This gold star status means that flat shoes are often forgotten about – dismissed as a sensible but slightly boring footwear choice. Well, we’re here to inform you that the days of flats falling, well, flat are officially over as tons of exciting iterations hit the shops this autumn. For AW22 inspiration, we’re looking to Bobbies’ elegant, French girl chic loafers, Dr. Martens for chunky Mary Janes and French Sole ballet flats for a pop of colour.
When it comes to choosing a pair of flats, it’s all about what the shoe can do for you. For those needing a bit of extra height (petite gang, we see you), Mary Janes with a slightly lifted sole are about to be your new best friend. And if you’re blessed with the tall gene, Derby shoes are all you need to elevate any autumnal look. Whatever you fancy, we’ve rounded up the best flats on the market right now which work just as well for a Saturday stroll around town as they do for heading into the office.
Click through the slideshow ahead to shop five flat styles guaranteed to turn heads this autumn.
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Derby shoes
Derby shoes might traditionally be worn by big-city bankers in three-piece suits but the new era of lace-ups is all about enhancing their masculine form with strong, square shapes and chunky soles. For the perfect early autumn ‘fit, pair with wide-leg trousers, a loose-fit shirt and a statement sweater vest.
Dr Martens 1461 3-Eye Gibson Flat Shoes, $, available at ASOS
Vagabond Eyra Shoes, $, available at Vagabond
Charles & Keith Chunky Brogues, $, available at Charles and Keith
Labucq Buddy Black, $, available at Labucq
Schuh Lancey Chunky Lace Up Shoes In Black, $, available at ASOS
Loafers
Loafers have been an autumn staple since time immemorial. Pulling together almost any outfit, the loafer is ideal for those who don’t enjoy heeled boots but still want to look smart. For a bit of extra glamour, turn to one of this season’s many embellished styles, including chain links and bejewelled brooches.
Bobbies Rym, $, available at Bobbies
Grenson Philippa, $, available at Grenson
Topshop Lola Leather Loafer With Chain Detail In Neutral, $, available at ASOS
Shoe The Bear Iona Saddle Loafers, $, available at Anthropologie
La Redoute Collections Leather Tassel Loafers, $, available at La Redoute
Clogs
Previously saddled with a rather ropey reputation, the clog has managed to pull itself back from the brink. Most notably, Birkenstock’s Boston Clogs have cultivated a dedicated fanbase online (#birkenstockboston currently has 51.3 million views on TikTok).
Offering a comfortable, slip-on alternative to lace-up brogues, clogs are the perfect companion to casual dressing.
Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed, $, available at Birkenstock
ALOHAS Whiz Black, $, available at alohas
Celtic & Co. Sheepskin Lined Clog, $, available at Celtic & Co.
Ugg Sport Yeah Molded Clog, $, available at Ugg
Mango Studded Leather Clog, $, available at Mango
Mary Janes
Named after the shoes worn by a sweet-looking cartoon character, Mary Janes are as adorable as they come. Consisting of a closed, rounded toe and T-bar strap, the style is childlike, whimsical and cute as a button. For a more grown-up take, pair with patterned socks, a tennis skirt and an oversized trench.
Reformation Abalonia Chunky Maryjane, $, available at Reformation
ASOS DESIGN Sebi Chunky Mary Jane Heeled Shoes In Green Patent, $, available at ASOS
Dr Martens 8065 Mary Jane Smooth Leather Shoes, $, available at DR MARTENS
ASOS DESIGN Marilyn Chunky Mary Jane Flat Shoes In Check, $, available at ASOS
Charles & Keith Metallic Buckle Patent Mary Janes – Cognac, $, available at Charles & Keith
Ballet flats
Quite possibly synonymous with your old school shoes, the new ballet flat is all about chic minimalism. The new wave of designs features scrunched leather, square toes and dainty accent straps. If you’re searching for a shoe that lets your clothes do the talking, these barely there ballet flats are exactly what you need.
Mango Bow Leather Ballerina, $, available at Mango
French Sole Amelie Croc-Effect Patent-Leather Ballet Flats, $, available at The Outnet
ALOHAS Sway Chestnut Brown Flat, $, available at alohas
FitFlop Allegro Bow Leather Ballet Pumps, $, available at FitFlop
Vagabond Shoemakers Delia Flats, $, available at Free People
The Row Olga Polished Leather Mary Jane Flats, $, available at MatchesFashion.com
Jigsaw Chester Soft Leather Loafers, $, available at Jigsaw
Zara Soft Ballet Flats, $, available at Zara
Bottega Veneta Point-toe Leather Ballet Flats, $, available at MatchesFashion.com
Monki Conny Vegan Chunky Lace Up Shoe, $, available at ASOS
COS Chunky Derby Shoes, $, available at COS
Vagabond Eyra Shoes, $, available at Vagabond
Jil Sander Leather Loafers, $, available at My Theresa
Mango Leather Penny Loafers, $, available at Mango
Ganni Leather Crystal Embellished Loafers, $, available at Ganni
Zara Leather Loafers With Decorative Detail, $, available at Zara
JW Anderson Chain-embellished Leather Mules, $, available at MatchesFashion.com
Zara Rubberised Clogs, $, available at Zara
Mango Quilted Detail Clog, $, available at Mango
Topshop Leonard Chunky T Bar Loafer in White, $, available at ASOS
Next Black Leather Signature Angled Toe T-Bar Shoes, $, available at Next
Proenza Schouler T-bar Leather Flats, $, available at MatchesFashion.com
Burberry Black Patent Leather T-Bar Shoes, $, available at Browns
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