Ask Belle: Who needs flats for work? I do, I do!

Hi Belle,

Love your blog!  I know it’s been discussed here before, but would you mind doing an updated post on stylish flats for work?  High heels have taken their toll on my knees, but I want to keep a stylish work look!

Thanks! Kelly

Circa 2010, I said to hell with high heels for work.  Running the halls of the Capitol was just taking too much of a toll on my poor feet.  So I am dedicated to the proposition that fabulous flats exist.

The top three pairs are a bit more avant-garde.  The bottom three, more basic.  If you work in a conservative office, save the top pairs for casual days.  If you don’t swap them in to give basics a boost.  Follow me around the board clockwise.

Silver foil is my current shoe obsession.  These Allie Lace-Ups from BR ($138) are super cool (also in black and tan).  If you want them in a more basic style, these Me Too Aimee’s are a great buy for under-$100.  And if you need a round-toe, these Fabio flats with a scallop edge are pretty.

I love cheetah print.  Love it.  Can’t get enough of it.  These Loeffler Randall Lou flats ($275) are the dream.  For something a bit cheaper, these Trotters flats are a great pick.

Prefer traditional leopard?  These Bettye Mueller flats are super sleek.

You know I can’t resist a bit of embossed reptile texture in my wardrobe.  Snakeskin and lizard are two of my favorites.  These Halogen Ava flats ($89) are very cool.  I think they would be fab with a-line dresses come spring.  I also like these round-toe Steve Madden flats.

If you’re not feeling the reptile prints, may I suggest tortoise-shell?  These Factory Amelia shoes and these Ann Taylor Tortoiseshell shoes are worth a look.

The BP. Moreover flat is my favorite shoe for under-$50.  It comes in four basic shades of leather, two colored suedes, and two animal prints.  I chose the blush color for the set because I think they’re the perfect thing for dresses in the spring and summer.  And.I.am.ready to start thinking about warmer weather.

Red is the best hue if you want to move into color.  I like this little extra detail on these Calvin Klein Gailia flat ($89).  If you’re not feeling a shade so bright, try these Marc Fisher Sunny flats in burgundy.  It provides contrast in a more subtle way.  And the Gailia flats also come in a deep, dark teal.

Lastly, if you’re searching for a staple black pair, these Nine West Zerenity flats ($39) have a unique shape.  If you like the look of a traditional loafer, this pair from Dr. Scholl’s (yeah, that one) provide style and comfort.  I’m also loving these delicate suede d’Orsay flats from Urban Outfitters for just $39.