I'm a Stylist—9 Incredibly Chic Flat-Shoe Outfits I Plan on Copying This January

Now, don’t get me wrong. There’s a time and a place for sky-high heels. Birthday parties, nights out with friends and those rare occasions you can go from door to Uber to door. But in my opinion, running around day to day is not one of them. Whether I’m commuting into the office or heading out for brunch at the weekend, I’m a comfort-first girl always. What can I say? Comfort means confidence in my eyes! But, my aversion to heels doesn’t mean my outfits have to feel any less elevated (no pun intended).
There are some classic flat shoe combinations that reliably look chic, and to prove it, I’ve put together an edit of looks below from some of the most stylish women I know. Think of this as a handy reference point. A bit like that digitised wardrobe in Clueless. Bookmark it, or screenshot to your heart’s content. And then every time you need comfortable yet polished outfit inspiration in the mornings, you can check back. Perfect for January when none of us have any clue what to wear, right?
Keep scrolling, and you’ll find nine incredibly chic outfits to wear with flat shoes. Most consist of classic wardrobe pieces you probably already own, but I’ve also added links to shop them just in case you see anything your capsule might benefit from. From easy-to-re-create wide-leg trouser outfits to jeans-and-ballet-flat combos that actually work, your feet will thank you for these. Scroll on to discover the flat shoe outfits I'm living in in 2024.
1. Camel Coat + Wide Jeans + Loafers
Style Notes: This look has all the classic components of a fail-safe winter outfit. Longline coat? Check. Knitted turtleneck? Check. Killer shoes? Check.
Shop the look:
2. Quilted Jacket + Colourful Scarf + Black Flats
Style Notes: It's freezing out, which means it's time for Acne's sell-out supersized scarf to shine. Pair yours with a quilted coat for maximum cosiness.
Shop the look:
3. Striped Shirt + Pleated Trousers + Birkenstocks
Style Notes: Birkenstock's shearling-lined slides have been heavily relied-upon so far this winter. I love how they look with plisse trousers and a relaxed shirt.
Shop the look:
4. Fluffy Knit + Maxi Skirt + Sneakers
Style Notes: If you're someone who always feels dressed up in anything that isn't jeans, wear your maxi skirt with trainers and a slouchy knit for a laid-back feel.
Shop the look:
5. Neutral Jumper + Straight Jeans + Mary Janes
Style Notes: Jeans and a jumper is probably the easiest combination at this time of year, and it just so happens to look great with flat shoes, too.
Shop the look:
6. Vintage Trench Coat + Puddle Pants + Square-Toe Flats
Style Notes: This is exactly the kind of outfit I could wear day in, day out: fuss-free, comfortable and totally chic. Thanks for the inspiration, Marina.
Shop the look:
7. Shearling Jacket + Mini Skirt + Chunky Loafers
Style Notes: You can always count on a Parisian to make loafers look their best. Mini skirts and shearling coats are both super relevant right now, so I'll be recreating this ensemble ASAP.
Shop the look:
8. Blazer + Midi Dress + Derby Shoes
Style Notes: For an elevated everyday look, try styling a relaxed midi dress with black derby shoes and a fitted blazer. So chic, without compromising on comfort.
Shop the look:
9. Knitted Cardi+ Loose Jeans + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: I can't get enough of knitted co-ords (Reformation makes some great sets!) and adore how them with classic blue jeans and ballet flats.
Shop the look:
The perfect loose fit.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Next Up: 13 Elegant Pieces That Will Make Your Wardrobe a More Luxurious Place

Emily Dawes is an editor, stylist and writer with over 12 years in the industry. Known for impeccable taste, our readers trust her advice, especially in her column, expensive-looking high street buys. Working forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2020, Emily has been a contributing editor, branded content editor and affiliate editor. Now, as senior shopping editor, she leads the e-commerce content strategy. After obtaining a BA in English and American Studies from Nottingham University, Emily landed at The Mail on Sunday’s YOU. As the magazine’s fashion editor, she travelled the globe to style and direct fashion editorials and celebrity cover shoots. As a freelancer, she has styled Grazia cover shoots, developed brand marketing and content plans and worked with VIP clients including Elizabeth Day.
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