A brown checked jacket and dark jeans with leopard ballet flats.
This year I was due for some new flats. There are SO many great ones out there that I was kinda freaking out wondering how I was going to decide what I needed and what I wanted. I narrowed it down to 7 pairs thinking I’d only keep a few of them. The problem is…I love them all so much that I had to keep every pair! They all serve a purpose and they’re all things that I’ll have forever.
Flats are my go-to daytime shoes. Give me a cropped jean, cords or a stretchy pair of black pants (these are a 10!), and I’m happy in my flats. You guys know I like a casual outfit, but putting on a great pair of shoes just brings things to another level.
I’m partial to a neutral shoe for an outfit that has a lot going on. On the other hand, I love a pair of colorful shoes paired with a SUPER neutral outfit to add that pop of color. My 7 are a mix of neutrals, color and of course, animal prints (which are always considered a neutral in my book).
There's just something about a great flat for every day that is so chic. Whether it's a ballet flat or a loafer or a slide you really can't go wrong. Just think of Audrey Hepburn—that simple, feminine, chic look in her classic ballet flats.
Check out all of my faves below.
Six of my seven picks, including the Loeffler Randall leopard slingbacks. The J.McLaughlin Viola ballet flats are shown separately below.
My sizing notes:
My usual size is 7½, and that’s what worked for me in these pairs—with one exception. The J.McLaughlin Viola leopard ballet flat ran a little big on me, so I’m wearing a 7.
1. The flat that brings its own jewelry - Veronica Beard Selene Charms
The Selene’s pointed toe in chestnut suede and a charm-covered strap give a simple pair of jeans a major pop! Because the stones are all different colors you can really wear these with just about anything in your closet.
Try them with straight-leg denim and an ivory sweater. Keep the hem short enough to show the strap; covering up the detail defeats the purpose! A brown bag can tie the colors together for sure, but you could also wear a bag in the color of the stones! Count on me to be wearing some sort of turquoise piece of jewelry (I wear this ALLLLL the time) to match that one stone because to me, that's a perfect color combination - blues and browns!
2. The two-tone ballet flat - M.Gemi The Rosa
Full disclosure, I did buy the real Chanel ballet flats last week. In all honesty this one was a MUCH better fit on me than the real one! I don't mind wearing something that's a bit of a knockoff because for me it's more about comfort than the brand. There’s a reason to keep a simple two-tone shoe in the mix: it gives you a starting point for the rest of the outfit. Here, the beige (and black patent cap toe) works with both a monochromatic look as well as an outfit in desperate need of a neutral shoe. You can honestly wear these with anything- blues, browns, blacks, neutrals or pink - you name it!
Try black ankle length pants and a beige knit for lunch or work, or take the same shoe in a more casual direction with jeans and a striped shirt. The bow adds a little detail for that super feminine feel.
3. The snake-print mule - Steve Madden SHERMAN
If animal print feels like a lot, think again. Animal prints are actually a neutral in the fashion world. Because these are so light in color, they can go with a really bright outfit or an outfit that is very soft in color. I also think there's something about a slide that is super flattering and I didn’t get any blisters! Haha It’s a vegan-leather style that's actually quite comfy! I promise you, I walked around an airport in these and did not have one issue. They were THAT comfortable. I was able to keep up with Bing and his airport “fast walk” mode. 🙂
This almond-toe mule works with black pants and a simple sweater, or cropped denim and a white shirt (this one has been a HUGE seller). These would also be great with a shorter skirt as the color will elongate your legs - yahoo!
4. The navy suede loafer - J.McLaughlin Mila · Navy
These are so beautiful that I'm almost afraid to wear them out of the house! Haha. I am going to spray them with some suede protector because I want to have these for a lifetime. The hardware is not trying to mimic any other brand - it's really unique and so is the shape of the loafer.
Try these with ecru jeans and a neutral sweater (here too)or dark denim with a navy top giving monochromatic vibes. You can always get your pop of color with an awesome bag or jacket.
The pink trim and bow give the leopard flat its detail.
5. The leopard ballet flat - J.McLaughlin Viola
This was the one pair that ran a little big on me. I usually wear a 7½, but I went down to a 7 in the Viola.
The square-ish toe, pink trim and little bow give the leopard print a really feminine yet cool-girl vibe. Keep the outfit pretty straightforward: black trousers, a camel sweater and a simple bag. Or try dark jeans with an ivory shirt and pink sweater around your shoulders. You don’t need another animal print when you are wearing these, so consider just wearing something very neutral and let the shoes do all the work with their adorable pop of color.
6. The slingback “sandal” - Loeffler Randall Devon
I bought these last year but I didn't keep them because I bought the wrong size. When I went to exchange them, they were sold out! Ugh, I was SO mad. But, the good news is that they bring these back every season, so I was able to get the leopard in my size 🙂 Even though these are labeled as a “sandal”, I’ll be wearing them all year - except in the snow.
FYI, I have very narrow heels, and these stay on my foot perfectly. I always recommend to clients that they order two sizes to make sure they get the right fit. I needed to take my own advice last year 🙂
I’m styling these with slim black ankle pants or a pair of cropped jeans. Tonight, I’m wearing them with cropped wide leg SLVRLAKE jeans and a black boatneck sweater. Wearing these added a little pop to an otherwise boring outfit.
7. The gathered loafer
Zara Gathered Loafers · Black
I kid you not when I tell you these are the most comfortable flexible loafers I've ever put on…..and I've owned a lot of loafers! They were so great that even my 23-year-old daughters each wanted a pair to walk around New York City. They also came in brown and a mule/slide style so I'm considering getting those too! They really feel like slippers and the price is VERY right.
Try them under straight-leg jeans with an oversized sweater, or with a monochromatic look a la Grace Kelly.
Outfit inspiration
So, if you are considering a new (or a few new) pair of flats for this fall, give these a try. With so many options out there, it’s easy to give up on the search and wear an old pair of shoes. I get it. I did the heavy lifting here, so you have some pretty great options. 🙂
If I could only have two of these, I think I’d choose the black or navy loafer (whichever color you would wear more) and the leopard ballet flats. That way, you’re covered with a neutral AND with a pop of color.
Happy shopping!
Disclosure: The J.McLaughlin Mila loafers and Viola ballet flats are part of paid collaborations with J.McLaughlin. Steve Madden gifted the SHERMAN mules; I bought the other featured pairs myself. This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.