5 Major Autumn 2024 Flat-Shoe Trends H&M Has Got So Right

published 8 August 2024

Although we're still in the midst of (a very ropey) summer, the high street is already one step ahead. Trench coats, light cardigans and classic footwear have returned to the shelves of our favourite stores as the seasonal switch-up approaches. Soon enough, the warm(ish) days will ease into milder mornings, and whilst many pieces in our wardrobes will continue to work hard, reliable autumn styles are about to come into their own. With months spent slipping on flip-flops and throwing on dresses, I’m ready to help ease your wardrobe into the transitional period. And my first port of call is shoes.

Over the past few seasons, footwear has become a dominant category in the fashion space, with the revival of the flat shoe and the return of beloved classics like ballet flats and Mary Janes, so it felt only natural to start here. I know you probably don't want to sit around scrolling through websites or traipsing up and down the high street hunting for the best pairs, but I see it as a personal challenge to explore the fresh array of trending footwear on offer and decipher the mainstay styles that are truly worth a spot in your collection. This time, I've started my new-season exploration with consistently on-trend and reasonably priced H&M.

My personal style is all about comfort, ease and polish, and that's exactly what 2024 shoe trends provide. Whilst there will always be a place for a standout heel or elevated mule, I'm focused on H&M's trending flat-shoe styles as the most practical and hard-working wardrobe additions. True to form, the brand has tapped into classic styles that remain prominent in fashion circles as well as honing in on fresh style inspiration from the runways.

Earlier this year, brands like Prada, Givenchy and Stella McCartney made a case for the return of the pointed-toe shoe in their A/W 24 shows, as a classy silhouette primed for a comeback, and H&M has already designed pointed slingback and mule styles that look five times their price tag. Ballet flats are going nowhere, having proven their longevity in our shoe collections over the past few seasons, and for autumn 2024, H&M has looked to two-tone styles, contemporary square-toe shapes and understated colourways.

Despite being an all-year shoe, loafers are synonymous with autumn thanks to their versatility in styling with everything from dresses to tailoring, and I've found three pairs that feel particularly elevated. And as we're thinking about the arrival of chillier days, we have to talk about boots. H&M is predicting that knee-high pairs will be the trending style to know about, offering a chance to restyle our summery minidresses over the next few months.

Finally, Mary Janes remain a fashion-person favourite as a delicate yet comfy footwear choice, and H&M offers a modern edge with square shapes and playful textures from suede-like to satin-esque.

Ready to explore the five trending flat-shoe styles at H&M? Keep scrolling.

1. CLASSIC BALLET FLATS

Woman sitting on white chair wearing black T-shirt, black trousers and camel ballet flats

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H&M

Ballet Pumps

The two-tone design is so elegant.

H&M

Leather Ballet Pumps

The juxtaposition of the classic bow and modern square toe adds interest.

H&M

Leather Ballet Pumps

Neutral shades are endlessly versatile.

2. TIMELESS LOAFERS

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Loafers

A very designer-passing pair.

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Loafers

Wear with jeans, tailoring, dresses, skirts and more.

H&M

Loafers

The deep burgundy shade feels so elevated.

3. POLISHED POINTED FLATS

Woman sitting on chair wears black tank top, black shorts and nude pointed slingback shoes

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H&M

Pointed Slingbacks

Add undeniable elegance to any look with sleek slingbacks.

H&M

Pointed Mules

I still can't believe these are from the high street.

H&M

Pointed Slingbacks

You'll reach of these on workdays and weekends alike.

4. AUTUMNAL KNEE-HIGH BOOTS

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Knee-High Leather Boots

These have a higher price point because they're 100% leather.

H&M

Knee-High Cowboy Boots

Cowboy boots continue to be a fashion-person favourite.

H&M

Suede Biker Boots

A suede take on classic biker boots, these also come in black.

5. SWEET MARY JANES

Woman wears white top, white trousers, black sunglasses and black mary janes

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H&M

Mary Jane Ballet Pumps

The suede-like finish adds to the expensive-looking feel.

H&M

Mary Jane Ballet Pumps

I've fallen for this vibrant red pair.

H&M

Mary Jane Ballet Pumps

I have a feeling these will move quickly.

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Florrie embarked on her fashion journey while studying French and History at university. Whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and the influence of Haute Couture, and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content.

During a freelance period, Florrie honed her skills in editorial work in various digital and print publications including Vogue Italy and Departures magazine, as well as styling e-commerce photoshoots and personal shopping. Florrie actively pursues an in-depth understanding of fashion and jewellery, and after styling a jewellery cover shoot at Conde Nast Traveller chose to complete the De Beers Diamond Foundation course. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer, blending both editorial and commercial content. Now, as the Acting Affiliates Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them. In her downtime, Florrie can be found in her hometown of London, usually with a coffee in hand.