Meghan Markle, Charlize Theron, and Priyanka Chopra keep showing that flats are inherently chic and timeless. These fashion goddesses inspire us to rethink the sartorial possibilities of different types of flat shoes by wearing them in exciting ways everywhere, from the red carpet to the beach.
Nude Flats
Nude flats are sandals with no arch support. They have been around since the 1920s and have gained popularity during the 1960s hippie movement. These shoes are typically made of leather or suede and have a strap around the ankle with an ornate buckle at each end that can be decorative or functional, depending on your preference. Nude pointed flats were designed to be worn with jeans or trousers. However, due to their popularity during the hot summer days, ladies love wearing them with floral dresses and jean shorts.
They are usually costly because of the materials used, but they are the type of shoes that will last a lifetime. The unique design of nude pointed flats makes them a status symbol to many women who want to show off their fashionable side.
Slide Sandals
Once reserved for the pool, slides have earned their place as the summer’s overarching sandal. They make an ultimate off-duty weekend outfit paired with culottes, a knotted tee, and a belt bag. And, if you thought slides were only for summer, think again: the new fashion rules allow patterned socks and sandals to be worn in the fall as well.
D’Orsay Flats
You don’t always need formal heels to look elegant and chic at your workplace, as long as you have a pair of D’Orsay flats in your wardrobe! Being popular for its unusual height to width proportion, the D’Orsay is a simple and understated flat with a pointed toe. The majority of these impeccable flats are made of leather, although there are D’Orsays made of suede and rubber, and suede shoes look better in combination than leather and suede.
Their pointed toe gives the wearer more height, but it also means the shoe will wear down faster. The upper part of the sandal, or the sole, is turned outwards to make it appear wide and flat like ordinary sandals because there is no nail or fastener to hold them on.
Moccasins
Made of animal hide, the moccasins were primarily designed for people with sensitive skin. Although nowadays moccasins come in a variety of styles due to their rising popularity, they all have a sole that wraps around the foot and an upper that extends to cover and protect it. A moccasin’s sole usually has a series of small holes in it that allow the wearer’s feet to breathe. Leather, suede or woven cloths are some of the materials used for their upper part.
People who live in warm climates prefer wearing this sophisticated flat model because they dry faster than other shoes. Moreover, moccasins are the top flat shoe choice for those who want to keep their feet warm while also being water-resistant. When it comes to comfort most moccasins’ leather is soft and flexible, allowing for easy movement.
Ballerina Flats
Named after the dance class, ballerina flats are extremely versatile and suitable for almost any occasion. Ballerinas have a thin strap on both sides that allows the dancer’s foot to quickly enter the shoe. They are typically made of leather or suede, but they can also be made of cotton, denim, or canvas. However, the most comfortable ballerina flats are the leather or suede ones. Moreover, a pair of suede ballerinas is easy to clean and maintain and will last forever!
The classic ballerina style has no heel and is available in brown, black, beige, or cream with leather soles. However, some ballerina flats come with different heel heights.
Flats Mules
Flat Mules got their name after the low top with a chunky toe cap and a high vamp they feature, similar to a mule’s clog. Unlike traditional mules, which have an open back with slits for air ventilation, flat mules mould around your foot and hug it for less movement. These extravagant flats have revolutionised women’s clothing in recent years, transforming what was once considered too casual into form-fitting pumps. As a result, the shoe has become a staple of women’s casual footwear.
Because of their versatility, flat mules can be dressed up or down depending on one’s preferences. For example, you can wear them to work or an interview with your favourite skirt or dress pants, but you can also throw them on with your skinny jeans and t-shirt to grab some coffee at the corner shop.
Moreover, flat mules come in a wide range of styles, colours and fabrics, so there is something for everyone!
Espadrilles
Once preferred by artistic geniuses such as Picasso and Dali, espadrilles are types of flats that make a breezier alternative to sneakers in the spring and summer months. Transport yourself to the mosaic walkways of Alicante by pairing them with a fit-and-flare frock and Panama hat. Or, to add a romantic touch to your favourite jeans, mix the espadrilles with an off-the-shoulder blouse.
Slip Ons
These types of flats are similar to regular sneakers, but they don’t have laces. This means you can slip on and get out of them easily. In comparison to traditional runners or sneakers, slip-ons provide immediate comfort and control. They’re stretchy enough to hug your foot snugly, so they won’t fall off when you’re sprinting or jumping. Unlike laces, which take more skill to tie, slip-ons only require a few quick tugs with enough room in the backstrap to get them ready to wear.
However, one of slip ons’ greatest disadvantage is their extent of use. They are prone to easy wear and tear because they don’t have laces to withstand more substantial pressure, which means that you’ll have to replace them more frequently than regular sneakers.
