And this pair from casual sneaker pioneer SeaVees is no-fuss and versatile. When the weather is cooler, you can still get some wear out of your summer dresses by pairing them with booties rather than sandals. The key is to have a pair that's fitted at the top, so the boot doesn't break the length of your leg. The height of these style flats is right below your ankle bone. Paily Raffia Heels, $125 at Dolce Vita, What makes these slide-ons such a match for dresses is that the cork block heel is super sophisticated, while the clear straps ensure they'll work with any color or style of dress. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission. This woven pair from Target is affordable and will fit with both dressy and casual looks. Invest in quality and stick to good quality leather whenever possible. Kelly & Katie Hailee Sandal, $44.99 at DSW, The nude note applies to evening wear as well. I am flat footed. The scalloped edges and a tapered front toe add some additional style. Check. When your outfit is very basic and simple, opt for trendier shoes to give the outfit a bit more of a young and hip vibe. It's also made with the company's signature cooling system to keep your feet feeling fresh on even the hottest days. Although you often will match your shoes with one of the colors of your clothes, you can also do the opposite and add a contrasting color. Here at Parade.com, we're all about sharing products we love with our audience. If your legs are already on the shorter side, it is recommended that you wear a flat shoe style with a bit of a lift (think 1/2 inch to 1 inch heel). A pair of slides from Jil Sander. Go with a monochromatic look to elongate your frame. These timeless loafers from Aerosole feature the brand's Core Comfort Technology: rubber soles with a diamond pattern to help minimize friction and padded insoles to bolster your feet as you walk. Pair a romantic dress with cool worker boots the perfect way to add an effortless edge to your evening dresses. The also look great worn with a longer dress with a side slit. Check out these similar loafers, shirtdress, crossbody bag and earrings. (How comfortable? The Kinsley d'Orsay Flat, $138 at Madewell. The landmark season 20 of the Emmy-winning reality show will bring together contestants from other editions of the franchise. Let me know if you have any other brands to recommend. These ballet flats feature a cute floral eyelet detail and are available in 13 different shades. Brands to look out for when looking for comfortable shoes include Cole Haan, Arthur Beren, Dansko, Born, Ecco and Attilio Giusti Leombruni. Suzie (above) shows that flats can look just as good as heels for an evening out. Journee Telulah Mule, $49.99 at DSW, A best-seller, this pair of mules has a chunky heel and squared toe that makes them a fit for laid-back looks, while the leather is nice enough for formal frocks. Our most popular products based on sales. Many women go up a size in shoe as they age, so dont assume that you will keep the same size throughout life. Schutz Victorie Slide Sandal, $118 at Nordstrom, This sunny yellow platform would work well with a sundress, but because of the suede fabric, it can easily pair with a fall outfit, too. Just ask this five-star reviewer who wore them to an eight-hour-long wedding.) Get her look with this similar pair of boots, turtleneck top, moto jacket and skirt. You will start receiving our newsletter directly to your email. Theyre also perfect for slightly shorter hemlines, and will be most suited to the preppy style personality. These style shoes come in right on the ankle bone or slightly higher than the ankle bone. Now that you're set with shoes, check out 10 trending prairie dresses. ), and they'd look great with bare legs or tights.Vince Camuto Ableen Pump, $79.99 at DSW, If you need a black pump to go with more formal workwear, this pair delivers while staying a little playful and sexy thanks to the tapered heel. Lets take a look at some of the trickiest and how you can wear them without looking frumpy at all. These chic flats have padded footbeds and are adorned with a trendy buckle. Ankle straps will shorten your legs, so be careful with this look if your legs are already short. Whether you're going on interviews or returning to the office, it's probably time to revamp your work wardrobe. Mix No. Coach Natalee Jelly, $95 at Zappos. Except the very pointy toed ones. Becky (above) wears her sneakers with her maxi dress. Universal Thread Elora Mules, $24.99 at Target, A basic pair of black flat mules is made dress-ready with a playful bow. Sunah Bhasin is a Production Coordinator for Shop TODAY. Hundreds of designer bags are on sale but not for long! Wearing an ankle strap pair of shoes with a skirt can also be tricky because you visually create a line across your ankle, which can make your legs look shorter. When looking at how to wear flat shoes, flat booties can be one of the hardest working pairs of shoes in your closet. The traditional version of the sandals can be tricky with a dress, but this thin, one-strap style is much more refined and subtle. Check out this similar pair of booties, blouse, skirt, bag, scarf, hoop earrings and sunglasses. Steal her look with this similar pair of mules and dress. Fashion and style have evolved so much that you can almost anything with flats. I like flats for particular outfits, but they spread The Starling flats are such a classic design that they'll go with almost any dress in any season.The Starling, $130 at Birdies, Remember when ballet flats first hit the scene? Ooops. Korks Evah Clog, $69.99 at DSW, An open-toed clog might not actually be a thing, but these chunky cuties from Dolce Vita really can't be described as anything else. How to wear yellow and brighten up your day! Olivia Palermo and model Alek Wek show how wearing ballet flats (preferably the Jimmy Choo variety) can look incredibly chic. Tory Burchs Minnie style ballet flat is always a popular style and is usually released in different colors each season. Baja Slip-On Platform, $88 at SeaVees, Some tall boots can feel clunky with a dress, but a sleek pair of stretch boots are incredibly chic. They're also on sale for under $40 in select sizes. While we can't help you with your workload, we can get you to work stylishly and comfortably on any budget. Maryna Off White Pointed-Toe Mules, $39 at Lulus, Not only is this square-toed, slip-on mule comfy (the fabric is stretchy and the heel is chunky), but it's fun, flirty and undoubtedly chic. You could wear over your skinny jeans, keeping the rest of your outfit very classy (as below), or try with a maxi dress which features a side split to show off your boots. Now that you are considering the shaft height of the flats you choose and what may be most flattering for you, below are some of the classic flat styles you may want to think about adding to your closet. Home Style What shoes to wear How to wear flat shoes and not look frumpy. Barbiecore is everywhere right now: 4 ways to wear the trend, How to wear black in the summer, according to Meghan Markle, Linen outfits for when its too hot for anything else, Luxe for less: 10 chic dupes for the Herms Oran sandals, Office outfit inspo: What to wear to work in the summer. Updated hourly. Im particularly looking for brands that stock shoes that are both comfortable AND modern. Like the loafer, the oxford is another menswear-inspired style. The two-inch cork wedge is both stylish and practical for walking around. Truth is, both perspectives are kind of right. Lets quickly dispel the rumor that you need to be a celebrity, off duty model, or fashion blogger to be able to pull off oxfords. Check out this similar pair of slides and pair with this denim romper from Dickies. The Glove Boot, $130 at Everlane, The faux crocodile of these booties takes them from basic to elegant, perfect for a dress. Recreate her outfit with this similar pair of sandals, blouse and utility pants. Wear with your jeans and t-shirt for casual days, or dress down your dresses with a pair of sneakers. These leather slides from Cole Haan can do double duty for the office or out to drinks. Berlin-based blogger Lois Opoku reminds us that everything looks cool with sneakers, even an oversized leather blazer paired with an embellished mini skirt. This allows the shoe to serve as an extension of what youre wearing and makes the path up your calf less severe. Renata (above) opts for ankle-tie espadrilles, matching them to the white florals of her dress. This pair also feels dressy thanks to the pointed toe and minimal seams. Emery Heels, $140 at Dolce Vita. Loafers can be the trickiest style to wear as they can run the risk of looking frumpy, particularly when styled with dresses or skirts. We also recommend going with suede material, which is still bold enough without adding an overtly risque look of leather. all are part of the ankle height flat shoe family. They'd be especially cute with a boho outfit. Make sure though that the tone of color has the same kind of saturation as the other colors in your outfit. (As usual its all about balance). Beneath the ankle styles are your more typical flats (From round toe to peeptoe, as well as sandals). This look adds a bit more volume to your frame, which is not the best look for a balanced and fuller bodied frame. This pair in particular is made with air-cooled memory foam, which, according to the brand, enhances breathability and comfort. Melinda (above) opts for an all-neutrals outfit, pairing her tan booties with leopard print. Try again! Heels get a lot of love for their figure lengthening benefits and the multitude of styles and colors that they come in. Designed in collaboration with Kate Spade, these also have cutesy satin laces. Be mindful when ordering online, though reviews recommend sizing up because of the slim pointed toe. Your best bet? Nude, black, white, etc. Wedge, $115 at Soludos, Just like your favorite pair of jeans can pair with almost anything, so can these denim-hued wedges from comfortable-shoe brand Aerosoles. Ankle straps are universally confusing. Recreate her outfit with this similar pair of flats, tee, cardigan, jeans, bag, necklace, belt and sunglasses. A good thing to look out for is padding. The menswear-inspired look can be worn by most any woman, as long as it is styled with body shape, fit, and tone in mind. Beth (above) wears metallic oxfords with her skinny jeans. From measuring cubes to drink dispensers, 35 clever kitchen gadgets for easy meals. It's rare to find a boot in a color and style that can work with summery dresses, but this pair from Everlane nails it. If you struggle to find a shoe that fits the width of your foot, we suggest these slip-on flats from Amazon Essentials, which come in a wide range of regular and wide sizes. The cushion goes the distance during the work day. However, when not paired well with the right outfit (and taking body shape into consideration), you mayrun the risk of looking frumpy rather than stylish. The most popular variation of this style are ankle boots, sling back flats, and ankle strap flats. Some very cute shoes here! As you age, you loose quite a bit of the natural padding in your feet, so you may need to compensate for that with your shoes. Wearing a shorter hemline will definitely elongate the leg. The pointed toe and elastic strap dress these lovely shoes right up. I see at least 5 pair of shoes here Id love to have. I wouldsteer clear of patent leatherandhigh heel styles. Much like nude pumps, when you select a great tone matching pair with the right toe shape (like pointed toe flats), you can elongate your figure when pairing the flat with a knee-length dress, shorts, etc. Check. Over the knee boots can be a challenge but there are ways to wear them in a stylish, classy way. SOREL sandal Lucky Brand espadrille sandal Steve Madden sandal. Naturalizer Teresa Platform Pump, $110 at Nordstrom, Pumps tend to lend themselves best to winter outfits, but this light, flirty pair in a bone-white will complement a summer dress beautifully. Check out these similar shoes, shirt, jacket and jogger pants. Yes! Marc Fisher Glorify Boot, $99.99 at DSW, A square-toed bootie feels stylish and formal at the same time, but the subtle metallic details on this Franco Sarto pair add a little extra glam that'll take a dress to the next level. A pointed toe is also best for this, as that style automatically elongates the foot and frame. The people have spoken! Charlotte (above) opts for a casual pair of sandals and utility pants, worn with a feminine blouse. bicicleta rechargeable aerobox cob Very useful article and that last black and white example clearly shows how to wear a dress with flats and be modern. (We're obsessed with the red, yellow and white options for spring!) It really depends on the shoes. Easy to slip on and effortlessly stylish, they go with everything from jeans and shorts to dresses. Hush Puppies Chaste Ballet Flats, $79.95 at Zappos, Saludos' espadrilles come in all styles, and the flats are absolutely perfect for dresses, especially in the spring or fall when you're not quite ready for open-toe. Universal Thread Donny Wedge Heels, $34.99 at Target, Mules are great because you can just slide 'em on. Comfortable? The pointed toe and wide heel make this pair a little different (and easier to walk in! However, wearing flats can be a just as stylish if you know how to wear flats the right way. available to match your work wardrobe. The trio of skinny straps and metallic sheen of these heels are perfect for a cocktail party or wedding. Journee Lorenna Mule, $54.99 at DSW, Sometimes gladiator sandals can detract from an outfit, but this simple pair from J.Crew will complement a mini dress in just the right way. You may like to refer to our guide on how to combine your shoes with your pants. For more curvaceous figures, these types of flats look best when paired with knee length or long skirts and dresses (we do not recommend midi) and slightly more structured bottoms, which do not add additional volume. But as we all know, it's difficult to find that perfect balance between comfort and fashion when shopping for work clothes. You may enjoy our recommendations for the best shoes with arch support. Sorrento Thong Sandals, $79.50 at J.Crew, When the temperatures are climbing, who doesn't just want to slip on a pair of comfy Birkenstocks? One reviewer said, "I almost always get blisters with new flats, but [I've] never had that issue with these." Flats, fortunately, offer the best of both worlds: style and comfort. For a universally flattering look, go with a higher hemline. The knee-high silhouette also makes them feel a bit dressier. From slides to slingbacks, 15 sandals with tons of arch support, Slocyclub Classic Pointed Toe Slip On Shoe, These $12 deodorizing inserts solved one editor's stinky shoe problems, Toms just gave its most iconic shoe a comfortable upgrade, Dont know what to wear to work? This is easiest to do with black and white, which can be matched with any bright color like red, yellow, green or blue. The side cutouts and skinny heels make these great for a night out. Check. The criss-cross straps and block heels keep these shoes feeling fresh.Journee Foster Pump, $59.99 at DSW, Any season, any dressevery wardrobe needs a pair of trusty nude pumps. Subscribe to our newsletter! Shop TODAY is editorially independent. The challenge, however, lies in how to wear them in such a way that is both classy and chic. Knee-high to over-the-knee flat shoes are all the rage these days. Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here. Grayson shirt Treasure & Bond plaid blazer 1822 Denim crop jeggings Rollie lightweight derby perforated lace-up flat shoe Ted Baker London hobo bag. Madrid Birko-Flor, $79.95 at Birkenstock, No matter what you're wearing, Birdies' seven-layer comfort technology will keep your feet happy. The sturdy heel makes these a good option for long workdays where you can't dress down. Rollie lightweight derby perforated lace-up flat shoe. You can wear as an alternative to sandals if you prefer a closed-toe shoe. Another trick to try is going with a minimalist tone shoe. My Generation Crocodile Mid-Calf Boots, $49 at Lulus, Cowboy boots can be hard to pull off if you're not going for that full Western look, but this pair is neutral enough to work with a variety of styles. Am I the only person who think those just look silly? Flat shoes that go above the ankle bone into calf territory can be a bit awkward to style. Get her sneakers from Converse and wear with this similar tee, dress, hoop earrings and sunglasses. Sure, a simple nude pump is a no-brainer with a business-casual dress, but less obvious footwear like white Keds sneakers, yellow suede platforms, jelly sandals, or stretch booties can work equally well with dresses. Vogues Market Editor Allie Michler is the epitome of looking chic without trying too hard in this always-cool combo of a white blouse, blue jeans, and black ballet flats. They're back! We think Clarks has some of the comfiest shoes on the market, and these flats don't disappoint. Items are sold byretailer, not TODAY. I also really dont believe they make your legs look noticeably longer, but whatever. According to the brand, they run on the smaller side, so be sure to order half a size up. Below is an outfit featuring a menswear-inspired shirt and blazer along with a more feminine pair of skinny jeans. Franco Sarto Pisa Bootie, $128.99 at DSW, As the name implies, these booties hug you like a glove. Not all dresses are created equal, and neither are all occasions, which means the types of shoes that compliment dresses run the gamut. Summer 2022 marks the official return of the unitard. Minimal mules have been a trend for the past two summers, and theyre definitely still on trend this year. The advent of Rothy's took this footwear trend to the next level in more recent years. Lou (above) toughens up her floral skirt with a pair of ankle-height biker boots. Despite what Sex and the City had us believe, you dont need to wear heels to look smart and stylish, and we have the proof. Jewel by Badgley Mischka Lace Rhinestone Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats, $89 at Lulus, Is there anything more classic than a pair of white Keds? The pointed-toe style feels a bit dressy, and they come in two dozen colors/patterns. Grayson shirt Cinq Sept ruched sleeve blazer FRAME skinny jeans Kenneth Cole REACTION riding boot COACH leather clutch ALLSAINTS silk scarf Tory Burch pearl drop earrings. A warning about these types of shoes: If they are flats that leave your foot pretty exposed (such as those below), understand that they can widen the look of your feet. The Point, $145 at Rothy's, A classic ballet flat never goes out of style, and they look great with strappy sundresses, business-casual pencil dresses, and even a sweater dress. tuxedo tx5 Marc Fisher Carline 3 Pump, $59.99 at DSW, When black pumps are too harsh, navy can be a subtle way to complete a dress outfit. Fear of missing out? If you're looking for that clog look but need something for warmer weather dresses, these are it. With an Amazon's Choice rating and high praise for comfiness from shoppers, this leather flat is perfect for the office. Take a look at the best shoes with arch support. Stylish? out at the arch. Keds x Kate Spade New York Champion Glitter Sneakers, $84.95 at Keds, One easy way to pull off the sneaker-with-a-dress look is to opt for a platform shoe, as it gives you a similar effect to a heel. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. The platform heel adds a bit of a retro feel.Cosmic Platform, $135 at Aerosoles, To keep black heels light enough for summer dresses, choose a design that's strappy and minimallike this very affordable pair from Target. German content creator Tina Hasse is the push we need to finally invest in a good quality pair of summer sandals. The elastic stretch bands mean no pinching and the foam footbed provides a cushion.LifeStride Gallery Pump, $79.99 at DSW, A lot of cold-weather dresses can easily do double duty in the warmer months by just changing out the shoe. Because mules dont have any ankle straps, they dont have the leg shortening properties of some other flat shoe styles. We show you how to wear flat shoes and explore the many varieties, how best to wear them, and how to go from frump to chic with a few changes. To keep them looking chic (and not frumpy), pay attention to your body shape and the type of bottoms or skirt/dress you are wearing. Do not show much skin between your hemline and the top of your boots. Karen Kane faux wrap dress Calvin Klein t-strap flat Nina metallic minaudire Tory Burch pearl drop earrings. Specifically, there are four main categories.