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Chic Yet Comfy Flat Shoes You’ll Live In All Year!

From workdays to weekends, find the perfect flat shoes that blend comfort and style. Chic, versatile, and made to walk you through every

Anoushka Chakraborty

The right shoes can transform even the most uninspired dress into a Carrie Bradshaw moment. However, there are instances when flat shoes are the better option. Many trendy flats will inspire you to get out of bed on cold mornings. Flat shoes for women need not be boring! It is time to welcome the chilly weather with more sensible footwear after a summer of barefoot sandals and barely-there flip-flops. Need some inspiration for stylish flats for women? You’ve stepped into the right place! 

The original ballet 

The origins of the ballet flat can be deduced from its name alone: it was originally designed for ballet. Dancers have worn them on stage since the 16th century. Notable dancer Roland Petit's mother, Rose Repetto, famously had a pair of ballet flats made for him before introducing them to the public. Even though ballerina flats have a long and illustrious history, they are definitely trending right now. Designer Pieter Mulier of laïa is primarily credited with the current comeback of ballerina flats, thanks to the huge success of his studded Mary Jane shoes. Since then, almost every label has reinvented the silhouette, from luxury to fast fashion.

To be honest, we can't get enough of them. Ballet flats have been there for a purpose. These shoes are perfect for those warmer months; they are simple, chic, and easy to wear. Ballet flats provide the ideal compromise between open toes and heels when the former isn't an option. They have the perfect amount of polish and style without being overly stuffy. Plus, they go with everything from slouchy drawstring trousers to sequin skirts, two of our favourite summertime pieces. These are arguably the most comfortable flats out there that are a breeze to style! 

The barely there flats

Wearing them with anything from sloppy jeans to tailoring and flowy skirts, the mesh flat has become more of a timeless shoe than a fleeting fad. While traditional ballerina gowns have been a mainstay of the runways for a while now, these semi-sheer designs are airy and delicate, perfect for warmer weather. Like the current fad of wearing scantily clad dresses, the amount of skin you reveal is entirely up to you.

Basically, anything boho-related, including white maxi dresses, midi skirts, and maxi skirts, has been a major trend this season. Wearing these outfits alone could make you feel like you're "running through a field with dandelions," so to enhance your look, consider adding a pair of black mesh flats or biker boots. As the fall season draws near, a worn-out old leather jacket will complete this look perfectly! Flat shoes for women have never been more chic! 

This other shoe trend is trying to make a comeback! Read on to know more! 

Derbies make a comeback

The resurgence of derbies, particularly the lean and supple variety, is imminent! While Jacquemus and Repetto spearheaded the lace-up trend for spring/summer 2024, Lemaire also embraced this trend simultaneously. Their most recent appearance was at Celine, where Michael Rider's French spin on American prep is causing quite a stir. Derby shoes are more functional than ballerina flats, which can be as flimsy as paper, and they offer more style than loafers while still being designed for walking. The versatile Derby shoe is poised for a triumphant comeback, whether you want to embody the dark summer vibes of Gainsbourg or channel the comedic side of Audrey Hepburn. 

With a more businesslike feel than ballet flats and a more laid-back vibe than clompy school shoes, the academic Derby is the sneaker that is ushering in a new age of preppy polish. 

Want to know about some other shoe trends making a comeback? Read on to know more!

The nautical brogue look

Classic boat shoes, which were traditionally worn by older men, have quietly become the preferred off-duty flats for fashion insiders. An elegant and functional footwear option for navigating trampled fall foliage combines weather-resistant, thick soles with worn-in leather uppers. These flats, which feature a more informal style than traditional lace-up brogues, are ideal for anyone wanting to add a touch of preppy flair to their shoe collection.

Loafers are truly the it-shoes of the season! Here are the trends you need to know about! 

Style it up with sneakers

Season after season, a new crop of must-have items makes its appearance. Sportswear giants will certainly release a deluge of sneaker styles in the next months, but fashionistas will go gaga over these four pairs: buckled Miu Miu, distressed Prada, ribboned Simone Rocha, and retro suede Dries Van Noten. When you're looking for a spotless alternative, Toteme's white sneakers are a wonderful choice.

Photo: Shutterstock/Instagram