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

Jan 26, 2016

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.

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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.

Ask The Edit, Work Wednesdays

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  1. Jeasica says:

    Anyone had any luck with Tieks? Wanting to buy a pair but unsure.

  2. Can I recommend M. Gemi’s Tutas in suede? They are INCREDIBLE.

    I wore them all day at work, they looked chic and were comfortable with only a slight little perhaps starting blister on one foot which can be rectified with a little moisturizer

    I reviewed them here: https://www.savespendsplurge.com/review-of-m-gemi-bolla-ballerina-flats-in-gunmetal-and-tuta-suede-flats-in-latte/

    • ashley says:

      Was just about to rec M Gemi too.. disclaimer: havent tried them yet and was hoping for a code but might just pull the trigger soon.. Cole Haan used to be quite good as well but nowadays finding the options boring (though comfortable and well-priced so I typically check them out every once in a blue moon)

  3. Cait says:

    Thanks so much for including shoes that go all the way up to size 11 (and beyond)! Those Halogen flats look like exactly what I need!

  4. Kate says:

    I’m putting in a shout out for PAYLESS. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a Kate Spade girl and I, too, love a quality shoe, but Payless has incredibly comfortable flats that will last you 1-2 years and are super stylish. I’m wearing a sweet pair of deep teal TB knock offs right now – caught on clearance for $15.

    • MidWestChic says:

      Are you referring to the dexflex comfort flats? Because I swear by those when I’m spending days on end in the capitol (marble floors + heels… no thanks).

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