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:
A trench coat will make every outfit ten times chicer.
The perfect pop of colour.
I bought these last month and have already gotten so much wear out of them.
Truly the only loafer you need.
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:
This has an oversized fit, so it might be worth sizing down.
COS's trousers are second to none this season.
There's no beating blanket scarves during a cold snap.
I adore the soft square toe.
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:
This is a great year-round piece—layer it under knitted vests in the winter, throw it on over a bikini top in the summer.
These are the most premium-looking elasticated-waist trousers I've seen.
Keep your toes cosy in these snug slide-ons.
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:
If you have zero tolerance for itchy knitwear, stick to soft cashmere jumpers like this one.
A versatile basic you can easily dress up or down.
This is a collaboration I can get behind.
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:
These painterly florals feel so romantic.
I've heard really good things about these jeans.
Dream shoes.
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:
Beyonretro has so many cool vintage trench coats to choose from.
Reformation's Mason pants are our ultimate favourites.
So cute with a little colourful sock!
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:
If you haven't yet delved into Zara's outerwear offering, what are you waiting for?
I predict this of-the-moment skirt will sell out fast...
Falke's tights are some of the best money can buy.
The chunkier the better IMHO.
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:
Made from a luxurious wool-blend this will keep you warmer than most blazers. Yes, it's an investment, but this wardrobe staple is a classic you'll love forever.
Wear with flats, trainers or heeled boots.
I'm investing in a Derby shoe in 2024.
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:
Reformation's cashmere has such a glowing reputation.
The perfect loose fit.
These classics are so perfect.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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