For season after season, trainers have been the coolest shoe to pair with almost any outfit. But if, like me, you feel that a look finished off with trainers is sadly lacking in oomph, there’s finally a reason to be cheerful.
While a pair of white Stan Smiths or Vejas may have been your summer uniform, for autumn flat shoes are taking centre stage — and far from being focused on utility, they are both fancy and delightfully feminine.
Even Emily Cooper, the lead character of Emily In Paris, wore her first ever pair of flats in the latest episodes, after four series of devotion to high heels.
Think bold colours, delicate straps or sparkling embellishments, and they can be just as comfortable as trainers.
The ballerina flat is still firmly on the agenda this autumn, after making a storming comeback last year.
LEFT: Shoes, £130, boden.co.uk; socks, £1.99, sockshop.co.uk; dress, £139, whistles.com; bag, £345, luluguinness.com RIGHT: Shoes, £55, marksandspencer.com; trousers, £110, boden.co.uk; bag, £425, shop.kaai.eu; cuff, £525, lucyqdesigns.co.uk
Find a brand that prioritises comfort and support, like this version from Sole Bliss with a triple-layer padded cushion on the inner sole.
Don’t compromise on quality either – Ferragamo’s iconic ballet flats are all handmade in Italy and so is this monochrome version by Colibri, while at £95.20, it’s a fraction of the cost. Pointed ballerinas are eternally elegant, lengthening the foot and flattering the ankles.
You may assume that Mary-Janes are girly, but there are so many different styles, you can surely find one to suit your taste.
For those after a high-fashion look, try an Alaia-inspired mesh design, which is also more breathable, or if you want something a bit more blocky, opt for studded straps and big buckles.
Even Victoria Beckham has ditched her heels for flats, after finding herself on crutches for her catwalk show in the spring.
Loafers abound in her collection, and a chunky sole is a must-have. For a preppy finish, add a colourful ankle sock.
When a smarter look is required, opt for slingbacks. If the colour palette of your footwear tends to be black or brown, try something bolder, like this red patent style from M&S, £35 – even without heels to click, Dorothy would approve.
Not all flat shoes are created equal. Avoid the fisherman’s sandal and beware jelly shoes – they’re retro and not in a good way.
LEFT: Shoes, £240, loefflerrandall.com; skirt, £139, whistles.com; bag, £260, bobbies.com RIGHT: Shoes, £175, flabelus.com; jeans, £275, Mother at trilogy.stores.co.uk; sunglasses, £135, jimmyfairly.co.uk
LEFT: Shoes, £295, russellandbromley.co.uk; bag, £215, luluguinness.com; skirt, £179, hobbs.com; bracelet, £115, beaverbrooks.co.uk RIGHT: Shoes, £35, marksandspencer.com; skirt, £250, cefinn.com; top, £59, albaray.co.uk
LEFT: Shoes, now £95.20, colibri.boutique; dress, £335, Mille at trilogystores.co.uk; bracelet, £21, bettyandbiddy.com RIGHT: Shoes, £149, solebliss.com; skirt, £220, cefinn.com
LEFT: Shoes, £195, fairfaxandfavour.com; dress, £189, hobbs. com; ring, now £120, Latelita at wolfandbadger.com RIGHT: Shoes, £39.50, marksandspencer.com; bag, £375, ganni.com; dress, £170, hillhousehome.com; bracelet, £115, vbylauravann.com
Think bold colours, delicate straps or sparkling embellishments, and flats can be just as comfortable as trainers
Whether you opt for a smart loafer or an elegant Mary-Jane, remember that footwear is for having fun in this season
And while it’s being hailed as the next big thing, I’m yet to be convinced that an ugly ‘dad’ shoe is covetable even if It-designer The Row says so.
For ultimate comfort, look no further than laidback mules; the Birkenstock Boston continues to be an A-list favourite. It’s part slipper, part clog, but it doesn’t have a chunky wedge so it’s easy to walk in.
Whether you opt for a smart loafer or an elegant Mary-Jane, remember that footwear is for having fun in this season.