Flats are having a renaissance of sorts lately. In many ways, they have replaced heels and are winning out as the "cool girl” shoe of the moment, but that momentum is only growing as we head into fall. Alaïa Mary Janes continue to sell out the moment they are restocked, ballerina flats are constantly being reinvented with new design details, and sleek, polished flats are taking off in a major way. In short, there is no slowing down in sight.
So, how will fashion insiders style the shoes once we hit fall? Ahead, see some transitional flat shoe outfits to wear as we head into the upcoming season. From the ways we’re already seeing Prada’s floral-embellished flats styled to the way we will see the "wrong-shoe theory” play out this fall, these are the flat shoe outfits to inspire your new-season wardrobe. Shop each of the looks here.
Embellished Flats With a Mini Skirt
Prada's flower-adorned flats were one of the buzziest shoes at fashion month and we're already seeing fashion insiders replicate looks from the runway with mini skirts, knits, and blazers. You can guarantee to see this outfit formula take over this fall.
The "Wrong Shoe"
Stylist Allison Bornstein went viral this summer for her "wrong-shoe theory", which comes down to opting for a pair of shoes that seem mismatched to your outfit and go against your first styling instincts. How will be see that play out for fall? I'm betting on loafers with dresses as spotted on Kendall Jenner.
More Is More
Quiet luxury has all but taken over 2023. If you've grown fatigued by the pared-back fashion, reach for statement-making prints paired with embellished flats like Who What Wear associate editor, Yusra Siddiqui.
Just Add Alaïa Flats
Alaïa Mary Jane flats are the viral shoe taking over in 2023 that have been nearly impossible to track down. The styling opportunities are endless but work perfectly with a simple jeans and blazer look. Word to the wise: Add them to your cart immediately if you find them available in your size.
Go For Mesh
Transition mesh flats to fall by reaching for maxi skirts and tailored blazers for a look that can transition from the office to dinners or events. Look for flats from brands including The Row and Dear Frances.
Finished With Polished Flats
Perhaps this editor's favorite flats: Polished styles. Spotted in the collections of brands including Chanel and Saint Laurent, we're seeing them designed with everything from metal hardware to sweet bows, so you can tap into whichever version fits into your personal sense of style. Simply add jeans and a knit top.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach For These 2 Pieces When I Don't Know What to WearReady in 10 minutes or less.
-
People Assume These $60 Zara Shoes Are High Designer (and I Let Them)No gatekeeping here.
-
The Controversial Pant-and-Shoe Combo the Fashion Set Is Wearing Right NowOutfit inspo from Paris to NYC.
-
French Women Are Wearing Socks With These Classic Shoe Styles This SpringChic as always.
-
Laura Harrier Wore the Comfy Shoe Trend That's So Much Chicer Than SneakersSofia Richie Grainge and Jasmine Tookes are also fans.
-
The Only 9 Jackets You Need for Spring, According to Fashion PeopleThere's something for everyone.
-
Every Chic Person I Know Is Shopping for This Elegant Shoe Trend Right NowExpect to spot it everywhere this spring.
-
Found: The Only Shoe Style You Need for Expensive-Looking Spring OutfitsIt's a classic for a reason.
