If you've spent more than five minutes browsing Who What Wear UK's articles, then chances are you'll already know that flat shoes are where it's at this autumn, and we're not the only ones who think so. Whilst on a day of appointments, our editor-in-chief Hannah Almassi took a turn through the wooden-clad halls of shopping emporium Liberty London, 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 platforms or heeled mules, in their place is a slew of sleek flats. Worn with everything from suits to dresses and miniskirts to jeans, flat shoes have undergone a fashionable metamorphosis and are no longer selected out of mere practicality and comfort. Now, they're a fully-fledged style choice—one we can absolutely get on board with.
Between online and in-store offerings 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-appropriate flat-shoe outfits to show you just how stylish these trending footwear options can look.
Focusing my energy on four flat-shoe styles I'm seeing lots of right now—ballet flats, mary janes, loafers and white trainers—have a scroll to see 12 elevated autumn flat-shoe outfits to try.
BALLET FLATS
1. Blazer + Mini Skirt + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Miniskirts and ballet flats go hand in hand. Pair with a blazer to make the combination work for autumn.
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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-ons.
2. Cardigan + Silk Trousers + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Echo the soft nature of silk trousers with round-toe ballet flats. The cardigan makes this pairing look all the more relevant for the season.
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COS's cashmere is some of the best on the high street.
Just so chic.
These also come in a dark beige shade.
3. Wool Jacket + Jeans + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Wool coats are cropping up all over the place. Start wearing yours with jeans and ballet flats for the perfect transitional look.
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No, that price is not a typo.
I've had my eye on these relaxed jeans for months.
Simple yet sophisticated.
LOAFERS
1. Dress + Bag + Loafers
Style Notes: Stretch out the lifespan of your summer dresses by wearing them with chunky loafers, and add a leather jacket or blazer when you need the extra warmth.
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With the correct styling, a white dress can work across all seasons.
Big totes are even bigger news this autumn.
These shall remain on my wish list until the day I finally take the plunge.
2. Blazer + Jeans + Loafers
Style Notes: Trust me—you can never go wrong with a black blazer, jeans and loafers.
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This piece is a Who What Wear UK favourite.
The perfect slouchy fit.
I really rate Whistles shoes this season.
3. Coat + Cigarette Trousers + Loafers
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.
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Skip that takeaway coffee whilst wearing this cream beauty.
I always rely on Reiss for exceptional tailoring.
These look like they could be designer.
MARY JANES
1. Jumper + Jeans + Mary Janes
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?
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Navygrey is where to go for trend-proof knitwear.
White jeans keep cropping up this season.
These are currently in my basket.
2. Leather Jacket + Skirt + Mary Janes
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.
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You can tell this leather is going to be buttery soft.
Maxi skits are still going strong.
The silver buckle makes these shoes feel even more current.
3. Jumper + Trousers + Mary Janes
Style Notes: A look that could carry you from office to dinner. Simply match the shade of your knit to that of your trousers and you'll look instantly put-together.
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An easy addition to any autumn wardrobe.
The Frankie Shop's Gelso trousers continue to dominate my feed.
I've tried these on, and they're incredibly comfortable.
TRAINERS
1. Blazer + Trousers + Trainers
Style Notes: Trainer trends come and go, but white kicks? They're for life, and so versatile. Use yours to add a cool finish to leather and chinos.
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The sleekest leather blazer on the high street.
I love this wide-leg take on chinos.
As versatile a trainer as I've ever seen.
2. Shirt + Jeans + Trainers
Style Notes: Jeans, a white shirt and white trainers? You've just found the ultimate off-duty outfit.
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Leave untucked for an effortless finish.
These classic jeans come in an extended size range.
Fashion people are still backing New Balance for the season ahead.
3. Coat + Trousers + Trainers
Style Notes: Proof that trainers work brilliantly with tailoring and help to lift a neutral outfit.
Shop the Outfit:
It's that time of year—chic coats are starting to drop.
This colour looks so premium.
Better sign up for restock notifications now.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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