Once upon a time it was almost inconceivable to imagine styling a dress—mini, midi or maxi with anything but a heel. Whether heading into the office, out for lunch on the weekend, or attending a special event, the poor balls of our feet never got a break. Luckily for both our wardrobe and our ankles, times have changed and trends have evolved.
These days we’re styling almost any dress in our wardrobe with a flat of some sort, whether that be a sleek trainer, a pointed-toe ballet flat, or a sharp loafer. All of these covetable styles will evoke a different mode in a dress, depending on which you choose.
In the after-math of months of lockdown, flat shoes continue to appeal, and swaths of new, chic and comfortable designs continue to appear. If you’re still getting used to leaving your heels at home, read on top discover four easy-to-copy dress and flat-shoe outfits that you can shop now.
Style Notes: Unlike chunky trainers, sleeker retro styles add a cool edge without dressing down a dress too much. Adding a grounding element to a flowy midi, a retro trainer’s charm is in its sporty edge that can make any pretty dress outfit feel more playful.
Cotton midis go with any shoe.
This sleek trainer ties a casual outfit together.
Layer over a thick knit when the weather calls for it.
Every wardrobe needs a reliable pair of white trainers.
Style Notes: As we head towards party-season, it’s time to start to hone our evening looks. Nothing says “it’s time to dance” than a trusty LBD, but when you’re wanting to be out all night swap your platform heels for pointed-toe ballerinas for an elegant, elevated, and supremely comfortable finish.
Go mini with Self-Portrait’s textured knit dress.
The perfect party shoe.
A LBD is a wardrobe non-negotiable.
Style with or without white socks.
Style Notes: As we move deeper into autumn, our trusty loafers have rightfully moved into centre stage of our wardrobes, working their way into all of our favourite outfits. Style the cold-weather favourite with a billowy cotton dress and plenty of layered knits as the weather continues to cool.
This billowy dress looks great layered or worn on its own.
The perfect black loafer.
Style Notes: There’s no need to bring out the heels when you’re dressing for an occasion. Strappy Mary Janes make for an elegant pairing that will see you through your evening events in style.
Asymmetrical dresses are a growing trend for this season.
Red flats add the perfect flush of colour to any outfit.
Draped dresses continue to trend as we move into winter.
