I'm Retiring Heels for the Foreseeable Future—Here Are the Flats I'm Buying RN

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(Image credit: @kateemao)

I think I can speak for most people when I say putting on a pair of heels instantly elevates my confidence and general excitement for any occasion ahead. But wearing heels isn't a casual endeavor. They take more energy to walk in, and they give you a commanding presence, which is totally fine—great, even—during normal life, but we're not living a normal life right now, are we?

Seeing as the need to shelter in place is only getting stronger, especially where I live in California, I have nowhere to go other than errand runs, socially distant walks and picnics, and the occasional appointment. It simply does not make sense to wear heels on any of those outings, so I'm retiring the ones I own and only shopping shoes with a flat sole. And honestly? I'm not bummed about it because there are so many cute flats on the market right now. It's summer, so there are endless sandal options and don't even get me started on the mules—my favorite shoe style. I also shopped out some classic sneakers, because some of the cutest outfits out there are dresses with sneakers. I closed everything out with some classic ballerinas, loafers, and all the flats in-between for when you need a bit more structure.

SANDALS

Mules and Slides

Sneakers

Flats and Loafers

Next: To the People I Insta-Stalk, Thank You for These Easy Outfit Formulas

Copy Editor, Branded Content

Aralyn Beaumont joinedBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing as the copy editor for branded content after a career in food media. Years of poring over intricate recipes with a fine-tooth comb and working with high-profile chefs has prepared her well for working with fashion's top brands while honoringBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's voice. Her background as a research editor makes her a finicky editor who will probably care too much about making sure all copy is as factually accurate and aligned with the house style guide as can be. Maybe it's because she's a Gemini, but her personal style is impossible to pin down: One day you'll see her in a turtleneck sweater tucked into a midi skirt with heeled boots, and the next, she'll be wearing mom jeans, a white Hanes tee, and classic Vans. At the end of the day, her style reflects her various moods. Sometimes it will be feminine and elegant, and others it will be grungy or androgynous. Certain things will always remain constant, though. She'll forever be on the hunt for the perfect pair of high-waisted jeans.