 🙂
There is a great blog called “En Brogue” all about flats:
http://www.enbrogue.com/
“Love fashion. Love shoes. Hate heels.”
Thanks Mairead, Ill take a look! x
Flats are always a good idea when you’re looking for a comfortable, chic look.